A dream car, an extreme, futuristic and almost irrational model that burned itself into the memory of car fans: 50 years have passed since the Maserati Boomerang made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 9, 1972. It was a concept penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Italdesign.
Maserati had already briefly shown the Boomerang as a life-size design at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, after which a single vehicle was built and presented as an officially registered and roadworthy model in Switzerland in 1972. The manufacturer Italdesign used a Maserati Bora as the basis (chassis and complete mechanicals) with a 4719 cc eight-cylinder engine arranged centrally in front of the rear axle in a 90-degree layout. The V8 unit produced 310 hp and accelerated the car to a top speed of almost 300 km/h. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
Although the two-seater sports coupé never made it into series production, its wedge shape and clear lines not only lived on in Giugiaro's later creations and other projects, but also influenced various car manufacturers in Europe and the United States.
The design was drawn along a horizontal line that visually divided the model into two halves. The strongly inclined windshield and the panoramic glass roof were characteristic features. The windows were also original, especially those on the two doors, through which a metal strip ran. The front was characterized by square folding headlights, while the rear lights were arranged horizontally.
The interior of the Boomerang was also extremely modern. The instruments were integrated into the inside of the spoke-less steering wheel and the seats were positioned very low. The only example of the Boomerang ever produced celebrated further appearances at international events and competitions. It was to change hands several times over the 50 years, appeared at several auctions and was even used for advertising campaigns.
The Maserati Boomerang seamlessly continued Maserati's tradition as a brand that created unique automotive concepts, iconic and avant-garde vehicles and pioneered technology and style.
