Famous Birdcage Driver, Bill Krause, tests the driving position of the New Maserati Spyder at the L.A. debut.
Maserati debuts in L.A.
THE 2002 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITNESSES THE U.S. RELAUNCH OF THE TRIDENT
(Insights by TMC-California Chapter's Maurice Khawam)Los Angeles, CA On Thursday evening January 3, 2002, Maserati S.p.A. exhibited at the Los Angeles Auto Show three new Spyder Cambiocorsa models. Thus, the formal return of Maserati to North America is official and the marque of the Trident is here to stay!
Organized with The Maserati Club (“TMC”) under the supervision of Seymour Pond, Maserati North America, Inc. showcased some exceptional cars from its rich racing past as backdrop for its new offering.
Before our eyes were cars that most had only seen in print. Center stage was reserved to the 8CTF “Boyle Special” that won the Indy 500 in 1939 and 1940 with Wilbur Shaw driving. The 8CTF is the only Italian racing car to ever win the famous race at the brickyard. Alongside of it stood a 450S, the fearsome Sports Racing car from the 1957 season. With the engine lid off, we were able to admire the 400bhp V8 motor that later influenced the entire range of V8 models and opened an important market sector for Maserati. Additionally, there was a Tipo 61 “Birdcage” that brought Maserati many important international wins, reminding us of how innovative and talented the engineering staff has been at Maserati. Bill Krause, the famous driver of this particular car was invited by TMC and MNA to attend and help host the event.
As if this was not enough, members of TMC, we were privileged to admire some fabulous vintage Spyders that graced the roads of the world. These comprised a lovely 2.0 litre A6G-2000 Frua Spyder, a 3500GT Frua Spyder, a 3500GT Vignale Spyder in an achingly beautiful shade of dark metallic green, a svelte Mistral Spyder in a period red, and the ever beautiful Ghibli SS Spyder in black over tan interior.
To see one of these cars is a spectacle, but to see them all together approaches the surreal. To top it all, TMC arranged for a 5000GT designed by Frua to join the other models. This particular car was the personal transportation of the Aga Khan and its design later influenced the Quattroporte first series.
Stuart Robinson during the VIP preview night at the L.A. Auto Show
Mr. Stuart Robinson, the president and CEO of Ferrari and Maserati delivered a speech at the onset of the ceremony and reminded all of us about the rich heritage of Maserati. His speech confirmed that Maserati is committed in a significant way to deliver a first-class product worldwide and has invested heavily in modernizing its plant and developing advanced products.
From a close inspection of the Spyders on display, it was apparent that Maserati has made major strides in quality and finish with its new automobiles. The static display showed the cars in three colors, yellow, gray and blue. While it was difficult to decide which color pleased the most, there was no doubt that every car was meticulously finished and exquisitely equipped. Although the new model will undoubtedly perform as Maserati advertises, a test drive is naturally the next step for potential buyers. From the number of onlookers at this event, it was clear that Maserati will surely find a buyer for every new car it produces. I am strongly considering a silver blue Spyder with a red interior.
For a great evening that was topped by a delicious dinner at Campanile Ristorante in Los Angeles, we can only say: Tante Grazie TMC!!(ED. NOTE: Thanks to TMC members John Bookout, Alfredo Brener, and Tom Hollfelder for
agreeing to display their magnificent Maserati's at the L.A. Show debut. Our club owes you a
debt of gratitude for making the L.A. display a success!)
TMC: CC BOARD DINNER (from back left): Tom Geiger, S.G. Pond, Doug Magnon, Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Khawam,
Dr. Giuseppe Polizzi (from Italy), Russell Daniel (of TMC: RMC), & Ms. Geiger (Tom's daughter).
Start your Virtual Tour of the January 2002 L.A. Show here!