How to See Maserati’s Greatest Icons at Salon Privé London and Win Tickets

On Saturday 18 April, visitors to Salon Privé London will witness a remarkable celebration of Italian automotive design and engineering. Maserati at Salon Privé London will be featured in the display “Maserati Through the Ages”, which brings together a carefully curated line-up of cars spanning more than sixty years of the famous Trident marque, hosted at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea. I’m looking very forward to seeing this display.

Organised in partnership with Maserati Club UK, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore how Maserati has evolved over the decades. From brutal racing machines of the 1950s to modern carbon-fibre super sports cars, the collection traces the brand’s journey through design, performance, and innovation.

Better still, the display is arranged as a chronological timeline. Visitors can move from one era to another and see how engineering ideas and styling themes changed along the way.

The Racing Roots: Maserati in the 1950s

The story begins with two cars that helped define Maserati’s early post-war identity.

Key highlights

• Maserati 450 S (1959)
  A recreation of the formidable sports racing car that represented the peak of Maserati’s 1950s competition programme. Designed to dominate endurance racing, the 450S delivered immense power and dramatic presence.
• Maserati 3500 GT (1959 & 1960)
  While Maserati built its reputation on the track, the 3500 GT reshaped the company’s future on the road. This elegant grand tourer introduced the brand to a wider audience and laid the foundations for decades of road-going Maseratis.

Together, these cars show how Maserati balanced racing ambition with growing demand for luxurious high-speed touring.

The Grand Touring Golden Age: Late 1960s to Early 1970s

By the late 1960s, Maserati had found its design confidence. Sleek proportions, powerful engines, and long-distance comfort defined the era.

Among the stand-out cars on display are:

• Maserati Mexico (1968)
• Maserati Mistral (1967 & 1969)
• Maserati Ghibli (1970 & 1972)
• Maserati Indy (1971 & 1974)

Each model represents a confident blend of performance and style. Long bonnets, powerful engines, and elegant interiors made these cars favourites among drivers who valued speed with refinement.

The Ghibli, in particular, remains one of the most admired grand tourers of its time thanks to its sharp styling and impressive road presence.

Radical Change: Mid-Engine Design and the Wedge Era

During the 1970s, the industry experimented with bold ideas. Maserati joined the movement with several striking machines that pushed design and engineering in new directions.

Cars that defined the decade

• Maserati Bora (1972 & 1973)
  Maserati’s first mid-engined production car, combining supercar performance with surprising comfort.
• Maserati Merak (1975 & 1980)
  A V6-powered exotic that brought distinctive styling and accessible performance.
• Maserati Khamsin (1975 & 1978)
  A dramatic wedge-shaped grand tourer reflecting the sharp design trends of the decade.

These models marked a clear shift. Maserati was willing to experiment, both in layout and styling.

Turbocharged Resilience: 1980s and 1990s

The next chapter shows how Maserati adapted during a challenging period for the brand.

Two models highlight this era:

• Maserati Biturbo Spyder (1988 & 1989)
• Maserati Shamal (1995)

The introduction of turbocharged engines helped deliver strong performance from smaller platforms. These cars also marked a new strategic direction as Maserati repositioned itself in the luxury performance market.

A New Millennium Revival

Entering the 2000s, Maserati began a powerful resurgence. New technology, improved build quality, and bold design helped restore confidence in the brand.

Important models from this period include:

• Maserati 3200 GT (2000)
• Maserati 4200 Coupé (2001)
• Maserati GranSport (2004)
• Maserati GranSport Spyder (2004)

However, the true headline act from this era is the extraordinary Maserati MC12.

Developed as a homologation model for FIA GT Championship competition, the MC12 featured a carbon-fibre monocoque and a naturally aspirated V12 engine. Its racing success helped restore Maserati’s global reputation.

Visitors to Salon Privé London will have the rare opportunity to see an MC12 in person. A very rare sight.

Maserati Today: Innovation Meets Heritage

The final section of the display focuses on Maserati’s modern performance philosophy.

Visitors can explore:

• Maserati GranTurismo and Maserati GranCabrio models from 2011-2018
• Modern variants of the MC series
• The striking Maserati MC20

The MC20 represents a new generation of Maserati engineering. Built around a carbon-fibre structure and powered by the innovative Nettuno V6 engine, it signals a bold step forward for the brand.

Special editions such as MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda also celebrate Maserati’s motorsport heritage while showcasing cutting-edge performance.

Interestingly, the presence of both the MC12 and MC20 at the display highlights the brand’s ongoing balance between tradition and progress.

A Living Timeline of the Trident

“Maserati Through the Ages” at Salon Privé London allows visitors to experience the marque’s history in a unique way. Each car represents a different moment in the company’s story, yet common design themes and engineering values run throughout the line-up.

Set against the elegant grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the display promises to be one of the highlights of Salon Privé London.

For enthusiasts of Italian design and high-performance grand tourers, it offers a rare opportunity to see several important Maseratis gathered in one place.

Win Tickets to Salon Privé London 2026 – Competition Live

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Stay tuned for full entry details and your chance to experience one of London’s most stylish automotive events in person.

Conclusion: Which Maserati Defines the Brand?

From the racing spirit of the 450S to the modern innovation of the MC20, Maserati’s story is full of fascinating chapters.

But which model best captures the essence of the Trident?

• Is it the timeless Ghibli?
• The track-focused MC12?
• Or the forward-thinking MC20?

And if you were visiting Salon Privé London, which Maserati would you head straight for first?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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