Detour Pit Stop #124: Collezione Umberto Panini, Italy
This charming collection of Maseratis is set to move from its rustic location on a farm and parmesan cheese factory to a new spot in modena in april 2025.
The story of the Collezione Umberto Panini is one of local pride and passion. In 1986 Maserati was literally selling its heritage. The company was in financial trouble under the ownership of De Tomaso and was all set to auction its collection of classic cars to the highest bidders. Businessman Umberto Panini couldn’t bear the idea that these icons of Modena might end up anywhere else and put together a rescuing committee to save the historic motors.
They would join his eclectic collection of classic cars and motorcycles in a barn on his farm, just a few miles from the factory where they have been on display to around 12,000 annual visitors - at no charge - ever since. In total there are 22 Maseratis and all-but-one are in working order, often wheeled out for international events, with priceless pre-war racers nestled against modern concept cars.
The cars are mostly homed on the ground floor, with hundreds of two-wheelers lined up on the mezzanine and an assortment of automobilia throughout the exhibition space. In April 2025 the Maserati collection is set to move to a brand new building, which will, no doubt, be more corporate and slick compared to the current setup, but may lose a little of its charm in the process.