Trident on the car emblem: the Maserati brand and its legendary symbol

If you see a car on the road with an emblem in the form blue trident on a red background, in front of you is an Italian supercar or a premium sedan of the brand Maserati. This symbol, inspired by the statue of Neptune in Piazza Bologna, has been the hallmark of the brand since 1926. Today the trident adorns the hood badges of models from Ghibli up to MC20, but not everyone knows that behind it there is a history of racing, family conflicts and even mystical legends.

In this article, we will look at which cars wear the trident, how the emblem has evolved since 1914, and why it is often confused with the logos of other brands (for example, Trident or nautical symbols in motorsport). We will also find out which models Maserati with a trident can be bought in Russia in 2026 - from budget (relatively) Levante to exclusive GranTurismo Folgore with electric drive.

Which cars have a trident emblem: complete list of models Maserati

Trident - exclusive symbol Maserati, and no other automaker uses it in their official logos. Today the emblem can be seen on 8 series of brand cars, including:

• 🚗 Sedans: Ghibli (since 2013), Quattroporte (since 1963, 6th generation since 2023), GranTurismo (new generation from 2023).
• 🏎️ Sports coupes: MC20 (from 2020, with engine Nettuno V6), GranCabrio (expected in 2026).
• 🚙 Crossovers/SUV: Levante (since 2016), Grecale (from 2022, on the platform Alfa Romeo Stelvio).
• ⚡ Electric cars: GranTurismo Folgore (from 2023, 750 hp), Grecale Folgore (announced for 2026).

Important: trident on the emblem always combined with "Maserati" lettering (except for retro models up to the 1940s). If you see a trident without a brand name, it is either a fake or a tuning accessory. For example, Chinese replicas often copy the symbol, but use cheap plastic instead of aluminum (original emblems Maserati weigh ~120 grams).

History of the emblem: why the trident became a symbol Maserati

Legend has it that the founder of the brand Alfieri Maserati got inspired Neptune's fountain in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, the family’s hometown. The trident of the god of the sea symbolized strength, speed and connection with water (in those days, races were often held on tracks with water obstacles). However, there is an alternative version: the Maserati brothers allegedly borrowed the symbol from heraldic trident Bologna, which was used back in the Middle Ages.

The emblem was officially registered in 1926, but its prototype appeared back in 1914 on the radiator of a racing car Diatto, which Alfieri modified. Interesting facts:

• 🔵 The first emblems were blue and white (the red background appeared only in 1937).
• 🏆 The Trident is displayed on all racing cars Maserati, who won 24 Hours of Le Mans (1957 model 450S).
• 🎨 The logo was designed by Mario Maserati - Brother Alfieri, an artist by training.
• 💍 In the 1990s, the trident briefly disappeared from the emblem due to rebranding, but was returned after fan protests.

Today the logo is protected by copyright and its use without permission Stellantis (brand owner) is punishable by a fine of up to €50,000. For example, in 2021 Maserati filed a lawsuit against the Chinese company that produced the trident watch.

Mystical legend of the trident

According to rumors, Alfieri Maserati believed that the trident brought good luck. In 1929, after the death of his brother Bindo in a car accident, he added to the logo laurel branches - a symbol of memory. Since then, all the brand's racing cars have taken to the track with this sign.

How to distinguish the original emblem Maserati from counterfeit: 5 key signs

Fake trident emblems are often found on the accessories market, especially for tuning budget cars (for example, Kia Stinger or Genesis G70). Here's how to recognize the original:

Sign	Original emblem	Fake
Material	Aluminum with chrome plated, weight ~120 g	Plastic or thin metal, weight < 50 g
Color	Deep blue (Pantone 287 C), red (Pantone 186 C)	Pale or uneven shades
Fastening	Two screws on the back, markings MADE IN ITALY	Adhesive backing or single hole
Trident	The teeth are strictly parallel, pointed	Teeth are crooked or blunt
Packaging	Box with hologram and certificate	Plastic bag without documents

⚠️ Attention: On the secondary market they often sell emblems with Maserati, taken from wrecked cars. Check them using the VIN code of the donor car through the service CarVertical — if the car is listed as scrap, purchasing the emblem may be regarded as the acquisition of stolen property.

Trident in motorsport: why the symbol Maserati associated with racing

The trident emblem is inextricably linked to racing history. Maserati. In the 1930s–1950s, the brand's cars dominated the Grand Prix, and their pilots are like Juan Manuel Fangio - became world champions. Today the trident can be seen on:

• 🏁 Maserati MC20 GT2 — racing version of the supercar for championships Fanatec GT2.
• 🔧 Maserati Tipo 26 (1926) - the first car with the emblem to win Targa Florio.
• 🏆 Maserati 250F (1954–1960) - the legendary car Formula 1, on which Stirling Moss won 4 victories.

