Maserati Highlights Its Heritage and U.S. Return With Spyder Exhibition At L.A. Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21 -- Maserati marks a new era in the U.S. after a 10-year absence by celebrating its return with an exciting display that chronicles its open air motoring heritage at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Jan. 5 - 13, 2002. ``The Maserati Spyder Exhibition'' will include some of the legendary Italian automaker's most famous open air road and race cars from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, and host the introduction of an all-new model for U.S. enthusiasts.

``We will be debuting the 2002 Spyder in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In light of this special occasion, we are assembling a representative collection of historically significant Maserati Spyders and open race cars from our storied past to showcase alongside Maserati's promising future products. The display will give visitors a dynamic perspective of our exciting lineage,'' explained Stuart Robinson, president and CEO of Ferrari / Maserati North America.

The centerpiece of the exhibition will be the youngest of the Spyder line, and also the most technologically advanced. The 2002 Spyder is an Italian thoroughbred that is the result of a project that began when the company was passed into Ferrari control. ItalDesign penned the sensuous lines, while Maserati engineers lowered a completely new, race-bred 390-horsepower V-8 engine under the hood that delivers an unrestrained top speed of 175 mph.

The Maserati name is deeply rooted in motorsports and has attracted some of the world's premier race car drivers. Five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby were just a few of the notable drivers who slipped behind the wheel of the mighty Maseratis on their way to capturing the checkered flag.

The technically-advanced Type 61, nicknamed the ``Birdcage,'' will be one of the cars showcased. It is one of the most recognizable and formidable sports cars in Maserati's rich racing tradition, having dominated the sport throughout the '60s.

This is the second consecutive year that the L.A. Auto Show has selected a manufacturer to stage a presentation that explores and celebrates part of its automotive heritage. ``The timing for Maserati is ideal,'' said Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the L.A. Auto Show. ``Maserati has an exciting new Spyder ready for market and an 87-year history of building some of the most remarkable sports cars.''

The nine-day public show will be preceded by two Media Days, Jan. 3 and 4, where numerous automakers will conduct the World or North American debut of nearly three dozen production and concept vehicles.