The Maserati MC12 is a limited production two-seater sports car produced by Italian car maker Maserati to allow a racing variant to compete in the FIA GT Championship. The car entered production in 2004, with 25 cars produced. A further 25 were produced in 2005, making a total of 50 cars available for customers, each of which was pre-sold for €600,000.
Maserati designed and built the car on the chassis of the Enzo Ferrari but the final car is much larger and has a lower drag coefficient. The MC12 is longer, wider and taller and has a sharper nose and smoother curves than the Enzo Ferrari, which has faster acceleration, better braking performance (shorter braking distance) and a higher top speed. The top speed of the Maserati MC12 is 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph) whereas the top speed of the Enzo Ferrari is 350 kilometres per hour (217.5 mph).
The MC12 was developed to signal Maserati’s return to racing after 37 years. The road version was produced to homologate the race version. One requirement for participation in the FIA GT is the production of at least 25 road cars. Three GT1 racecars were entered into the FIA GT with great success. Maserati began racing the MC12 in the FIA GT toward the end of the 2004 season, winning one race. The racing MC12s were also entered into the ALMS races in 2005.
The car that the MC12 is largely based on, the Enzo Ferrari, is a 12 cylinder mid-engines Berlinetta supercar named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon fibre body, F1-style electrohydraulic shift transmission , and carbon fibre reinforced-silicone carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 7600 N (1700 lb) is reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce. Much like a Formula One car for the road, then...
These two Hot Wheels versions are the first editions. I got the Enzo first then only the MC12. This was way before scalpers entered the scene, meaning rare and every model that you wanted was hanging on the pegs every time you visited your regular supermarket or departmental stores. Anyhow, I digress. Enjoy the photos!
*car information thanks to Wikipedia*
