$5.2 million MC12 Stradale becomes most expensive modern Maserati
You could be forgiven for assuming the economy is currently booming, given the record-breaking sales figures coming from auction houses around the world.
Whether it’s $26 million for a Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made or a considerably steep undisclosed sum for Mansour Ojjeh’s collection of McLarens, the demand for rare cars is higher than ever before. This was demonstrated again at Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Center Auction during Monterey Car Week, with the sale of a 2005 Maserati MC12 Stradale for a total of $5.2 million (£3.85m).
The final sales figure in the States makes it the most expensive modern Maserati ever sold, surpassing the previous record by 37%.
Extreme performance, engineering excellence
So why was the winning bidder willing to delve so deeply into their pockets?
The MC12 Stradale taps into the heritage of the brand, taking inspiration from the Maserati Birdcage Type 61 produced between 1959 and 1961, with its white body and blue accents. It was born as a result of Maserati’s return to racing with the MC12 GT1 in 2004 after a 37 year absence from the track.
To satisfy homologation requirements, 50 road-going MC12 Stradale editions were created, and the following half decade would see Maserati drivers go on to win FIA GT1 Drivers' Championships in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Add to that two Constructors' Cups and six Team Championships, as well as three successes in the 24 Hours of Spa, and it would cement its place in racing history.
Powered by a V12 engine putting out 620bhp at 7500 rpm, the road-going version was capable of a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, making it the fastest production car Maserati had ever made.
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words: Mike Booth
pictures: Maserati