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1963 Maserati 3500 GTi

The Maserati brothers had a passion for racing, with early endeavors employing the two-liter Grand Prix cars designed for Diatto. When racing was suspended in 1926, the Trident was unveiled and the company began production of sporty, road-going machines. By the 1950s, when the company was under Orsi family ownership, the company introduced purely road-going sports cars, GT cars, and even race cars. Success by Juan Manuel Fangio in the iconic 250F gained worldwide fame and the opportunity to capitalize on the new A6 model which was Maserati's initial production/road offering that eventually evolved into the A6GCS.

As the 1950s progressed, Maserati became faced with a bleak future and its financial difficulties forced a withdrawal from racing. The company's survival strategy henceforth centered on its road-going products. The first of these new products were introduced in March of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. It was the Giulio Alfieri-designed 3500GT and nearly 2,245 examples were built in both Coupe and spyder format between 1957 and 1964. Alfieri was also the creator of the Tipo 60/61 'Birdcage' sports racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The 3500GT was a major departure for the company, offering luxurious high-speed transportation in gran turismo fashion. The 3500 stunned the motoring public with its technical innovation, coachbuilt appeal, and captivating design. Power was sourced from a dual overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine developed by Ing. Alfieri from Maserati's experience with the A6 and 350S. Its redesigned camshafts and other small detail changes made it more reliable and useable for street use.

Early models had drum brakes on all four wheels, and disc brakes became optional in 1959 before becoming standard in 1960. A ZF five-speed transmission replaced the former four-speed unit. Lucas fuel injection replaced carburetors, but they sometimes proved difficult to tune. Borrani wire wheels were also offered but rarely selected as they were expensive. The tubular chassis frame used an independent suspension in the front with wishbone and coil springs, with a conventional live axle rear setup with a semi-elliptic arrangement.

The coupe bodywork was created by Touring using their Superleggera techniques and joined in 1960 by Spyder coachwork by Vignale. The open bodywork of Vignale received unique characteristics and detail changes that included vents, scoops, and a four-inch shorter wheelbase than the coupe. A total of 250 Spyders were built over a five-year period, compared to the approximately 2,000 coupes. The 3500GT chassis also received coachwork from some of Italy's finest carrozzerias including Allemano, Bertone, Boneschi, and Frua, however, most of the coupes were the work of Touring and all (but one - a Frua-bodied examples) wore the Spyder coachwork.

The 'Sebring' Series I was introduced in 1962 and is one of the final manifestations of the 35000GT. By now, the 3500 GTi's (the 'i' signified the use of Lucas fuel injection) came standard with a five-speed gearbox, fuel injection, and four-wheel disc brakes. An automatic transmission, a limited-slip differential, and air conditioning were part of the options list. The Sebring Series II was introduced in 1965 and came with a 3.7-liter engine with 245 horsepower, although some cars left the factory with 4.9-liter units towards the end of production in 1966. Approximately 591 Sebring were built with 348 being first series examples and 243 being Series II cars.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: 101.2156
Engine number: 101.2156

Maserati developed a notable reputation through a variety of racing ventures. With the increase in visibility, the decision was made to build a world-class grand touring 4-seater. Development of the 3500 models would date back to 1956. At the time, Maserati was immersed in Formula 1 racing. In need of an engine that would be suitable for a Grand Touring car, the 3.5-liter engine would be modified for street use. This would eventually lead to a relationship with Carrozzeria Touring, who created a beautiful aluminum body that would serve as the first prototype.

Maserati produced the 3500 from 1957-1964 and made approximately 2,226 examples. With this model, Maserati was now able to compete with Ferrari.

The 3500 GTi and the 3500 GTis were introduced in 1961 as the first fuel-injected Italian production car. It had a Lucas fuel injection system, two spark plugs per cylinder, and generated 235 horsepower. A 5-speed ZF S5-17 gearbox was now standard (3.02:1, 1.85:1, 1.29:1, 1:1, 0.85:1), as well as disc brakes all around. The body had a lowered roofline and became somewhat longer; minor outward changes appeared as well (new grille, rear lights, vent windows).

This vehicle has a 98-inch wheelbase and a five-speed manual transmission. It creates 230 horsepower at 5500 rpm and reaches a top speed of 148 mph. This car has had a complete restoration focusing on the paint, interior of the car and mechanicals. It was sold new in Switzerland and imported to the United States in the 1970s. A complete cosmetic and mechanical restoration was completed in 2007. It is one of three cars fitted at the factory with side exhausts.

Convertible by Vignale
Chassis number: AM1011457

During the 1950s, Maserati was essentially a specialized constructor of highly developed sports-racing and grand prix automobiles. Their success with these few road cars combined with the tragic failure of the company's constructor's world championship racing team in 1957 convinced the company's owners, the Orsi family, that a new direction was needed.

