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In the pleasant countryside of the Oltrepò Pavese, specifically in the town of Voghera, Alfieri Maserati was born on 23 September 1887, a name destined to become synonymous with excellence in the world of motoring. This region, known more for its vineyards and hilly landscapes, was the birthplace of one of the most influential pioneers in the history of Italian sports cars.
Alfieri Maserati was the fourth of seven children born to Rodolfo Maserati, a railwayman, and Carolina Losi. The Maserati family moved to Voghera when Rodolfo was assigned to the local railway station, at the time one of the most important railway junctions in northern Italy. The Maserati siblings grew up in a modest but loving and encouraging environment, where from a young age they showed a marked inclination for mechanics.
Passion for Mechanics
Alfieri‘s passion for mechanics was inspired by his older brother Carlo, who was the first in the family to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. Carlo passed on the basics of mechanics to his brothers, and Alfieri began experimenting by assembling motorised bicycles in their small workshop in Voghera.
Despite his passion and obvious talent, the Oltrepò Pavese did not offer many opportunities in the mechanical sector. So, in 1903, Alfieri left his hometown to seek his fortune in Milan, where he was employed by Isotta Fraschini, one of the most important automotive companies of the time. In Milan, Alfieri Maserati not only honed his technical skills, but also made a name for himself as a driver. His dedication and talent allowed him to emerge quickly, and in 1914, after an experience abroad, he was transferred to Bologna to oversee the opening of an Isotta Fraschini service workshop. However, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to leave the security of a permanent position and venture out on his own.
The Birth of the Maserati Brand
On 1 December 1914, together with his brothers Ettore and Ernesto, Alfieri founded the ‘Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati’ in Bologna. The company‘s symbol, the Trident, was designed by his brother Mario, the only one of the brothers who remained in Voghera and devoted himself to art. This emblem, inspired by the statue of Neptune in Bologna‘s main square, became the hallmark of Maserati cars.
The fledgling company‘s first activities focused on preparing and modifying Isotta Fraschini and Diatto cars for competition. It was between 1925 and 1926 that Alfieri created the first car entirely designed and built by Maserati: the Tipo 26. This car proved an immediate success, winning numerous victories in motor racing.
In 1929, Maserati launched the V4 model, a car that proved to be extraordinarily competitive. Its racing performance attracted the attention of Benito Mussolini, who awarded Alfieri the title of knight. In 1931, the Maserati 8C 2500 and 4CTR further consolidated the carmaker‘s reputation as a producer of outstanding sports cars.
A Premature End
Unfortunately, Alfieri Maserati‘s brilliant career was cut short prematurely. On 3 March 1932, Alfieri died of complications from a car accident suffered years earlier. His death left a huge void, but his brothers continued to carry on his dream. The Maserati family kept running the company until 1937, when the brand was sold to the Orsi family.
Today, the Maserati name is synonymous with luxury, performance and Italian design. The legacy of Alfieri and his brothers lives on in the cars that bear the Trident, a symbol that represents not only a company, but a history of passion, innovation and resilience.
Voghera, in the Oltrepò Pavese, can proudly claim its role in the birth of this automotive legend. Alfieri Maserati has shown that even from the most humble origins great things can be born, a message of hope and inspiration for all of us, especially in difficult times.
