Behind the scenes, Maserati Classiche has been working intensively on its new services. An official press release and an updated subsection on the international maserati.com website were launched on December 14th, 2021 to announce they are officially open for business.

Launching the Certification programme, currently for road cars only, is a small first step for Maserati. But, it's a giant leap for the Maserati community and the car owners. In the long term, it will undoubtedly benefit the quality of the cars we all love so much. The first road car certified by Maserati Classiche is a Mistral 3700 produced in March 1969 and displaying a silver Auteuil livery. The well-known documentation services offered by Fabio Collina is obviously involved in the programme. His department remains a separate business within Maserati Classiche.

Their services include:

• Certification of authenticity, car detailing, classic maintenance service (from 2021)
• Spare Parts (from 2022)
• Restoration management and consultancy (from 2022)

Here is what we know about the Maserati Classiche Certification programme

• The projected cost for certification will be € 3500 or €4000 for classic vehicles until Quattroporte III, including the QP2 and Merak.

• Certification for QP3s, Biturbos and younger cars is priced at €1500 or €2000. The €500 price difference shows it is cheaper to have a Coupé certified than a Spyder.

• A car has to be in running condition to be eligible for certification.

• Before certification, each owner will have to fill in a pre-certification document with essential info to help identify the vehicle's current state. Providing up-to-date pictures of the car is also required.

• The car needs to be delivered to the factory in Modena but only after acceptance and confirmation.

• Not eligible for certification are any US-spec cars that have been converted to EU spec, e.g. Khamsin or Bora.

• Based on the AM101 homologation specs of the Sebring series 2, it is accepted that a 3500GT(i) has a dual brake circuit. This non-original feature, often installed to enhance security, is allowed only if this conversion has been done with Sebring series 2 material (or Maserati parts used back in the days). Modern brake boosters or brake lines are not accepted.
  
  
• Classic Maseratis e.g. Ghiblis with an after-market stainless steel exhaust will only be eligible for certification if the exhaust is painted in black. Obviously, this does exclude the chrome tips. Points will likely be deducted if a car has an inox / stainless steel exhaust, even if it's painted black.

• A rigorous 300-points checklist will be used to determine the condition of the car during the certification process.

• The lead time for the process is estimated at five to seven days.

• A separate note with remarks and suggestions for improvements will be handed over to the owner.

• A nicely-designed box, including documents and enamel plaque, will be presented to the car owner after a car has passed the certification procedure.

• The Classiche department can perform minor maintenance work on the cars. The cost of certification doesn't include parts or labour costs to perform maintenance or repairs. No major engine or bodywork will be performed on the vehicle.

• To complete the launch of the Maserati Classiche programme, a new Capsule Collection will be available. This new clothing collection combines style with tradition and includes garments for each member of the family. The design reflects the hallmarks and traditional colours of Maserati Classiche.

Meet the Maserati Classiche team

Cristiano Bolzoni is a car enthusiast and owner of several Classics. He joined Maserati in 2006, becoming formerly responsible for Maserati Academy Aftersales training in 2009. He has been new to the team since late 2019, early 2020. He knows the company and its culture and is now in charge of the Maserati Classiche department.

Michael Micik is an Alfa Romeo enthusiast and owner of several classic Alfas. After involvement in a Formula One engine development contest, he was head of MC12 racing engine assembly in Maserati Corse and in a former job responsible for Ferrari Corse Clienti for the "XX Programme". He is transferred from Ferrari and handles all certification activities. He is also in charge of developing the spare parts programme in conjunction with Cristiano.

Fabio Collina is a well-known friendly face, always available for a chat and a cup of coffee. He has been responsible for the Historical Archive for more than 10 years and remains the primary contact for all things related to documentation in the Maserati Archive. He works in conjunction with Cristiano and Michael.