A number of unique Maseratis are displayed in the Panini Museum
The Umberto Panini Classic Car Collection is one of the most fascinating exhibitions dedicated to Maserati. Cars that have made Maserati history and that have been lovingly gathered over the years are housed in a special building in Cittanova, Modena, Italy.
Originally the brainchild of the Maserati brothers and expanded by Omar Orsi, the collection has remained more or less intact to the present day. It is now run by West (a company owned by the Panini family) and includes 23 cars on display and three that are currently undergoing restoration.
The collection:
Among the collection’s highlights is the Maserati Tipo 6CM. Just 27 examples were built between 1936 and 1939. Inspired by the V8RI, the 6CM was technically advanced for its time with its front suspension featuring torsion bars.
Another interesting model is the Maserati Tipo A6GCS Berlinetta Pinin Farina. Following its debut in the 1953 Mille Miglia, the A6GCS notched up many wins on the track to the joy of factory drivers and privateers alike. Only four examples of this Pinin Farina designed car were ever produced, usually in a droptop version.
The Maserati 3500 GT Carrozzeria Touring transformed the company from a producer of racing cars to a company that manufactured roadgoing models. Launched in 1957, the bodywork was produced by Touring, an outfit based in Milan.
The only example of the Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado was built for the 1958 500 Miles of Monza and saw the great Stirling Moss battle for the lead.
The Eldorado introduced Europe to the concept of total sponsorship of a car by a company unrelated to racing.
The Maserati Tipo 61 (commonly referred to as the Maserati Birdcage) is one of the best known sports racing cars of the early 1960s.
In the Panini Collection there is also a Tipo 63, a mid-engined Birdcage with a 12 cilinder engine.
http://www.maserati.com/maserati/en/en/index/passion/company/panini-museum.html