The Italian luxury car manufacturer founded in 1914 by racing driver Alfieri Maserati was Maserati.
Alfieri Maserati established Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati in Bologna on December 1, 1914, with support from his brothers Ettore and Ernesto. The early business focused on preparing and modifying cars for competition rather than immediately producing a large range of road cars. Alfieri’s experience as an engineer, mechanic, and racing driver shaped the company’s competition-first identity.
Maserati’s first car under its own name was the Tipo 26, a racing car that debuted in 1926. The marque’s trident emblem was designed by brother Mario Maserati and inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore.
A common mix-up is confusing Maserati’s founding date with the debut of its first Maserati-branded car. The company began in 1914, while its own racing car appeared in 1926. Maserati later became known for luxury grand tourers and road cars as well as racing.