Unveiling the Legacy: Why Is It Called Maserati?
I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a Quattroporte on a rain-soaked Milan morning. The trident on the nose felt less like a badge and more like a signature from history. Maserati. It sounds lyrical, a little dangerous, and deeply Italian. But why is it called Maserati—and what’s the story behind that mythic emblem?
Short answer: it’s a family name that became a promise. A promise of speed, style, and a slightly rebellious way of doing luxury. Let’s open the garage door and have a proper look.
The Maserati Name: A Family That Built Fast Things
Like many great car stories, the name Maserati comes straight from the family that started it all. In 1914, Alfieri Maserati founded a small workshop in Bologna—Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati—with his brothers Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto elbow-deep in engines and race prep. They were racers, tuners, engineers—the sort of people who smell of petrol and optimism.
The first car to actually wear the Maserati name came in 1926: the Tipo 26, a racing machine that promptly took class victory at the Targa Florio. That success didn’t happen by accident. It was the brothers doing what they did best—making fast cars faster, then proving it on a road that’s basically a cliff with ambition.
The Five Brothers Behind Maserati
You’ll see their fingerprints across the brand’s early years. Alfieri was the talisman. Ernesto, the youngest, drove and developed race cars. Bindo and Ettore kept the engineering heartbeat steady, while Carlo, the oldest, set the family’s course with early stints in motorsport and aviation. And then there was Mario—more on him in a moment—who didn’t wrench on engines but still shaped Maserati in a way you can spot from across a car park.
The Trident: Why Maserati Points to the Sea
About that emblem. The trident on every Maserati isn’t random swagger. It was designed by Mario Maserati, the artistic brother, inspired by Neptune’s statue in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. Neptune, god of the sea, wielded a trident—power, control, confidence in chaos. As symbols go, it’s perfect for a brand that made its name taming speed on unruly roads and circuits.
Maserati vs. The Other Italian Icons
| Brand | Logo Origin | Founded | Home Base | Signature Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati | Neptune’s trident (Bologna) | 1914 | Modena (moved from Bologna) | Grand-touring speed with theater |
| Ferrari | Prancing horse (Countess Baracca’s gift) | 1947 | Maranello | Racing first, everything else second |
| Lamborghini | Charging bull (Ferruccio’s zodiac) | 1963 | Sant’Agata | Drama and V12 thunder |
| Alfa Romeo | Visconti serpent & Milan cross | 1910 | Milan | Light, lively, soulful sports sedans |
Maserati Today: A Luxury Badge That Still Likes to Misbehave
Modern Maserati is different, sure—but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. When I tried the Levante Trofeo on a battered alpine pass, the V8’s growl turned the cold morning into an opera. It does the school run, yes, but give it space and it behaves like a touring car in a tuxedo.
- MC20: 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6, about 621 hp, 0–60 mph in roughly 2.9–3.2 seconds. The steering has that clean, reassuring weight I love on fast B-roads.
- Grecale Trofeo: 523 hp and a cabin that’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about playlists. Smart size for city duty, lively enough for Sunday detours.
- Quattroporte: Still a proper luxury sedan with attitude; the sweet spot is the balanced Modena spec for daily life.
- Levante Trofeo: Around 580–590 hp depending on market; the noise alone is half the ownership experience. The other half is explaining to your neighbors why you keep taking the long way home.
Flaws? A few. The infotainment (built on a familiar Uconnect backbone) is better than it used to be, but I’ve had an occasional Bluetooth sulk. Seats can sit a touch high for taller drivers in some trims. And if you’re expecting Germanic ruthlessness in the cabin fit, Maserati prefers passion to perfection—it feels hand-finished, sometimes literally.
What Owning a Maserati Feels Like
It’s a luxury car that doesn’t whisper. It talks. On a late-night coastal drive the GranTurismo’s cabin felt like driving in slippers—relaxed, unruffled. Then you crack open the throttle and it becomes a grand tourer with a very good memory for racing. A few owners mentioned to me they buy with their hearts first, heads second—and they don’t regret it when the road clears.
Elevate Your Maserati Experience with AutoWin Accessories
If you’re anything like me, you’re picky about the details. One small thing that makes a big difference: floor protection. Custom-fit mats keep the interior looking new, especially after messy weekends or winter slush. I’ve used AutoWin in test cars, and the fit is properly snug—no curling edges, no sliding around, no awkward gaps. It’s a simple win for resale value (and your sanity).
Why Choose AutoWin Floor Mats for Your Maserati
- Custom Fit: Designed specifically for your model—Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, GranTurismo—so coverage is maxed and heel wear is minimized. Check the full range here: Maserati accessories.
- Premium Materials: Durable under daily use, but with that upscale finish that feels right in a premium cabin.
- Style Options: Stitching and finishes that match your interior’s mood—classic for business, sportier if you’re more Sunday-morning-spirited.
- Easy Clean, Real Protection: Mud, coffee, kids’ soccer gear—bring it on. Quick to wipe down, designed to preserve your investment.
So, Why Is It Called Maserati?
Because it’s the Maserati family’s name—and their legacy. A surname that grew into a symbol: five brothers, a Neptune trident, hard-won racing glory, and modern cars that still feel alive in your hands. That’s what you carry on the key fob. And whether you’re driving a brand-new MC20 or babying a beloved GranTurismo, the spirit is the same: Italian craftsmanship with a pulse.
If you’re already in the club, keep it looking sharp—smart add-ons like AutoWin floor mats are the easy win. If you’re still deciding, take a long test drive somewhere interesting. With Maserati, the road tends to answer the question for you.
FAQ: Maserati, Explained
- Why is it called Maserati? It’s the founding family’s surname—Alfieri Maserati and his brothers started the company, and the name stuck because the cars delivered on it.
- What does the Maserati trident mean? It references Neptune’s trident from Bologna’s famous statue, symbolizing power and control—Mario Maserati designed it.
- When was Maserati founded? The company began in 1914 in Bologna; the first car to wear the Maserati name arrived in 1926 (Tipo 26).
- Where are Maserati cars made? Primarily in Italy, with key production in Modena and other Italian facilities depending on the model and era.
- Is Maserati more about luxury or performance? Both, but with a grand-touring slant—long-legged performance with a sense of occasion, rather than track-only focus.
