Mythology on wheels: where does the trident on cars come from?
Among hundreds of automobile logos, there are those that immediately catch the eye with their symbolism. One of the most memorable - trident of Poseidon, which is associated with the sea, power and Greek mythology. But what car brand uses this sign, and what does it mean for the brand?
The trident emblem belongs to an Italian manufacturer Maserati - a legendary company whose cars combine luxury, sportiness and unique design. The symbol did not appear by chance: it reflects the connection with the brand’s hometown - Bologna, where there is a fountain in the square Nettuno (Neptune) with a trident in his hand. Thus, the logo became a tribute to the history and culture of Italy.
Today Maserati is not just a brand, but a status symbol. Its models, from sedans to SUVs, decorated with the trident, are recognizable all over the world. But how has the emblem evolved since 1926, and what secrets does its design hide? More on this later.
Logo evolution: from a humble icon to a global brand
First logo Maserati appeared in 1926 and was created by an artist Mario Maserati - brother of the company founders. Initially, the trident was stylized as a triton (sea deity), but was later transformed into a more laconic version. Emblem colors - blue and red - symbolize Bologna, and the white background represents purity and speed.
Over the years the logo has undergone changes:
- 🔹 1937–1947: the trident became more elongated, the inscription appeared Maserati in classic font.
- 🔹 1980s: The emblem acquired a three-dimensional appearance with gradients, which gave it a modern look.
- 🔹 2020–present: minimalistic design with a flat trident and simplified lines, adapted for digital media.
It's interesting that in 2014 the brand even temporarily abandoned the traditional logo on some models (for example, Ghibli and Quattroporte), replacing it with stylized letter "M" in a circle. However, fans greeted this innovation without enthusiasm, and the company returned to the classics.
Which Maserati models feature the Trident of Poseidon?
The trident is displayed on all cars Maserati, but some models have become real brand icons. Here are the key ones:
| Model | Body type | Years of production | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quattroporte | Sedan | 1963–present | Flagship sedan with V6 and V8 engines, combining luxury and dynamics. |
| Ghibli | Sedan | 1967–1998, 2013–present | "Little brother" Quattroporte, more compact and affordable. |
| Levante | SUV | 2016–present | The brand's first crossover based on Ghibli. |
| MC20 | Sports car | 2020–present | A supercar with a hybrid powertrain and futuristic design. |
| GranTurismo | Coupe/Convertible | 2007–2019, 2023–present | An elegant GT with a naturally aspirated V8 (the new version has an electric version). |
Each model has unique features, but they are all united Maserati signature style: an aggressive front end with a large radiator grille, graceful body lines and, of course, a trident on the hood or trunk. By the way, on some sports versions (for example, Trofeo) the emblem is performed in black color is a sign of special power and exclusivity.
When buying a used Maserati, be sure to check the condition of the trident on the hood - it is often painted or restored after an accident, which may indicate hidden damage to the body.
Trident and superstitions: why do some owners remove the emblem?
There is a legend among car enthusiasts that the trident Maserati - a “cursed” emblem that brings misfortune. Superstition is associated with several facts:
- 🧿 B 1950s several riders on Maserati died in accidents, after which some teams abandoned the trident on their cars.
- 🧿 In Italy, the trident is associated with the devil (due to connection with sea storms in mythology).
- 🧿 Some owners complain about frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs, chalking it up to a “curse”.
In fact, there is no mysticism: Maserati - These are premium cars with complex equipment that requires qualified maintenance. But removing the emblem actually practiced - but not because of superstition, but to:
- 🔧 Reduce the risk of theft (cars without logos are less noticeable).
- 💰 Save on insurance (some companies are increasing rates for premium brands).
- 🎨 Give the car a more discreet look (especially important for Quattroporte in business style).
How to properly remove the emblem without damage?
1. Heat the area around the trident with a hairdryer (temperature ~60°C).
2. Pry off the emblem with a plastic spatula or fishing line.
3. Clean any remaining adhesive with alcohol or a special cleaner.
4. If necessary, cover the holes with a vinyl sticker that matches the body color.
How to distinguish an original Maserati emblem from a fake?
