Maserati Medici II

The Maserati Medici II, an evolution of its predecessor showcased at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, marked Maserati’s foray into the luxury sedan hatchback segment for the high-end market. Compared to the Medici I, the Medici II exhibited improved proportions, featuring a more harmonious development in its design. The front end underwent a significant transformation, with a true radiator grille and prominent rectangular headlights replacing the hidden ones of the Medici I. The influence of Medici’s design extended beyond its own lineage, notably resembling a 4-door DeLorean DMC-12 and impacting various vehicles of the 1970s. Elements of the Medici II design were integrated into the Maserati Quattroporte III, starting production in 1979, as well as other cars such as the Lancia Delta I, and Audi Asso di Picche. Distinct from the Medici I, the Medici II featured a four-seat configuration instead of six. The interior underwent a complete redesign, replacing the rear benches with two separate seats. Notably, the rear compartment boasted amenities like a minibar, desk, document holder, and an avant-garde television and radiotelephone for its time. Named after the influential Renaissance-era Florentine family, the Medici II was built on the Maserati Indy chassis, retaining its front-engine V8 mechanics with a 4.9-liter engine mounted longitudinally and rear-wheel drive. The aesthetic departure from the Medici I was evident in its frontal design, adorned with four square headlights and a squared grille framed with chrome. Unveiled at the 1976 Paris Motor Show, the Medici II found a notable buyer in Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Persia, who acquired the car in 1977. This unique vehicle is now housed in the Louwman Museum, where its distinctive design and historical significance are preserved for automotive enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.