Who was Ettore Maserati - His Role in Maserati? Maserati was founded in 1914 by the five Maserati brothers - Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto - in Bologna, Italy. Alfieri is often considered the golden brother. His experience in engineering and racing led him to pioneer Maserati to be world leaders in speed and precision. However, Ettore played a crucial role in crafting the engines, chassis, and design that set Maserati apart. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he ensured the cars ran like clockwork. Sadly, in 1932, Alfieri passed from kidney complications during surgery. His brothers were forced to sell Maserati in 1937 to industrialist Adolfo Orsi. Orsi relocated the Trident Sports Car brand to Modena and worked alongside Ettore, Ernesto, and Bindo for 10 years. In 1947, Ettore and his brothers parted ways with Maserati and founded their own company, O.S.C.A. (Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili—Fratelli Maserati S.p.A.). This company carried on their dedication to engineering excellence and motorsport. In fact, an O.S.C.A. MT4 won in its class category at both Le Mans and Mille Miglia in 1954. Sadly, in 1967, O.S.C.A. was dissolved due to increased competition and financial difficulties. Ettore retired at this point and lived the longest of the brothers until his passing in 1990. Though his role was often overshadowed by the likes of Alfieri and Orsi, clearly at Maserati, Ettore’s contributions are recognised. Hence, the car you see above. The MC20 Maserati per Maserati’s Design At first glance, the MC20 Maserati per Maserati looks like a normal MC20 Cielo. But glance closer, and you notice all the specialised details that set this one apart. The car was crafted by the Fuoriserie personalisation program, Maserati’s exclusive customisation service that enables their most special customers to tailor their car to their unique preferences. Certainly, that’s what’s happened with the MC20 Maserati per Maserati. It’s painted in a rich Blu Infinito livery, a deep blue which is synonymous with Maserati's design heritage. Bianco Pastello twin racing stripes run the length of the car, evoking Maserati’s continued connection to motorsport. The large Grigio Pastello Trident emblem on the rear deck symbolises 110 years of heritage. The interior is also a work of art. The cabin is wrapped in a combination of Nero and Blu New Alcantara, paired with carbon fibre accents. The dashboard and door panels feature a contrasting Nero/Nero-Blu combination. But most special, this MC20 is adorned with one-off details that make it unique to the Maserati family. From the custom logos on the rear fender to the striking Rosso brake callipers peeking out from behind the 20-inch gloss black wheels. Every inch of this car whispers exclusivity. A Quiet Celebration at Modena The delivery of the MC20 Maserati per Maserati is almost symbolic of Ettore’s role at the brand. It was not a grand public affair but a quiet, intimate gathering of the Maserati family and a few key figures from the company. These included chief global officer Luca Delfino, Maserati’s current chief test driver Andrea Bertolini, and the company’s longest-serving employee, Ermanno Cozza. He had been with the brand since 1951 and worked until his retirement in 2015. You can only imagine the elation Alberto and Ernesto Maserati (the grandsons of Ettore), their children, and their mother Maria felt when presented with this special vehicle. To make the event even more special, historic models like the Maserati A6, 6C34, and 6CM stood alongside the newly crafted MC20. Why the MC20 and Passing Down Alberto and Ernesto didn’t just commission a specialised supercar to show off on Instagram. They wanted a car that could be passed down for generations as a piece of their family’s automotive legacy. So why did they choose the MC20? Well, there are two reasons. The MC20 is Maserati’s flagship and, of all their current cars, closely follows the original vision the Maserati brothers had. Its 621 horsepower twin-turbo V6, carbon fibre tub, and 8-speed dual-clutch make it an instrument of speed and precision. Exactly what the brothers intended Maserati to be. But more crucially, in the current supercar world of Insta-crazy Lambos, speed-obsessed McLarens, and super-complex hybrid Ferraris, the MC20 is often overshadowed. No one realises its brilliance until they drive one. Almost like how Ettore was overshadowed in Maserati’s convoluted history. Until one digs deeper and realises it was his engineering contributions that made the cars world leaders. The event at Modena, the MC20, and the subtle livery chosen are all a celebration of why Ettore Maserati is so important to the brand. Sometimes it isn’t the loudest person that creates the biggest impact, but the quiet one in the background.
