2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th by Pininfarina

The 2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th is a one-off concept created to celebrate Pininfarina’s 75th anniversary and pay homage to Maserati’s classic Birdcage race cars. Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, it was a joint project between Maserati, Pininfarina, and Motorola, showcasing design, performance, and tech integration. The car was developed in just two months using advanced 3D modeling.

Built on a Maserati MC12 GT1 carbon fiber chassis, the Birdcage uses the same Ferrari/Maserati F140 6.0L V12 engine found in the Enzo and MC12, producing 700 horsepower. The engine is mid-mounted at a 65° angle. The chassis and powertrain make the Birdcage more than a static showpiece—it is a fully drivable, high-performance vehicle.

The exterior features a completely transparent canopy that replaces conventional doors. The smoked-glass top lifts hydraulically for driver entry and provides full visibility of the cabin and engine bay. The body is made of lightweight carbon fiber and designed for extreme aerodynamics. Active aero elements like rear spoilers and a deep diffuser adjust at speed for stability. The car rides on custom wheels—21 inches in front, 22 in the rear—and includes a prominent front grille, LED lights, and a plexiglass engine cover.

Inside, the cabin reflects Motorola’s influence. The fixed seats are upholstered in blue suede and integrated into the chassis. The dashboard uses a central transparent panel to project a head-up display showing speed, RPM, and other key data. Rear-view cameras replace mirrors. A phone-like controller is embedded in the center of the steering wheel. The car has no air conditioning or traditional gauges, emphasizing minimalism and futuristic design.

Design-wise, the Birdcage references the low-slung form and exposed structure of its 1960s namesake, as well as concepts like the Ferrari Modulo. Its aesthetic goal was to expose structural elements while maintaining a smooth silhouette. Even the interior shows off the tubular chassis. Additional tech includes a Bluetooth headset and internal cameras for sharing the driving experience.

Though never intended for production, the Birdcage 75th won multiple awards: Best Concept at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, “Most Beautiful Car in the World” in 2005, and the Louis Vuitton Classic Concept Award in 2006.