Maserati themselves say that the MC20 was inspired by the legendary MC12, and now they have decided to produce 40 special models to celebrate one of the most significant cars in their back catalogue.

First off is the MC20 Icona which takes inspiration from the roadgoing MC12. It’s finished in a stunning combination of a white and blue livery - Bianco Audace Matte and Blu Stradale to be specific - as well as the Italian flag positioned on the door below the MC20 lettering. If the Icona is your choice, be quick to put your name down as Maserati will only be making 20 of these.

Further classy touches made to the outside of the Icona are chrome-plated, Trident design wheels which house blue brake callipers behind. Look closely at the wheels of Icona and you’ll see the Trident logo in the middle of the wheel finished in blue. 

Something shared by both the Icona and Leggenda is the interior. Both cars benefit from the Fuoriserie package. This provides lightweight, 4-way adjustable racing seats and Trident embroidery on the headrest with either “Icona” or “Leggenda”, depending on which tribute you opt for. Colour-wise, both specifications help bring exterior touches through to the interior. The Icona has central Nero/Blu sections on a silver background. The Leggenda’s interior is finished in Nero on a silver background.

Switching over to the Leggenda which pays homage to the MC12 GT1. On the exterior, it is finished in Nero Essenza and Digital Mint Matte, which matches the livery that was worn by the championship winning MC12 GT1 ran by the Vitaphone Racing team. The team won the FIA GT1 Teams’ Championship five years in a row with the MC12. It also won 40 of the 94 races it entered. Perhaps that’s how Maserati arrived at the 40-unit build run for these special edition MC20s…

Similarly to the Icona, the Leggenda also has the trident wheels, finished in Nero Opaco and Trident Digital Mint Green hubcaps with black brake callipers. Throughout the exterior of Leggenda, the Trident logos across the grille, doors and C-pillar are all finished in yellow. As is the case with the Icona, there will only be 20 units.

As there has been no mention of any changes to the powertrain, so we can assume that the 3.0 litre twin-turbo ‘Nettuno’ V6 produces 621 bhp and 538 lb ft (730 Nm) of torque, just as it does in the regular MC20. For both editions, the carbon fibre engine cover will have either “ICONA. UNA DI 20” or “LEGGENDA. UNA DI 20” (one of 20). Top speed remains unchanged at 202 mph and the 0 to 62 mph sprint stays at 2.9 seconds. One mechanical option that both cars get over the standard MC20 is the electronic limited-slip differential. 

Maserati have not included the price in the press information, however, that does not stop me wanting one, I would pay whatever they are asking for it. Between the Icona and Leggenda, I would choose the Icona purely because since I first saw the MC12 on tv, I have been longing to see one in the carbon. Any tribute to this piece of early 2000s motoring history will always get my vote.

Maserati views the release of the Icona and Leggenda as passing the baton between father and son as the MC20 is the spiritual successor of the MC12. This statement is a big one to make however, I do feel the MC20 is worthy of carrying the torch once held by the MC12.