The MC12 was born from Maserati’s desire to return to the competitive racing scene after a 37-year absence, and the company’s MC12 GT1 project resulted in 50 MC12 road cars being built over a two-year span for homologation purposes. Based on Ferrari’s iconic Enzo supercar, the exotic MC12 was designed by the great stylist Frank Stephenson and clothed in sleek carbon fiber bodywork. Fitted with Ferrari’s monstrous six-liter, F140 V-12 engine, the MC12 was a hugely capable performer, with 0–60 mph times in less than four seconds and a 205 mph top speed.

In 2004, Maserati proudly unveiled the MC12 GT1 in grand style – staging three of the completed racing cars in a hall alongside the 50 MC12 road cars. Essentially an evolution of Ferrari’s abandoned F50 GT1 project, the MC12 GT1 was a full-competition version of Maserati’s exclusive Enzo-based supercar, built to contend for the popular FIA GT Championship.

The MC12 GT1 proved to be incredibly successful. Initially campaigned by the factory-backed AF Corse and Risi Competizione teams, the MC12 additionally captured countless race wins in the hands of privateers, winning 40 of the 94 races it entered. From 2005 to 2010, MC12s won the FIA GT Championship every year and were victorious at the 24 Hours of Spa three times. In total, MC12 GT1s captured six team titles, six drivers’ championships, and two constructors’ crowns, making it one of the most successful models running in GT and GT1 competition in that era.

In 2006, an exclusive series of MC12s called the Versione Corsa (Racing Version) was developed for important Maserati customers looking for the ultimate track experience. They were available for purchase by invitation only. According to Edward Butler, general manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand, the car was developed “in response to the customer demand to own the MC12 racing car and fueled by the growth in track days, where owners can drive their cars at high speeds in the safety of a race track.”

The Versione Corsa was indeed intended for non-competitive track use only and derived directly from the all-conquering MC12 GT1. Since it would not be road-legal or limited by international GT racing restrictions, it was able to deliver staggering performance far above the road and racing variants. With 755 hp, its naturally aspirated V-12 engine was significantly more powerful than that of the GT1, which was fitted with intake restrictors limiting it to 600 hp, and it was still more powerful than the 630 hp Stradale road car. Weighing just a bit more than 2,500 pounds, acceleration from 0 to 124 mph took just 6.4 seconds with a top speed of over 200 mph.

For the fortunate few who are able to experience these cars, the howling V-12, six-speed sequential semiautomatic Cambiocorsa gearbox and carbon ceramic brakes ensure breathtaking performance. Impressive technology is seen throughout, with a stress-bearing carbon fiber and Nomex honeycomb monocoque, front and rear aluminum subframes, and an integral roll cage. Maserati built only 12 of these ultimate track cars, compared to rival Ferrari’s 30 FXXs, making them incredibly sought-after and collectible.

Presented in Victory Blue, celebrating Maserati’s racing success, this sensational MC12 comes to Gooding & Company from an important private collection, within which it has been held for the last 12 years. The consignor notes that prior to his acquisition in 2011, the Maserati had not been run and was only used for static display. Upon his purchase, the Maserati was sent to the factory for commissioning and track testing, including the installation of a new ECU. The consignor believes this MC12 may be the final example to have received such treatment, and the car is accompanied by a technical declaration on file noting it was successfully tested and approved by the Maserati Corse technical department.

Not only is the MC12 Versione Corsa the ultimate development of Maserati’s Enzo-based supercar, it is also an unrestricted machine of significant historic importance and a symbol of the famed Italian marque’s resurgence at the highest levels of international competition. This rare MC12 should be on the shortest of lists for those searching for a Maserati thoroughbred of the highest order.