TOP TEN MASERATIS

1 Tipo 26 1926

Alfieri Maserati designed and then raced the 1.5-litre, super-charged, standard bearer over the mountains of Sicily to class victory in the 1926 Targa Florio. Mario, his brother, came up with the Trident.

2 5000 GT 1959

Driven by royalty and captains of industry throughout the world. Bertone and Pininfarina were among those commissioned to add timeless style to the 5.0-litre V8s. Bane of chauffeurs worldwide.

3 Tipo 250 F 1957

During the golden age of Formula 1, Juan Manuel Fangio clawed his way back from nearly a minute behind a Ferrari to win by 3 seconds on the Nurburgring track en route to the 1957 world championship.

4 Quattroporte 1964

As the name would suggest, this car does indeed have four doors. It also has room in the boot for a couple of large Louis Vuitton suitcases. Perfect for a family driving holiday through Germany at 171mph.

5 3500 GT 1958

Produced between 1958 and 1964. Combined the power of the modified Tipo F1 with the beauty of Carrozzeria's coachwork. First model to be built in significant numbers, 2,226 to be exact. Sheer understated class.

6 MC12 2004

Twenty five were made this year, and the same number are scheduled for next - all in racing blue and white livery. Features a 6-litre V12 engine producing 630bhp. Does 0-60 in less than four seconds. A monster.

7 Birdcage 1961

Innovative design by chief engineer Giulio Alfieri. Featured a lightweight chassis, built from 200 aluminium tubes, powered by a 2-litre, four- cylinder engine that produced 200bhp.

8 Spyder 2002

Going head to head with Porsche, Jaguar and Mercedes meant sink or swim. The 4.8-litre, V8 broke with turbo-charged Maserati tradition. The engine produces 350bhp.

9 Bora 1971

The first mid-engined Maserati. The engineer Giulio Alfieri indulged himself with this 1970s design classic, right down to the pop-up headlights and double-glazed rear window.

10 Barchetta 1992

The latest Morgan is crafted at the same factory as HFS's original, and under the same family's ownership. This is a fast model, but not as pretty as some of its predecessors.