1961 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe

By the end of the 1950s Maserati had moved on from motor racing. After decades of being identified with cars intended for the track, the company would turn its full attention to production automobiles and offering track-like performance for the road. Their first Gran Tourismo example would prove a seminal design.

Ferrari would have its Gran Tourismo in the 250GT; Maserati's example would be the 3500GT, and it would prove more than capable of holding up the trident proudly. In fact, the car would be such a momentous creation that it would prove a blessing and a curse for Maserati everyday after its debut.

Following its debut at the Geneva Salon in 1957, the 3500GT would remain in production until 1964. With each and every year, the car's elements and components would be improved and evolved. However, the evocative bodywork would remain relatively unchanged, and for good reason.

Giulio Alfieri would design the car. However, it would be up to Carrozzeria Touring and Giovanni Michelotti of Carrozzeria Vignale to design and build the bodies that would make the 3500GT so clairvoyant. Touring would be left with the responsibility of building the coupe design. Vignale, on the other hand, would be given the task of creating the Spyder.

Over the course of production just 242 examples of the Spyder would be built by Vignale. Chassis AM101.1029 would be one of those having been produced in October of 1960 and finally delivered to its first owner in June of the following year.

Carlo Ostani would be the proud first owner of the 3500GT Spyder. A real estate agent near Torino, Ostani certainly had to turn heads as he combed the Italian countryside looking for his next property. Ostani's car would be delivered rather late as the records would indicate it being used as a demonstrator for a period of time before having been delivered to Ostani.

The car itself would be special, not just because it was used as a demonstrator for a period of time, but also because it would be one of the last to use the Weber DCOE carburetors. Later examples would receive a fuel injection system, but this car would use three Weber carburetors to help the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine reach its 220hp. Mated to a four-speed ZF gearbox, a limited-slip differential and front disc brakes, 1029 was not just a Spyder that looked good.

Additional history on the car is lacking but it is known that it has recently undergone restoration and has been completed with a dark blue finish that contrasts the touches of chrome and the Borrani wire wheels beautifully. Beige Connolly leather upholstery completes the interior of the car and help to explain why the 3500GT, especially the Spyder, is such a significant design and why Maserati's dreams would be haunted.

This car has even more to offer. The standard soft-top is attractive in its own right. However, the car was also purchased with the optional hardtop, which remains with the car to this very day. The car is the complete picture, a clear statement that would entrench the Maserati name among the very best for all time.

The 2015 RM Auctions event in Scottsdale, Arizona would be the setting for 1029 coming before the public. With its rare hardtop, triple Weber carburetors and rich finish the car would earn strong estimates before the auction. The expected sale price was to fall between $950,000 and $1,200,000.

By Jeremy McMullen