Modena in the Motor Valley is known internationally for Ferrari and Maserati, but the city holds several smaller collections that rarely appear on the standard itinerary. The Stanguellini museum, the Hombre Maserati Museum, and the Collezione Righini each document a distinct strand of Modena’s automotive history – and all three are worth the detour.
Stanguellini Car Museum
The Stanguellini Car Museum documents a family-run operation that left a real mark on small-displacement sports car racing in the mid-20th century. The Stanguellini family built and raced their own cars from Modena, and the museum holds the evidence: the Formula Junior, various prototypes, race trophies, memorabilia, and photographs that trace the whole story. The cars are accessible enough to examine closely, and the scale of the place – small, personal – reflects the workshop it came from.
Hombre Maserati Museum
On the edge of Modena, inside the Panini farm that also produces Parmigiano Reggiano, the Hombre Maserati Museum holds a collection started by Umberto Panini over decades of patient acquisition. The cars range from the Maserati 6CM and the 250F to the Quattroporte – racers and road cars side by side. Visiting means moving between a working farm and a serious private museum, which gives the experience a different quality from a purpose-built institution. Entry is free by appointment. For a full account of what the collection contains, see our Panini collection visit guide.
Collezione Righini
The Collezione Righini is one of the largest privately held car collections in Italy, assembled by Mario Righini and housed in a castle near Modena. The cars span rare Italian prototypes and classic production models from major manufacturers. The standout piece is the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 – the first car Enzo Ferrari built, before the Ferrari brand existed. The collection is not widely publicised and visits require prior contact, which keeps it off the usual circuit.
Conclusion
The Stanguellini museum, the Hombre Maserati Museum, and the Collezione Righini cover different corners of Modena’s automotive history – family racing, Maserati’s legacy, and the origins of Ferrari. None of them require a full day, and any combination makes for a focused visit. To explore Motor Valley with guided transport from Bologna, see our Motor Valley factory tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stanguellini museum in Modena?
The Stanguellini Car Museum is a small family museum in Modena dedicated to the Stanguellini racing cars built in the city during the mid-20th century. It holds the Formula Junior, prototypes, trophies, and archival material. Contact the museum directly to arrange a visit.
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What is the Hombre Maserati Museum?
The Hombre Maserati Museum is a private collection at the Panini family farm outside Modena. It holds around 19 historic Maserati vehicles, including the 250F Formula One car and the Birdcage Tipo 61. Entry is free but requires an appointment. The farm also produces Parmigiano Reggiano, which can be visited on the same trip.
What is the Collezione Righini?
The Collezione Righini is a large private car collection assembled by Mario Righini, housed in a castle near Modena. It includes rare Italian prototypes and historic vehicles, with the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 – the first car Enzo Ferrari built – as its centrepiece. Visits must be arranged in advance.
What is the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815?
The Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 was the first car produced by Enzo Ferrari, built in 1940 before the Ferrari brand was established. It was raced in the Mille Miglia that year. One example is held in the Collezione Righini outside Modena.
Are the automotive museums in Modena free?
The Hombre Maserati Museum is free to enter by appointment. The Stanguellini museum and Collezione Righini are private collections – contact each directly for visit terms and any admission details.
How many car museums are there in Modena?
Modena has several automotive museums beyond Ferrari and Maserati. The main ones for independent visits are the Stanguellini Car Museum, the Hombre Maserati Museum at the Panini farm, and the Collezione Righini. The Museo Ferrari in nearby Maranello and the MAST factory museum are also in the area.
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