Maserati GranTurismo news - Maserati in the black - 2008

In a revelation that has probably shocked Maserati's accountants as much as the rest of us, the Italian firm has announced a profit for the first time since it became part of the Fiat group. 

Yes, after 17 years of straight loss-making, Maserati will return a profit in the second quarter of 2007. Admittedly it's only into the black by one million euros - Maserati recorded a seven million euro loss over the same period last year - but it represents something of a watershed for the Italians, who expect to finish 2007 comfortably in profit. 

As Jason Barlow reported on his drive of the new GranTurismo, the unexpected profit is indicative of Maserati's new resolve since returning under full Fiat control after an eight-year dalliance with Ferrari.

Maserati puts the profits down to sales of the new auto-box Quattroporte, which are flying off the shelves like discount firearms in the USA, and the interest generated by the GranTurismo. 

And with the four-seat coupe soon to hit showrooms and a GranSport replacement on the way in the next couple of years, the future is looking rosy for Maserati. 

It's all good news that one of Italy's iconic marks is looking in ruddy health, but we can't help pining for the days when Maserati leaked money like a feckless Premiership footballer with a crack habit and made cars that were fatally flawed but deeply dramatic. 

We only hope that the Maser accountants see fit to spend their newfound wealth on fine wine, loose women and other such decadences.