Ghibli Open Cup - 1995 to 1996

For a long time absent from the racing tracks, Maserati elected to return to racing by creating its own single-make series in 1995, the Ghibli Open Cup. Central to the organisation of the series was none other than Adolfo Orsi, Jr., quite appropriately since it was under his father's guidance that the Trident conquered the 1957 Formula 1 Constructors' World Championship.

The Ghibli Open Cup was ran in 1995, crowning a young Denny Zardo as its champion against strong opposition from professionals such as Arturio Merzario. Various stars also participated in single events throughout the season's 8 pan-European races. Amongst them were household names such as Patrick Tambay, Arie Luyendijk, Mauro Nesti or Miki Biasion. Fiat Group's financial back-up sadly dried up in the course of the second season.

The car itself was derived from the 2.0-litre Ghibli, its engine tweaked to deliver a power output of 320 hp. Although the car was largely based on the production Ghibli, it obviously received all the necessary adjustments required for proper racing, such as: roll cage, Sparco racing seat, Momo racing steering wheel, aluminium gear-lever pommel and pedals, 5 points safety belt, automatic fire extinguishing system, aluminium fireproof lining, aluminium sump guard, additional carbon air-intakes, modified fuel system with auxiliary pump and external fuel reservoir, 17", 5-spoke Speedline wheels.

25 cars were prepared, exclusively for racing purposes.