After decades of under-investment, Maserati’s takeover by Ferrari in 1999 heralded an exciting new era for the Modenese firm, as well as the reintroduction of the illustrious name to the international motor-racing arena after an absence of almost four decades. The liberalisation of the FIA GT Championship regulations in 2004 was to the advantage of small-volume supercar manufacturers, and the decision was taken to produce 50 Maserati MC12 Stradales—utilising the Ferrari Enzo chassis and engine as its basis—to enable the homologation of the MC12 GT1 racing variant.