1. Alfieri (2017)
Very few cars are deserving of hype prior to their release. However, there aren’t many cars like the 2017 Alfieri. Based off the design of models built in the 1920s and 1930s and updated to modern standards, the Alfieri demonstrates Maserati’s dedication to continual improvement. The 2+2 coupe features an elegant exterior, and the interior opulence Maserati enthusiasts have come to expect. Under the hood, the Alfieri has the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 found in the Ghibli and Quattroporte, although it pushes a whopping 450 horsepower. If that’s not enough performance, the Alfieri will also have a 520 horsepower engine option.
2. 3500 GT (1957-1964)
While the 3500 GT isn’t widely known, as there were only 2,200 made, it was an important stepping stone for the Italian automaker. Prior to 1957, Maserati almost exclusively built cars for racing, but the introduction of the 3500 GT was the company’s first attempt at producing a consumer vehicle. Today, it is one of the most coveted and expensive cars from the era, with the 1959 model fetching prices as high as seven figures. Even the famous car collector Jay Leno reportedly has one of these gems in his collection.
3. Tipo 61 Birdcage (1959-1961)
The first race car on this list is also one of the finest examples of aerodynamic and lightweight engineering by Maserati. Although it only lasted three years on the production line, racing enthusiasts remember it as one of the most feared cars on the racing circuit. With a body weight of just over 1,300 pounds, pieced together with over 200 components, and a 250-horsepower, 2.9-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Tipo 61 achieved a top speed of 186 miles per hour. This model also won the famed Nurburgring 1000 on two separate occasions. A collector purchased one of these winners for over $2 million.
4. Quattroporte (2004-Present)
After a lull in popularity in the 1990s, Maserati looked to redefine their image and gain some momentum heading into the 21st century. The Quattroporte did just that. While it’s technically a sedan, the Quattroporte looks like a souped-up, elongated sports coupe. The extra room provides space for four passengers to sit comfortably, yet doesn’t deprive the driver of pure performance. Under the hood, the Quattroporte sports the same 3.0-liter V6 engine as the Alfieri, although an upgrade to the GTS trim provides a 4.0-liter V8 that pushes speeds up to 190 miles per hour.
With the storied history of Maserati, it isn’t easy to name all of their best models in one fell swoop. However, if the past 100 years or even the past 10 years are any indication it’s going to become harder and harder to name only a handful.
Image via Pixabay | CC0
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