A SYMBOLIC NUMBER
The Maserati Tipo 26 is far more than just a racing car; it is the quintessential expression of the ingenuity, passion, and vision that gave birth to one of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands.
Unveiled in 1926, this single-seater marks the official beginning of Maserati’s epic journey as an independent car manufacturer.
BORN TO WIN
Conceived by Alfieri Maserati, the Tipo 26 was ahead of its time. A 1,5-litre straight-eight engine with a Roots-type supercharger powered it. This setup allowed the small but feisty Maserati to produce approximately 130 hp, a remarkable output that made it competitive at the highest levels of international motorsport. The engine’s architecture was bold and innovative, proving the Maserati brothers’ ability to push beyond the technical limits of the era. A four-speed manual gearbox, paired with a lightweight yet robust chassis and semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, ensured exceptional handling and road-holding, crucial qualities for endurance races and Grands Prix.
A TRIUMPHANT DEBUT
The Tipo 26‘s “baptism of fire” resulted in a success that would alter history. At that year’s Targa Florio, Alfieri Maserati himself drove the Tipo 26 to a class victory. This triumph was not just a display of technical superiority, but a statement of intent: Maserati had arrived to compete and to win. It was on this occasion that the Trident logo made its official racing debut. Designed by the artistic brother, Mario Maserati, and inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, the symbol was chosen to represent strength and dominion.
FUNCTIONAL AND CAPTIVATING DESIGN
Aesthetically, the Tipo 26 was a masterclass in functionalism. Its slim, aerodynamic body finished in classic Italian Rosso Corsa was sculpted for speed.
The large headlights, the imposing radiator, and the clean lines of the bodywork expressed a sense of controlled power and unmistakable determination. Every element was engineered for performance while retaining an innate elegance that has since become a Maserati hallmark.
THE VEHICLE
The vehicle on display, chassis No. 13 from the Umberto Panini Maserati Collection, is a silent witness to the dawn of a legend. As the third car ever built by the Maserati brothers, it is one of the first to reveal their Bolognese genius to the world.
To admire this car is to travel back in time to the heart of a workshop where mechanical artistry and racing passion fused to create masterpieces destined to leave an indelible mark.
It is an invitation to celebrate not just a machine, but a legacy, a philosophy, and the beginning of a story that continues to fascinate and inspire.
It is a tribute to the dreams, courage, and craftsmanship of the brothers who set out from Bologna to conquer the world.
VISIT THE MASERATI COLLECTION
OPENING HOURS
The Collection is open from Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM/1:00 PM and 2:30/6:00 PM. Last entry, 30 minutes before closing.
We inform all visitors that the Collection will be temporarily closed:
- From Monday, 1 December to Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Saturday, March 14th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm for a private event, the Museum is closed.
TICKETS
- Full price: € 15,00
- Reduced (under 18 e over 65): € 12,00
- Children under 8 and over 75: Free
- Motors Club Associated: €10.00
- Students: €10.00 (up to high school) / €12.00 (university and above)
GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours are managed directly by the Tour Operator Modenatur.
Contacts, information, and reservations: info@modenatur.it or +39 059 220022.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
VISITS FOR SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
Mandatory booking by calling +39 059 220022
VISIT REGULATIONS
We kindly ask all guests to observe the following guidelines during their visit:
- It is forbidden to touch the vehicles and exhibits, to sit inside the display cars, or to remove any object from the Museum
- Photos and video recordings are permitted for personal use only
- Food consumption is not allowed inside the Museum
- Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash or carried
- Visitors must behave respectfully towards the venue, staff, and other visitors, avoiding shouting and excessive noise
CONTACTS
WHERE WE ARE
Via dell’Aeroporto, 140/B
41123 Modena (MO) Italy
Phone +39 059 5962181
info@paninimotormuseum.it
FOLLOW US ON
HOW TO FIND US
- By car, use Google Maps, searching for: Collezione Maserati Umberto Panini, Modena.
- By Taxi call +39 059 374242
- By public transport from the centre of Modena: Lines 7 and 9 to “Marzaglia Nuova” stop, followed by a 25-minute walk