At the 1957 Geneva Show, Maserati introduced their 3500GT with standard coachwork provided by Touring. Maserati had hoped to capitalize on the successes of their six-cylinder 250F GP car (which is considered the best built, most balanced and best driving of the front-engined GP cars) and its 300S sports-racing sibling.

Development and refinement continued on the Maserati 3500GT throughout its production lifespan. In 1960, Maserati selected Alfredo Vignale to build a Spyder version. It was built atop a shorter (by 100mm) wheelbase and given subtle, yet distinctive, design differences. These differences included the grille emblem, hood scoop, and the fender top line which was straight on the 3500GT but had a distinctive drop in front of the rear fender in the Vignale Spyder.

Production of the Vignale Spyder version continued for six years with a mere 227 examples produced during that time.

This car was once in the John Bookout collection before being acquired by its current owner. It has been well cared for its entire life and is in top mechanical and cosmetic condition. It has a set of Weber dual throat side draft carburetors, a ZF five-speed gearbox, and four-wheel power assisted disc brakes. The suspension has been professionally lowered by two-inches for better handling.

It is finished in triple black with original leather seats.

In 2008, this Maserati 3500GT Spyder was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $225,000 - $275,000. Bidding reached $211,200, including buyer's premium, which was suitable to satisfy the vehicles reserve. The lot was sold.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: 101.2156
Engine number: 101.2156

Following a terrible racing team accident during the 1957 racing season, Maserati retired from racing and shifted its focus to production automobiles, although the factory continued to build racing cars for individuals.

Chief engineer Giulio Alifieri built the six-cylinder Maserati 3500 GTI coupe, which features an aluminum body over Carrozeria Touring's superleggera structure.

Options on this 3500 GTI include factory side exhaust, Borrani alloy wheels, reclining passenger seat with headrest and Blaupunkt radio. The car was sold new in Sweden and brought to the United States in the 1970's. A recent total restoration was completed over a two year period.

Convertible by Vignale
Chassis number: AM.101.1453

During the mid-1950s, Maserati had focused much of their attention on producing racing cars. From those came highly developed sports-racing and grand prix automobiles that were based on racing car chassis and drivelines. They were expensive, rare, and each was individually built to order. The result was automobiles that were among the best of their era.

The production cars proved to be successful, both in terms of popularity and in sales. When the factory team tragically failed to capture the constructor's world championship in 1957, the Orsi family decided it was time for a new direction. At the 1957 Geneva Show, Maserati introduced the 3500GT. Touring had been chosen to craft the elegant coachwork and would provide the standard coachwork for the production vehicles. In 1960, Maserati selected Alfredo Vignale to build a Spyder on a 100mm shorter wheelbase 3500GT chassis. It was an immediate success and had subtle, yet distinct, differences from the Touring coupe. The list of similarities included the head and auxiliary light placement in the front fenders and windshields. Differences included the grille emblem, hood scoop, and the fender top line which was straight on the 3500GT, but had a distinctive drop in the front of the rear fender in the Vignale Spyder. The Spyder had a sloped rear fascia and taillight housings.

There were nearly 2,000 coupes and 242 Vignale convertibles constructed. This example was sold new on February 14th of 1963, to Antonio Turati of Milano, Italy. It was originally painted Nero (black) with champagne leather upholstery. It is equipped with disc brakes, a five-speed manual transmission and Borrani wire wheels. In the mid-1960s, it was sold to Carlo Cavallini of Milano, and then to Ital Bil, the Swedish Maserati importer. From there, the car passed to Uno Lingmark, Vallentuna, Sweden, in 1967. It is believed that the car stayed in his care for the next 17 years, where it wore registrations 'AA 8442' and later 'FXH 362.' The next owner was a Ferrari Specialist named Terry Hoyle of London. While in his care, the car was painted in period correct silver grey metallic and fitted with a new red leather interior. It was sold at auction in 1988 and then registered in 1990 to Jack Levy from Devon, United Kingdom. Mr. Levy commissioned a Maserati expert to perform a restoration before selling it in 1995. In 1996, it was again registered and later sold in 2004 to a private collector.

In 2009, this Vignale Spyder was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The car was estimated to sell for $240,000 - $280,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had not been sold. Bidding had reached $190,000, but was not enough to satisfy reserve.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: 101-2640
Engine number: 101-2640

The Maserati 3500 GT was introduced at the Geneva auto show in 1957 and produced through 1964. In total, over 2,200 examples of the 2+2 pillarless coupe were built. The 3500 GT's alloy body was styled by Carrozzeria Touring and utilized the firm's Superleggera lightweight construction techniques.

The engine was a derivative of the world championship-winning Maserati Tipo 250F Formula 1 racer. The 3.5-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine offered 240 horsepower in carbureted form. The 1961-64 production was equipped with a ZF five-speed manual transmission, replacing the 4-speed used earlier. The GTi designation arrived in 1962, with the 'i' designation signifying a Lucas-sourced fuel injection system, introduced that year.

