430 bhp, 4,244 cc V-8 engine, Cambiocorsa six-speed electro-hydraulic paddle shift manual transmission, light alloy double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars front and rear, four-wheel Brembo light alloy disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,660 mm

• Based on the Maserati Coupé; one of only 10 built

• Retired after only two seasons of racing

The Maserati Coupé and Spyder were introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the 3200GT. It was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show and unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show the following year, marking the nameplate’s return to the North American Market after an absence of over a decade. While several special edition road cars were introduced throughout the seven-year life of model production, there were racing editions as well.

The first was the Maserati Trofeo, a racing version introduced in 2003. The model employed revised engine mapping and exhaust routing and benefitted from a reduction in vehicle weight by 249.5 kilos. Many comfort items were omitted like soundproofing, air conditioning and standard seats being replaced by racing seats. The car also made use of lightweight materials like carbon-fibre to replace some steel parts and Plexiglas to replace glass, which resulted in a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds.

The next iteration of the racing coupé was the Trofeo Light, which was developed for use in various national and international racing series including the Italian GT Championship, Rolex Sports Car Series and FIA GT3 European Championship. Produced by the marque’s racing department at Modena in collaboration with Italtecnica of Torino, the version is even lighter with 1,150 kilograms dry weight and even further performance increases due to aerodynamic modifications. It has a front splitter and adjustable rear wing, while the wheel arches have been widened. The suspension has been completely revised with a new structure and tubular steel arms. The performance of the 4,244-cc V-8 was increased and now puts out 430 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

This 2005 example is finished in white with dual blue racing stripes and the stylised Maserati logo on the rear quarters. The Trofeo Light series was only produced in a quantity of 10; chassis number 04 was used by an Italian gentleman driver from 2005-2006 in the FIA GT3 European Championship and the 2005 Italian GT Championship. The car was race-prepped and serviced by Scuderia Giudici, which has the prestigious distinction of being the official racing team of Alfa Romeo using the 155 DTM and ITC models.

After its two seasons of racing, the Maserati was retired to a private car collection and has never been raced since. It is presented in pristine running condition and is accompanied by a great deal of literature, including starting and operation instructions and articles on the Trofeo and Trofeo Light. This car is also listed in the Maserati Registry. Although lightly used, the owner opted to commission a full repaint and additionally had the correct Maserati racing style seat restored. As presented it would make a wonderful addition to any collection of racing cars or could be serviced and put back on the track where the throaty roar of its exhaust side-pipes could be heard once more.