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Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show to mark 100 years of Maserati

29th August 2014 Print
1974 Maserati Quattroporte Mk II

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is set to mark Maserati’s centenary with a unique gathering of cars in conjunction with the Maserati Club. The club’s stand will host no less than 21 examples of the Italian marque with everything from the earliest model to the newest Ghibli set to feature.

Dan Nwaokolo, Event Director for the show said: “We’re really looking forward to helping Maserati mark their 100th birthday – they’ve produced some stunning cars in that time and I’m excited to see that so many of them will be with us for the show.”

The Maserati Club was formed in 1972 and is open to both owners of Maserati cars and bikes or just enthusiasts for the Marque. Originally driven by a desire to preserve those iconic early race-winning cars, the club has evolved to cater for all cars to bear the trident.

Examples of the marque on display include some real racing rarities, such as a T61 Birdcage, a Cooper Maserati and Nick Mason’s glorious 250F. The Pink Floyd drummer is a well-known petrolhead and is privileged enough to own some of the world’s most desirable cars, amongst which is his 250F.

The Grand Prix-winning 250F was launched in 1954, with just 26 examples built. It was driven by arguably the most legendary Formula One driver of all time, Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio. Fangio, who would win five World Championships, drove the F to victory in its first two Grand Prixs and later the 1957 World title.

It had suffered since its time as an F1 car, leaving Europe for South America where, at some point, it’s 2.5litre, straight six Maserati A6 engine had been replaced by a Chevrolet unit. The 250F has benefitted from a total restoration and is today in the same world-beating condition it would have been in in the 50s. It’s set to be one of the highlights at this year’s show and one not to be missed.

With such a rich racing heritage, it’s unsurprising that the stand will also feature the likes of a 200S (one of 28 made) and a 300S.

The 200S would win the San Marino Grand Prix and the Targa Florio in 1955, while Stirling Moss would pilot a 200S to victory in the 1956 Trofeo Supercortemaggiore. The 300S would also see success, winning at the Nurburgring in 1956.

David Daw, one of the Maserati Stand organisers, said: “We’ve gathered the most diverse and wide ranging line-up for our celebrations, showcasing from the marque’s racing heritage right through to its supercars. Plus we still have some further surprises that will be revealed at the show.”

Another must-see at the show will be Roger Lucas’ 3500 Vignale Spyder. The Spyder was launched in 1960 and just 245 were made. It’s a little lower and longer than the coupe, the Spyder gained a new grille and taillights to differentiate it from the fixed-head coupe.

With such a variety of cars on display, the Maserati Club stand is sure to draw plenty of admirers over the show’s three days from the 14-16th November. Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to book tickets, visit necclassicmotorshow.com.

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1974 Maserati Quattroporte Mk II