As Maserati was again coming into its own in the early 2000s, the company looked to make waves in the automotive industry with an incredible, world-beating machine. Being owned by Fiat S.p.A., the same parent company as Ferrari, Maserati’s engineers were gifted a significant head start by utilizing Ferrari’s Enzo platform. While sharing the platform made perfect sense, it left the firm’s designers with the Herculean task of improving upon one of the greatest supercars ever built.

Beginning with Enzo underpinnings, designer Frank Stephenson swathed the MC12 in its own unique bodywork. The design shared little of that of the Enzo and offered the car a look and character that were dramatically all its own. Furthermore, the MC12’s removable hardtop allows its driver to get that much closer to the sound and fury of the car’s incredible engine, which sat just inches behind their fortunate ears. Thanks to its unique proportions and especially large rear spoiler, the MC12 also created more downforce than the Enzo, which made it especially appealing on the track.

Unlike the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati campaigned the MC12 in the FIA’s GT and GT1 World Championship series, and with considerable success. The MC12 helped Vitaphone Racing secure five consecutive Team Championships and a sixth for the first season of GT1 in 2010. Additionally, Maserati won the Manufacturer’s Cup in 2005 and 2007 and six Drivers’ Championships, four in the FIA GT Championship from 2006 to 2009, one for the 2006 Italian GT Championship, and another within the newly formed FIA GT1 class in 2010.

The motorsport intent that guided the MC12 program was evident even in the model’s limited-production roadgoing version. In the May 2005 issue of Road & Track, reviewer Kim Wolfkill related: “An effortless handler at normal velocities, the MC12 comes alive as the pace climbs and cornering loads increase. Like any good race car, the big Maserati offers more feedback the harder the chassis is pushed, responding with increased levels of grip, control and steering feel.” Despite packing on-track capability that few drivers will ever be able to fully exploit, the MC12 remained a very livable car on public roads—“surprisingly civilized for a hyper-exotic,” the review noted.

A MUSEUM-WORTHY MASERATI

Just 50 roadgoing MC12s would ultimately be built, including the stunning example on offer here. Imported to the United States under the Show or Display law by Classic Coach of Elizabeth, New Jersey, this MC12 would never be registered for road use under its first ownership; instead, it was purchased new by Doug Magnon to be part of the Riverside International Automotive Museum in Riverside, California. Living its first decade under the museum’s care, the car saw much of its mileage accrued on tracks such as Pocono Raceway and Laguna Seca during associated concours and Maserati Club events, while occasionally being driven in close proximity to the museum to ensure it remained in good running and driving condition.

A spectacular moment in this MC12’s history occurred when Derek Hill drove it around Laguna Seca with his father, the legendary Phil Hill, riding in the passenger seat in honor of his 80th birthday. At the bequest of Maserati North America, the museum generously loaned its prized MC12 for use at the Western Automotive Journalists Media Day event in April 2008. Sadly, Phil passed away that August, and this is believed to be one of the last times that he was driven around a racetrack.

Following Mr. Magnon’s passing, curation passed to the Dare to Dream Collection in 2016. The collection then entrusted the MC12 to Cauley Ferrari of West Bloomfield, Michigan for a thorough sorting. With the directive to make the car “as new,” Cauley installed a new clutch, flywheel, sparkplugs, filters, and tires, as well as conducting a full service of the air conditioning and braking systems. RM Auto Restoration of Chatham, Ontario then extensively detailed the car to ensure a concours appearance. Accompanying invoices document nearly $50,000 in work bestowed upon this car. While factory records supplied by Maserati note that this MC12 was originally fitted with engine number 000075, the car is currently fitted with engine number 000090, which is strongly believed to be its original engine as the car has had a known history from new and there is no record of an engine change in private hands.

The MC12—undoubtedly one of the most exciting cars Maserati has produced to date, and arguably the most significant modern offering from the marque—not only gave Maserati a firm foothold in the supercar arena but also reintroduced the Trident to international racing with exceptional results. This example, owned by just two highly respected collectors from new, offers a superb opportunity to acquire one of Italy’s most significant modern supercars.