Vehicle Description
Upon its introduction at the 1957 Geneva Auto Show, Maserati's 3500
GT marked a significant turning point for the storied Italian
sports car maker. Up to that point, Maserati was focused on
building racing cars to compete in grand prix and sports car
competition. Most of their road cars were thinly disguised racers,
built and sold in just enough numbers to finance the racing
department. But the firm struggled to stay afloat, and in order to
stay viable in the face of competition from Ferrari, Aston Martin
and Jaguar, they needed a flexible, reliable sports car capable
being built in more significant numbers. Finally, with the 3500 GT,
Maserati had its first car designed for volume production, one that
would save the firm from certain bankruptcy. Despite its "mass
production" aspirations, the 3500 GT was still very much an exotic
and special automobile for the connoisseur. Maserati did not skimp
on style or performance in the name of production. At its heart was
a 3.5 liter twin-cam, twin-plug inline six that produced nearly 250
horsepower on a trio of Weber carbs. The engine was derived
directly from the 350S sports racing car, which itself was related
to the fabled 250F Grand Prix cars. Despite the rather eye-watering
$13,000 price tag in 1960, the 3500 GT proved to be popular with
buyers, with production reaching 2,400 units between 1957 and 1964,
more than any previous Maserati model, and setting the firm on a
new path to success for the remainder of the decade. While the
majority of 3500GTs constructed were sold with coupe coachwork by
Carrozzeria Touring, just 245 very lucky (and wealthy) buyers got
their hands on the gorgeous, open topped Spyder by Carrozzeria
Vignale. One look and it is easy to see why the 3500 GT Vignale was
seen as a direct competitor to the Ferrari 250 California built
just down the road in Maranello. The styling of the 3500 GT Spyder
was a gorgeous machine, with a distinctly Italian balance of
restraint and flair. With performance to match its stunning good
looks, the 3500 GT Vignale was the epitome of Italian Grand Touring
in the early 1960s. Our featured 1963 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale
Spyder is chassis number 101.1145, delivered new in Torino Italy in
the summer of 1962. It was imported to the United States in 1969
and spent many years in both California and Texas. It has recently
been treated to a sympathetic restoration which was completed in
2017, finished in the original colors of Blu Sera over Rossa
leather. The stunning Vignale coachwork looks magnificent in dark
blue with just a hint of metallic sparkle. Ferrari fans might
notice a bit of the 250 California in the shape of the rear
quarters, which is no coincidence, as the Maserati 3500 GT was a
direct competitor to Ferrari's 250-series cars, but retained its
own distinct style and character thanks to the burly inline-six. A
striking red leather cockpit provides a beautiful contrast against
the metallic blue paint. Seats, door panels, center console and the
rear shelf are all trimmed in supple red hides, presenting in
freshly restored condition. The blue canvas soft top is fully lined
for comfortable cruising in all conditions, and a red leather boot
can be snapped in place when the roof is folded. The dash retains
many original features, including the factory-applied blue paint as
well as original gauges, switches and steering wheel; all in
excellent condition. The highly valuable factory tool kit and jack
are included, and even the ultra-rare quilted trunk mat and hood
insulation is intact and in amazing original condition. As part of
the restoration, the engine bay has been comprehensively detailed
with correct finishes, fittings and hardware, while the chassis is
presented with correct colors on the shocks, brakes, and other
components. As a 1963 model, this car features many significant
improvements over the earlier models such as four-wheel disc
brakes, a ZF five-speed manual transmission and a set of beautiful,
highly desirable polished alloy Borrani wire wheels. Furthermore,
on this example the troublesome Lucas mechanical fuel injection
specification engine has been replaced with a reliable and proven
triple Weber carburetor spec unit. Twin plug ignition, dual
overhead camshafts and race-proven design translate into 240
horsepower and near 150 mph performance, along with that signature
raucous Maserati soundtrack. Beautiful, rare Vignale coachwork and
the robust and powerful Maserati drivetrain combine to produce one
of the most desirable Italian GT cars of the era. This stunning
machine, fresh from restoration, is a worthy addition to any
collection; a fabulous driving sports car with race-bred DNA from
one of the most legendary Italian marques of all time.
