%20(4)_edited.png)
The 2001 Maserati 320S Concept, designed by Italdesign in collaboration with Maserati and Sparco, was a single-seat barchetta-style prototype that paid homage to Maserati’s legendary racing heritage. Inspired by classic models like the Tipo 60/61 'Birdcage,' the 320S was a lightweight, track-focused machine powered by a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the 3200 GT Coupé, producing 370 bhp at 6,250 rpm.
With a shorter wheelbase than the 3200 GT, racing suspension, and Michelin slick tires, the 320S previewed Maserati’s future open-top models while embodying the brand’s racing ambitions. Safety features developed by Sparco included a roll-over bar, FIA-spec fire extinguisher, and a battery cut-out switch. The car’s striking light blue and white livery honored Maserati’s rich motorsport legacy, particularly its historic success in the United States.
Though the 320S remained a concept, it signaled Maserati’s return to both the U.S. market and competitive racing, foreshadowing future high-performance models from the brand.
