2006 Maserati MC12 Corse

2006 Maserati MC12 Corse

"In 2006, a limited-production series of vehicles was developed for private customers looking for the ultimate track experience. The MC12 Versione Corse, intended for non-competitive track use only, was derived from the MC12 GT1 racing car that won the 2005 FIA GT world endurance championship. It was neither road-legal, nor limited by the technical regulations for competing in international GT racing, and was the purest expression of a purpose-built track car with truly exhilarating performance. With 755 hp, the naturally aspirated V12 engine of the Versione Corse was more powerful than the units used in the Stradale road car and in the GT1 race car, since it was not limited by intake air restrictors mandatory for the latter. Weighing just a bit more than 2,500 pounds, acceleration from 0 to 124 mph (200km/h) took just 6.4 seconds. How many Maserati MC12 were made? A total of only 13 examples of MC12 Versione Corse were built: one prototype and 12 customer vehicles." – Maserati.

Maserati's MC12 was a limited edition 'homologation special' conceived with the sole purpose of providing the famous Italian manufacturer with a competitive car for international GT racing. Two batches of 25 cars each were built in 2004 and 2005 respectively, each batch with slightly differing specifications to meet FIA rule changes, for a total of only 50 cars. Styled by Maserati Centro Stile, the MC12 was based on the Ferrari Enzo, albeit larger overall, and used developments of the Enzo's normally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine and its associated six-speed automated manual gearbox. Maximum power output in Stradale specification was 621bhp. Performance figures of 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 330km/h (205 mph) were claimed.

The MC12's monocoque chassis was constructed of carbon fibre and Nomex, with aluminium sub-frames front and rear. Suspension was by double wishbones with pushrod-operated coil spring dampers. Two suspension modes were available: 'sport' (road) or 'race' (track).

Its 'homologation special' status notwithstanding, the road going MC12 boasted a most luxurious interior combining carbon fibre, blue leather and silver 'Brightex', a synthetic material said to be 'too expensive for the fashion industry'. Nevertheless, Maserati were criticised at the time for not providing an audio system, or room to accommodate an after-market one, while other criticisms concerned the lack of a boot, rear window and spare tyre, but then the MC12 was never intended to be a serious Gran Turismo.

Rather, it did exactly what its maker intended, winning the FIA GT Manufacturers' Cup in 2005 by a comfortable margin over runners-up Ferrari, while the two teams running MC12s, Vitaphone Racing and JMB Racing, finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the Team Cup competition. Vitaphone would go on to win the Team Cup with the MC12 for the next four years, while MC12 drivers Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini would share 1st place in the Drivers' Championship in 2006, 2008 and 2009. In 2007 Maserati again secured the Manufacturers' Cup while Thomas Biagi won the Drivers' Championship. To say that the MC12 had been immensely successful would be somewhat of an understatement.

In mid-2006 Maserati unveiled the Corse, a $1.7 million track-only version of the FIA GT Championship-winning MC12 reserved for valued Maserati customers, who could use their new supercar on private track days. "This is a unique opportunity to own a car that is the reigning GT World Champion," declared Edward Butler, General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. "The world-beating racing car was developed from the Maserati MC12 road car and the Corsa is derived directly from the GT1 racing car exclusively for track use. It will not be homologated for road use. Without doubt the MC12 Corsa is the ultimate track day car!". Despite this, it is known that of the MC12 Corse production, at least three cars have been converted for road use, offering an exciting potential avenue for the new owner of this example!

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & wikipedia