English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Maserati MC12: features, engine and what to know before buying
The Maserati MC12 is a rare supersports car produced between 2004 and 2005, based on the Ferrari Enzo and designed for the FIA GT Championship. In this article, we review its technology, versions, and what you need to know about this collectible car.
The MC12 in brief
The MC12 marked Maserati's return to racing. Only around 50 units of several versions were produced, as it was needed for racing homologation. The car features a mid-mounted V12 engine, a carbon fibre chassis, and a distinctive, very wide design.
The name 'MC12' stands for 'Maserati Corse' and 12 cylinders. The car is built on the Ferrari Enzo platform and shares much of its technology, but its body and tuning are different.
Which version to choose
The Stradale version is the main and most widespread among collectors. It has a two-seater interior and is road-legal.
The Corsa version is a track-only model produced in very limited numbers. The MC12 GT1 is a racing car that competed in the FIA GT Championship. These versions are valued by collectors but are not suitable for daily use.
Engine and transmission
The MC12 has a 6.0-litre V12 engine with around 630 hp. The engine is based on the Ferrari Enzo and is known for its distinctive sound.
The transmission is a robotised six-speed with paddle shifters. The car is rear-wheel drive, and handling requires experience due to its immense power.
What to check when buying an MC12
A full history and check by a Maserati or Ferrari specialist is essential. Check the condition of the engine and gearbox, suspension, brakes, and electronics. Parts and specialists are hard to find, and repairs are very expensive.
Inspect the carbon fiber body for previous damage, check the roof and other removable parts. Due to its extremely high value, it's worth hiring an independent expert before buying to check documents and the car's history.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
MC12
2004–2005Road-going version with a 6.0-litre V12 and a robotised gearbox.
- Around 630 bhp
- Six-speed robotised gearbox
- Carbon fiber body
MC12 Versione Corsa
2006 model yearTrack-only version.
- Designed for the track
- Altered aerodynamics
- Very limited numbers
MC12 GT1
racingRace car for the FIA GT Championship.
- Built for racing
- More aerodynamic details
- Very rare
Comparison of MC12 versions
| MC12 | Versione Corsa | GT1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For collectors and a few enthusiasts | For track enthusiasts | For racing and collection enthusiasts |
| Engine | 6.0-litre V12 | 6.0-litre V12 | 6.0-litre V12 |
| Allowed on public roads | Yes | No | No |
| Rarity | Very large | Extremely large | Extremely large |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
A realistic choice for many collectors is a few MC12s with full history. The Corsa and GT1 versions are for the track and collections.
Pros
- Extremely rare and unique car
- Ferrari Enzo technology
- Powerful V12 with a beautiful sound
- High collectible value
Cons
- Extremely high price and maintenance costs
- Shortage of parts and specialists
- Complex handling and low practicality
Frequently asked questions
How many MC12s were produced?
Around 50 units of several versions were produced between 2004 and 2005, plus a small number of track-focused Versione Corsa. This is a very small number, making the model highly sought after.
What does “MC12” mean?
"MC" stands for "Maserati Corse" (Maserati racing), while "12" refers to a 12-cylinder engine.
How is the MC12 related to the Ferrari Enzo?
The MC12 is built on the Ferrari Enzo platform and shares much of its technology, including the V12 engine. The body and trim are different.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