Interestingly, in the 1990s Maserati temporarily left motorsport, but returned in 2004 with the project MC12 - a supercar designed for racing FIA GT. Today the brand is actively involved in Formulae E (electric racing), where the trident is on the car Maserati MSG Racing.

💡 Helpful tip: If you saw a trident on a racing car without an inscription Maserati, check if it belongs to the command Trident Engineering (a British tuning company that has used a similar logo since the 1980s).

How much does a car with a trident cost: prices for Maserati in Russia in 2026

Cars Maserati belong to the premium segment, and their cost starts from 6.5 million rubles for basic Ghibli (2.0L turbo, 330 hp). Let's look at the current prices for new models with a trident:

Model	Price (from/to), RUB million	Features
Ghibli (sedan)	6.5 – 9.8	Engines: 2.0L turbo (330 hp) or 3.0L V6 (430 hp)
Levante (SUV)	7.2 – 12.0	Four-wheel drive Q4, ground clearance 210 mm
MC20 (supercar)	18.0 – 25.0	Engine Nettuno V6 (630 hp), carbon fiber body
GranTurismo Folgore (electric coupe)	22.0 – 28.0	800 hp, acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.7 s

⚠️ Attention: Prices on the secondary market can be reduced by 30–50%, but such cars often have problems with:

• 🔋 Electronics (especially 2014–2018 models with MTC+).
• 🛢️ Ferrari engines (on Quattroporte V and GranTurismo until 2020).
• 📄 Customs history (many Maserati were imported into Russia under “gray” schemes).

Check the car before purchasing traffic police (subject to restrictions) and service Autocode (at an accident). Pay special attention to models with a mileage of more than 100,000 km - their repairs can cost 1/3 of the cost of the car.

Tuning and styling: is it possible to put a trident on another car?

Technically install the emblem Maserati for any car is not prohibited, but there are legal and ethical nuances:

1. Copyright: The logo is protected and its commercial use (for example, on sold accessories) requires a license from Stellantis.
2. Traffic police rules: In Russia, it is prohibited to change the factory designations of a car brand (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code, fine 500 ₽). However, the emblem on the hood is not a mandatory designation, if the original manufacturer's logo is retained on the back.
3. Ethics: Installing a trident on budget cars (for example, Lada Vesta) may be perceived as deception and cause a negative reaction in the automotive community.

If you still want to style your car Maserati, consider legal alternatives:

• 🎨 Vintage stickers with a trident (without brand name).
• 🔧 Tuning kits for Alfa Romeo Giulia (on the same platform as Ghibli).
• 🖌️ Airbrush with an abstract trident (without copying the original design).

💡 Helpful tip: If you are styling your car Maserati, avoid red and blue colors - this may be regarded as a violation of corporate identity. Use a black or silver trident on a neutral background.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with a trident on the emblem

🔍 Why is there a trident on the emblem? Maserati sometimes it looks different?

The design of the emblem has been changed 7 times since 1926. For example:

• 1926–1937: trident on a white background with blue waves.
• 1937–1980: red background, golden laurel branches.
• 2020–present: simplified trident without branches (for models MC20 and Grecale).

Today the brand uses two logo options: classic (with branches) and modern (minimalistic).

💰 How much does the original emblem cost? Maserati with a trident?

Prices for new emblems at official dealerships:

• Front (hood): 18,000–25,000 ₽.
• Rear (on the trunk): RUB 12,000–15,000.
• Set (4 pcs.): 45,000–60,000 RUR.

On the secondary market (for example, on Avito) you can find used emblems for 5,000–10,000 rubles, but the risk of running into a fake is high.

⚡ What electric cars Maserati have a trident on their emblem?

In 2026, the brand will release two electric models:

1. GranTurismo Folgore (coupe, 800 hp, range 450 km).
2. Grecale Folgore (crossover, announced for 2026, range 500+ km).

Both cars retain the classic trident, but with blue accents (symbolizing electricity).

🚗 Which cars are often confused with Maserati because of the similar logo?

The trident is associated with a marine theme, so its analogues are found in:

• Trident Engineering (British tuning studio, logo - golden trident).
• Barchetta (Italian manufacturer of microcars, symbol is a stylized anchor).
• Sea-Doo (jet skis, emblem with waves and trident).

Distinguish original Maserati possible by red and blue color scheme and brand inscriptions.

🛠️ Is it possible to change the emblem to Maserati?

Yes, replacing the emblem does not require special skills. You will need:

1. Remove the two screws from the back (use an 8mm socket wrench).
2. Remove the old emblem (a hair dryer may be needed to soften the adhesive).
3. Install the new emblem and secure with screws.

⚠️ Attention: On models MC20 and GranTurismo The emblem is integrated into the radiator grille - to replace it you will have to remove the bumper.