Scotland Hosts Landmark 40th ‘Maserati International Rally’
Stunning cars meet stunning scenery as event first held in 1978 to celebrate the Maserati reaches its fifth decade.
Maserati enthusiasts from across the globe descended on the Scottish Highlands last weekend for the landmark 40th edition of the marque’s annual International Rally.
Held between Friday, Sept. 20, and Monday, Sept. 23, the Maserati International Rally (MIR) is hosted in a different country each year and is an exclusive opportunity for fans and collectors to meet, compete and showcase their special Maserati cars.
After being held in Germany last year, the Maserati Club U.K. – the oldest Maserati club, founded in 1972 – organized this year’s event, based at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. A total of 120 stunning Maserati models took part, from 14 different countries, including 55 cars from the U.K. and five from as far away as Australia.
The driving element of the rally kicked off on Saturday and took in a hill climb course up the famous Rest and be Thankful Road, which at its highest point of 245 miles above sea level offers views of some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.
Among the cars taking part in this year’s MIR were a host of classics, including a 1957 Maserati 3500GT, a Vignale Spider as well as a stunning Sebring. Alongside these classics were more recent vehicles, including several Maserati GranTurismos and the latest Levante SUV. Overall, the collection of participating vehicles illustrated the strength of Maserati’s DNA, which could be seen clearly in modern day cars as well as the classics.
The coveted Peter Martin Trophy ceremony closed out the event. It was won by Armin and Beatriz Streuli and their Maserati Coupé while the winner of the Concours d’Elegance was named as Onno Hesselink’s Mistral Coupé.
Next year’s MIR will be hosted by the Maserati Club in Sweden.