"There must be something pretty special about Maserati, if only because so many people have leapt into the breach to rescue it! In its history, the Modena marque has been yanked out of the fire by a selection of saviours ranging from Citroen to Alessandro de Tomaso, and the reason they became hooked is obvious - no manufacturer can rival it for sheer class.

Maserati is good taste. So, despite the fact that, for 75 years, the philistine few have queued up to curse Italy's second marque, there has always an allure that makes you covet the badge at almost any cost..... even that of owning a Biturbo.

And the company's convoluted history is typically Italian. Brimming with passion and intrigue, purity versus practicality, it is as sensational as the cars are understated. Such class may be impossible to tie down with mere words, to capture in set parameters, but however you define it, Maserati has got it. In spades.

Most remarkably of all, however, the Maserati name is still alive today and still crafting magnificent motor cars. In fact, fishing it out of the deep end has become regarded as something of a philanthropic gesture .... and compliments do not come much higher than that. "

The magazine contains a 38 page special Maserati coverage which celebrates their 75th anniversary and although not comprehensive makes a good read.