Maserati MC20 prototype dedicated to the late Sir Stirling Moss

Maserati is to pay tribute to the late British motorsport icon Sir Stirling Moss with a unique version of its MC20 prototype which previews the firm’s upcoming super sportscar.

It will be designed after the Maserati Eldorado single-seater racer which was driven on its debut at Monza in 1958 by Moss – who passed away last month at the age of 90 - at the “Trofeo dei due Mondi”. Moss also drove a Maserati 250F on May 13, 1956, taking victory at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, while another 250F came in third. The list of Maserati vehicles driven by the British racer also includes the Tipo 60 Birdcage, Tipo 61 and the 300 S.

The Italian manufacturer revealed these images of the car on May 13 to celebrate Moss’ victory in the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. He is one of the most successful drivers never to win a world title; he recorded 16 victories in 66 starts in Formula 1 racing and he’s known as the “king without a crown.” By giving this MC20 prototype Stirling Moss’ “signature”, Maserati wishes to commemorate one of the greatest names in the history of motorsport.

The goal for the MC20 is to underline Maserati’s sporting vocation, and return the brand to a leading role on the racing circuits – the last time they won a world championship was in 2010 with the MC12.

The MC20 will be the first car to adopt a new mid-mounted engine that is 100 per cent designed, developed and produced by Maserati. Rumour has it that the twin-turbocharged V6 unit could have a 3.6-litre displacement and produce 600 horsepower and it will likely be mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Other rumors hint at Maserati one day offering a hybrid model with a fully electric version also possible. A convertible version is also said to be in the works.