It debuts a remarkable seven years after its coupe sibling.
A few days ago, Maserati unveiled the stunning MC20 Cielo drop-top. It’s been some time since the Italian automaker launched a glamorous convertible and we were not disappointed, especially since it’s powered by the fantastic Nettuno V6. But, if you prefer your Maserati engine to be wrapped in a more retro-style body, Italian coachbuilder and design house Zagato is happy to oblige with its newest release.
Officially called the Mostro Barchetta Zagato Powered by Maserati, the elegant drop-top comes seven long years after its equally beautiful coupe sibling was launched during the Villa d’Este event in 2015. Zagato’s new release continues a partnership with Maserati that began way back in 1931.
Inspired by the 1957 Maserati 450S, the Mostro Barchetta Zagato is a gorgeous machine. The passenger compartment is sited behind an especially long, flowing hood that meets a petite oval-shaped grille. Like the original 450S, the new convertible has a distaste for sharp edges; this car is all about curves in all the right places. The wraparound windscreen provides a cosy cocoon when the roof is down, too. Multi-spoke wheels measure 19 inches.
Beneath the stylish body is a choice of two Maserati-sourced engines: a 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 or a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Zagato says that outputs range between 414 horsepower for the V8 and 621 hp for the V6. Yes, the V6 is the same engine that’s found in the MC20. Maserati previously said that this engine would be reserved for the MC20, but the rare Mostro Barchetta Zagato is likely excluded from this limitation as it isn’t a series-production, mass-produced car.
Zagato
Zagato
Weighing in at just 2,646 pounds, the Mostro Barchetta Zagato uses a carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis, along with a composite structure for the windscreen frame and rear steel subframe. Mounted to the engine block is a six-speed manual sequential racing gearbox. No 0-60 mph times were quoted, but this much power in such a light machine should assure some explosive results.
As impressive as the technical highlights are, it’s this car’s incredible beauty and exclusivity that make it special. How exclusive? Only five examples will be produced and each car could be personalized “like a handcrafter which makes its made-to-measure car”. The first example was delivered to its lucky buyer after appearing at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Pricing has not been revealed but rarities like this one are typically far beyond the means of the average car buyer.
