Italian stunners on show: Maserati turns 100

PEBBLE BEACH, California - Maserati celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach, California.

The Italian automaker isn’t a stranger to the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where in 1968 a Mistral Coupe took top honours as ‘Best of Show’.

As Honored Marque at the 64th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, classic Maserati’s were on show including its Centennial Racing Class – a 1954 A6GCS Spyder, 1955 Maserati 250F Monoposto and 1956 Maserati 300S Fantuzzi Spyer.

CLASSIC A6GCS

The ’54 A6GCS grabbed the trophy for best Granturismo noted, according to organisers, “for its artistic beauty and highest level of performance in a granturismo. One of the most fascinating cars of all times designed by Pininfarina in 1954, the A6GCS proved a valuable source of inspiration for the designers of the Alfieri concept of today.”

IMAGE GALLERY: Maserati turns 100

The Alfieri concept 2+2 made its North American debut during a special centennial celebration at the Mazda Raceway during the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion. The Alfieri was also shown on the Concept Lawn at the event.

Lorenzo Ramacioitti, head of Fiat Chrysler automobile global design, said: "This car has a racing breed," but added that it has "a kick of poetry."

MASERATIS GO UNDER THE HAMMER

Classic Maseratis were stars of the Monterey Car Week auctions including rare classics and special Formula 1 cars used during the 1956 Italian grand prix.

Highlights of the Bonhams auctions included:

1969 Ghibli 4.7 Spyder - R8.9-million
1949 Maserati A6 15000/3C Berlinetta - R9.5-million.

The historic Maserati 250F, driven to victory by Sir Stirling Moss at the 1956 Italian GP in Monza, sold for R44-million.