Maserati has made history in the collector car market after a 2005 MC12 Stradale sold for $5.2 million at Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Center Auction in California. The record-breaking result, achieved on 13 August during Monterey Car Week, cements the model as the most expensive modern Maserati ever sold at auction.
Only 50 examples of the MC12 Stradale were produced – 25 in 2004 and a further 25 in 2005 – making it one of the rarest road cars from the Italian marque. Its design and performance were closely linked to the MC12 GT1, which dominated international racing in the mid-2000s.
Rare design and performance
The MC12 Stradale is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 630 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. Its distinctive white body, accented with Maserati’s signature blue, pays tribute to the Birdcage Type 61 sports car of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The car’s rarity and performance have long made it a favourite among collectors. The latest auction result surpassed the previous record for the model by 37%, underlining its growing status as a modern classic two decades after its launch.
Racing pedigree
The MC12’s origins lie in competition. The GT1 racing version achieved 22 victories and 14 championship titles between 2004 and 2010, including three wins at the 24 Hours of Spa. Its success on the track enhanced the reputation of the road-going Stradale, which was designed as a homologated model but soon became a symbol of Maserati’s return to high-performance engineering.
This direct link to motorsport has played a major role in the car’s enduring appeal. Collectors value the MC12 not only for its technical performance but also for its connection to Maserati’s broader racing legacy.
Significance in the collector market
The $5.2 million sale reflects both the rarity of the MC12 and a broader trend in the collector market, where buyers are increasingly drawn to cars that combine exclusivity, heritage and innovation.
For Maserati, the record confirms its ability to create models with lasting appeal. Current limited-production vehicles such as the track-only Maserati MCXtrema continue that tradition, reinforcing the Trident brand’s identity as a maker of both historic icons and contemporary performance cars.
Brand impact
Industry analysts suggest the strong auction result will enhance Maserati’s profile among investors and collectors, potentially boosting demand for other models from the marque’s past and present. The sale also demonstrates the continued growth of Monterey Car Week as a premier stage for high-value automotive auctions.
For enthusiasts, the MC12 Stradale remains a reminder of Maserati’s commitment to blending bold design with advanced engineering. Its record-breaking performance at auction underlines the enduring appeal of a car that has become emblematic of modern automotive collectability.
