Many people think of Maserati as Ferrari's little brother. While they do share a lot of DNA and some engineering, as a marque Maserati is in fact much older so it might be more accurate to put that the other way 'round.
And if you still have any doubts that Maserati is a force to be reckoned with in its own right this video of our recent test drive in the magnificent Maserati GranTurismo Convertible MC should set the record straight.
With a starting price of $162,800, the GranTurismo Convertible MC is the sexiest open-topped grand tourer on the road. There are faster roadsters and more plush luxury barges but for the right cocktail of comfort and performance, it cannot be bested.
Along with 2+2 seating and custom tailored Italian interior its race-inspired naturally aspirated V8 engine is good for 454 hp with a 0–60 time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph. Any faster than that and your Panama hat would be toast.
Styled by the legendary house of Pininfarina, the GT Convertible's lineage dates back to 1947 and the A6 1500 GT also by Pininfarina, a luxurious, drop-dead gorgeous coupe powered by a sophisticated race-car engine. Original examples of which are now of course priceless.
Maserati never stopped building GT (grand touring) cars blending maximum style, technology and eye-popping power, with an exhaust note that is pure exhilaration. Every time you press the start button it reminds you of the marque's impressive motorsports victories.
The brand built its first car in 1926, the Tipo 26 race car, which achieved immediate renown with a victory in the 1926 Targa Florio. That set the benchmark for Maserati’s impressive racing prowess, and it went on to win the Indianapolis 500 twice, Formula One nine times and the 1957 F1 World Championship.
In 1947, the luxury sports car brand debuted its first passenger car, the A6 grand tourer; in 1963 they introduced the world’s first sports luxury sedan in the form of the Quattroporte; and in 1993 Maserati became part of the Fiat group, which also owns Ferrari. Since then their cars have embodied the best of power and elegance.
And while our recent cruise in a bold blue GT Convertible through Vermont and coastal Maine with model/influencer Madison Morgan riding shotgun was rather gentlemanly, when we did open it up there were plenty of thrills on tap. Muscle should always be so refined.
Of course we stopped at the stunning Woodstock Inn, one of the best hotels in all of New England, where the GT Convertible was right at home. And as always when arriving in a Maserati the car was treated like a visiting VIP as well.
We strapped on a matching blue Rolex Datejust 41 courtesy of Bob’s Watches to keep time and best of all, our man David Jacob was on hand to get some video so you can ride along and enjoy it vicariously. Our recommendation: buckle up and crank the volume....
