In 1926, the Trident logo was created. Its centennial anniversary marks the start of Maserati’s motorsport history and allows one to review its development and significance.
What is the origin of the Maserati Trident logo?
Mario Maserati designed the Trident logo in 1925, inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna. The logo first appeared on the Maserati Tipo 26 during the 1926 Targa Florio.
During the same competition, Alfieri Maserati scored an important victory in his class and finished in overall eighth place. This created a link between the Trident logo and motorsport performance.
What part has motorsport played in the history of the Trident logo?
Motorsport has played a critical role in Maserati’s development. After making its debut in 1926, Maserati has achieved various milestones in racing, including winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940, and consecutive victories at the Targa Florio from 1937 to 1940.
In Formula 1, Maserati won 9 races and the Drivers’ Championship in 1957 with Juan Manuel Fangio. Recently, Maserati MC12 won six FIA GT championships from 2005 to 2010. From 2023, Maserati GT2 returned Maserati to the closed-wheel racing categories.
How has the Trident logo changed through time?
The initial Trident logo featured a rectangular badge, but was replaced in the 1930s by an oval design in red and blue, the official colours of Bologna, the city where the company originated. The design remained relatively unchanged until 1980, when the company adopted a gold-coloured background, followed by another update in 1997. Another redesign occurred during the introduction of the Maserati MC20 model, making the design simpler while retaining the Trident form.
What measures will be taken to celebrate 100 years of Maserati?
To commemorate Maserati’s 100 years, the company is organising a series of worldwide initiatives in 2026, ranging from exhibitions to events. The brand’s communication campaign will highlight various models produced by the manufacturer, from historical models such as the Maserati Ghibli and MC12 to contemporary models like the Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo and Maserati Grecale Trofeo.
A video highlighting Maserati’s history will combine historical references with digital production. The company also recreated the voice of Maria Teresa De Filippis, who raced Formula 1 cars in 1958 using a Maserati.
Why was the commemorative postage stamp created?
In tribute to the centennial celebration, a commemorative postage stamp was issued on the initiative of Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The stamp was unveiled in Rome and manufactured in partnership with the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato.
In addition, the stamp bears elements reminiscent of the previous designs of the iconic Trident symbol.
Price points, availability, and context of release
The centennial anniversary of the Maserati Trident will be celebrated in 2026 within the international markets where the automaker sells its cars. It should be noted that no particular car will result from the event, but only its promotional activities for the current range of models, including MC20, GranTurismo, and Grecale.
Currently, the price points vary from one model to another; for instance, the starting price for the MC20 is roughly $220,000 USD, and for the Grecale range – about $70,000 USD.
The stamps, along with other centennial items, will be introduced throughout 2026.
