Maserati cancels auction as MCXtrema supercar tops $750,000 mark

There are auctions that create a buzz because of their final price. And then there are those that leave a lasting impression... because they never come to fruition. This is exactly what has just happened with a Maserati MCXtremathe sale of which was abruptly halted after bids had already exceeded $750,000. This direct intervention by the Italian manufacturer left many enthusiasts perplexed and even annoyed.

An MCXtrema like no other

This is no ordinary MCXtrema. It is, quite simply, the very first example to be delivered to a private customer, a detail that carries a lot of weight in history. This 2024 MCXtrema was tested on the legendary Laguna Seca circuit by in-house development driver Andrea Bertolini (former FIAT GT1 world champion), before being handed over to its first owner at Monterey Car Week 2024. With just 228 kilometers on the odometer, all driven on the track, this track-only supercar ticked all the boxes to become a major collector's item.

An auction that spirals out of control... then comes to a screeching halt

At the end of January, the MCXtrema appeared on Bring a Trailer, one of the world's most popular car auction platforms. Interest was soon overwhelming. Bidding climbed, comments poured in, and the price reached $751,000, with several days to go before the end of the auction. Then, without warning, the sale was halted. The reason? Maserati of North America intervened to block the resale of the vehicle. In a message published by Bring a Trailer, the platform explained that it had been informed that the Italian manufacturer was restricting the sale of this MCXtrema, without giving further details. In order to avoid placing the potential buyer in a delicate legal situation after the sale, the auction was simply cancelled.

Why did Maserati say no?

Officially, no precise explanation has been given by Maserati. But in the small world of ultra-exclusive supercars, this kind of practice is not unusual. Several hypotheses have been put forward: contractual clauses prohibiting rapid resale, the manufacturer's right of pre-emption, the obligation to sell only via approved channels or to buyers validated by the brand.

Update: following this article, the owner and Maserati have responded.

Gabriele Vignaroli, owner of MCXtrema:

"I've noticed that there have been some misunderstandings around my previous advert for the MCXtrema on Bring a Trailer, so I'd like to clarify my position to avoid any erroneous speculation. I have a very close relationship with Maserati, and I myself removed the ad from the auction site after confirming the existence of contractual restrictions related to the MCXtrema program, quite simply." - Gabriele Vignaroli, owner of the Maserati MCXtrema

Maserati :

"Maserati has become aware of the recent online sale of an MCXtrema. As part of the MCXtrema program, owners accept specific contractual obligations regarding transfer during the initial ownership period. These measures are designed to preserve the integrity of the program and ensure that the car remains in the hands of customers committed to its proper management and use. Maserati's priority is to guarantee customer satisfaction while preserving the value and reputation of the brand. As these obligations were not met, the seller was unable to proceed with the ad, which has been withdrawn. Maserati does not comment on the details of private agreements with its customers." - A Maserati spokesperson

A radical circuit machine

Technically, the MCXtrema remains one of the most extreme Maseratis ever produced. Based on the architecture of the MC20, it pushes all the cursors to the maximum. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6 develops 730 hp, transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The carbon monocoque chassis, active aerodynamics and adjustable Öhlins suspension make it a true track weapon, without the slightest concession to road use. Produced in a limited edition of just 62 units, the MCXtrema is sold new at a price of around 900,000 euros, excluding taxes and options. In this respect, seeing one example fetch just over $750,000 at auction fuelled many an ironic comment on the residual value of Maseratis... and perhaps also explained the manufacturer's nervousness?

The decision is causing teeth to crumble

On Bring a Trailer, the reaction was swift. Between frustration, sarcasm and incomprehension, many Internet users criticized Maserati's decision, arguing that the brand should have welcomed the attention generated around one of its most spectacular creations. For some, the cancellation is even seen as a missed opportunity to restore Maserati's image among the most affluent collectors, at a time when the brand sometimes struggles to convince on the commercial front. Will this MCXtrema ever go on sale again, under conditions more favourable to the manufacturer? Stay tuned!