Fake emblems Maserati often found on the market - they are installed on replicas or after an accident. Here 5 signs of the original:
Material: High quality ABS plastic with glossy finish|
The trident has clear edges without burrs|
On the back there is a manufacturer's logo (usually Brandex or 3M)|
Colors: deep blue and rich red, no fading|
Fastening - 3M double-sided tape or special latches (on new models) -->
If the emblem is glued with superglue or has uneven edges, this is 100% fake. It is also worth paying attention to size: on Quattroporte VI the trident is larger (≈12 cm) than on Ghibli III (≈10 cm).
⚠️ Attention: “Original” emblems are often sold on the market at a price of 500–1000 rubles, but a real part from a dealer costs 8–15 thousand rubles. Cheap copies fade in the sun and peel off after a year.
Trident in racing: how did Maserati conquer the tracks?
Maserati has a rich racing history, and the trident has adorned winners more than once. Here are the key milestones:
- 🏆 1939–1940: Maserati 8CTF won Indianapolis 500 twice in a row - the only Italian brand to achieve this.
- 🏆 1957: Maserati 250F brought Juan Manuel Fangio his fifth title Formula 1.
- 🏆 2004–2010: Maserati MC12 (developed based on Ferrari Enzo) dominated in GT racing, winning 14 championship titles.
Today Maserati returns to motorsport with a project MC20 GT2 - a racing version of the supercar that debuted in 2023. The trident on these machines is made in matte black color - as a sign of respect for the racing traditions of the brand.
Maserati is the only Italian brand to win the Indianapolis 500. This victory is still considered one of the most prestigious in the history of motorsports.
How much does a “trident on wheels” cost? Maserati prices in 2026
Cars Maserati belong to the premium segment, and their cost starts from 6 million rubles for basic Ghibli and comes to 25+ million for MC20 or GranTurismo Folgore (electric version). Here are the current prices for new models in Russia:
| Model | Price (from), RUB million | Engine | Power, hp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghibli (basic) | 6.2 | V6 3.0T | 350 |
| Levante GT | 8.9 | V8 3.8T | 550 |
| Quattroporte Trofeo | 12.5 | V8 3.8T | 580 |
| MC20 | 18.0 | V6 3.0T + hybrid | 630 |
| GranTurismo Folgore | 22.0 | Electric (3 motors) | 760 |
On the secondary market, prices start from 2.5 million ₽ for Ghibli 2014–2016, but it is important to consider here maintenance costs. For example, replacing a timing belt on a V8 costs 150–200 thousand ₽, and diagnostics in the official service - from 30 thousand ₽.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Maserati check history viaCarVerticalorAutocode. Often sellers hide the facts of an accident, and repairs after serious accidents can exceed the cost of the car itself.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Maserati and its emblem
Why is the Maserati trident sometimes confused with the Ferrari logo?
Both brands are Italian and use bright emblems, but the symbolism is different: Ferrari — black stallion on a yellow background (coat of arms of pilot Francesco Baracca), and Maserati — trident of Poseidon. The confusion arises because in the 1990s Maserati temporarily belonged Ferrari, and some models (for example, 3200 GT) had design elements similar to their "competitors".
Can the Maserati emblem be purchased separately?
Yes, original emblems are sold at official dealerships or on the website Maserati Store. Price – from 8 to 15 thousand ₽ depending on the model. There are also licensed souvenir versions (for example, keychains or stickers) for 1–3 thousand ₽. Beware of fakes on AliExpress - they are often made of low-quality plastic.
What is the rarest Maserati trident model?
This Maserati A6GCS/53 (1953–1955) - a racing car produced in just 4 copies. One of them was sold at auction Bonhams in 2015 for $4.5 million. Also extremely rare Maserati Birdcage Tipo 61 (1959–1961) and Maserati 5000 GT (1959–1964), of which 10–15 have survived.
Is it true that Maseratis are assembled by hand?
Partially yes. The bodies of most models are made by robots, but final assembly, interior trim and engine tuning performed manually at the factory in Modena (Italy). For example, leather seats are stitched by a craftsman, and V8 engines are individually calibrated. This is one of the reasons for the high price of cars.
How to care for the Maserati emblem so that it does not wear out?
To keep the trident in its original appearance:
- Wash the logo soft sponge with car shampoo (without abrasives).
- Apply protective wax once every 3 months (for example, Collinite 845).
- When parking outdoors, use hood cover (especially in summer).
- Avoid automatic car washes with brushes - they scratch the coating.
If the emblem is still worn out, it can be polished with paste 3M Finesse-it or replace it at the service center.