This example wears an older restoration with considerable refurbishment over the years. In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge auction presented by Bonhams. It was sold for the sum of $183,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: AM1011580

Maserati displayed the 3500 GT at the Geneva Auto Salon in March and production resumed a short time later in late 1957. The Maserati 3500 GT was constructed in the superleggera style by Touring of Milan. Approximately 2,225 examples of the 3500 GT were produced between 1957 and 1964.

This example is a triple-carbureted GT model that was built in 1963. The early provenance is unknown; it was purchased in the late 1980s by a collector in Chicago who stored the car for approximately 25 years. It appears that the black leather upholstery and carpets were refreshed or replaced at some point, but the car remains largely unrestored. The current owner purchased this GT from the long-term storage facility and had it mechanically serviced in 2013.

The paint it wears could very well be its original red finish. The engine is a 3485cc dual overhead cam six-cylinder unit fitted with 3 Weber carburetors. The engine produces 265 horsepower which is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. At all four corners are disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: AM101 2590
Engine number: 1531

This fuel-injected 3500 GTi was built by Maserati on December 10th of 1962 and left the factory finished in Grigio Montebello over a blue leather interior. It was delivered new to Rome, later imported to the United States, and eventually acquired by Doug Magnon for inclusion in the Riverside International Automotive Museum. The car was treated to a restoration and re-finished in its original color scheme and fitted with wire wheels.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Touring

The 3500 was designed to move the Maserati company in a new direction. Development of a new road car started in 1956 using a 350S Maserati racing engine modified for touring use with an output rated at 215 hp. In March 1957, two 3500 prototypes were introduced and the Touring design was selected. A total of 18 cars were produced by the end of 1956. The 350 GTI was introduced in 1960 and production started the following year. Featuring a Lucus fuel injection system, it produced 235 horsepower and had a five-speed transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, four vent windows, a new grille design and new tail lights. From 1957 until 1964 a total of 2,200 Maserati 3500s were produced, 245 of which were Vignale convertibles.

In 2012, the now current owner commissioned a full Concours level restoration. Amelia Island 2017 was the first showing of the car since the restoration was completed and the first time the car had been out under its own power since 1990.

Convertible by Vignale

Prior to the introduction of the 3500GT at the 1957 Geneva Auto Show, the Italian automaker was a boutique car manufacturer building racing cars to compete in grand prix and sports cars competitions. Road cars were, in essence, nothing more than thinly disguised racers. That changed with the 3500GT, which was a viable competitor to Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar. It remained an exclusive automobile for the connoisseur, yet sold in numbers sufficient to keep the automaker alive. Just 2,400 were sold from 1957 to 1964, including 245 Vignale-bodied Spyders.

Power is supplied by a 3.5-liter, 240 horsepower twin-cam twin-plug inline 6-cylinder engine with triple Weber carburetors.

This example was originally delivered new to an Italian in Torino, Italy, through Autosalone Renzo Bordese in the summer of 1962. It was equipped with Borrani wire wheels and a ZF 5-speed manual transmission and finished in Blue Sera over red leather.

The Maserati 3500 GT was produced from 1957 through 1964 with over 2000 examples built. The vehicle was penned by Carrozzeria Touring gathering many styling cues from the Maserati A6G54 coupe. The 3500 GT is seen as a savior for the Maserati Company. Prior to its production, the company produced less than 140 cars in a ten-year time span. Racing and competition nearly exhausted the funds; the company needed help. Becoming a mass-produced company and the widely accepted 3500 GT saved the company and allowed for Maserati to continue its racing efforts with the design and development of the famous birdcage design.

In March of 1957, the 3500 GT was shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show. Two prototypes were shown; one was designed by Touring and the other by Allemano. The Touring design was a 2+2 coupe, which was later selected by Omer Orsi selected for production. There were minor modifications to the production design. The headlamps, radiator grille, and dashboard were slightly modified but remained mostly unchanged.

Over the Maserati 3500 GT's production lifespan, many improvements were made. In 1960, front disc brakes became standard; also this year the four-speed manual gear was replaced by a ZF five-speed transmission. In 1961, disc brakes became standard on all four corners. In 1962 the engine was mated to a Lucas Fuel Injection system which increased horsepower by 15.

Under the hood was a 3.5 liter DOHC inline-six-cylinder power-plant equipped with three side-draft two-barrel carburetors achieving 240 horsepower. The engine was an evolution of the Tipo 250F Formula 1 car. The top speed of the 3500 GT was achieved at 145 mph.

In 1960 Carrozziera Vignale introduced a 3500 spider that sat atop a shortened chassis. Other coachbuilders such as Allemano, Frua, Moretti, Bertone, and Boneschi produced bodies for the 3500 chassis.

The car was impressive both visually and mechanically. It was Maserati's first production car built in great numbers. During its eight-year production lifespan, over 2225 examples of the Coupes and Spyders were produced.

by Dan Vaughan