Vehicle Description
Upon its introduction at the 1957 Geneva Auto Show, Maserati's new
3500 GT marked a significant turning point for the storied Italian
sports car maker. Up to that point, Maserati was a boutique car
maker, focused on building racing cars to compete in grand prix and
sports car competition while their road cars were in essence thinly
disguised racers, built and sold in just enough numbers to finance
the racing department. But as their sporting successes faded and
sales of competition cars slowed, the firm struggled to stay
afloat. In order to stay viable in the face of competition from
Ferrari, Aston Martin and Jaguar, Maserati needed a flexible,
reliable and purpose-built GT car that was capable of production in
significant enough numbers to boost the Modenese manufacturer's
bottom line. With the arrival of the much anticipated 3500 GT,
Maserati finally had its first car designed specifically for volume
production; a car that would go on to save the firm from certain
bankruptcy. Despite its "mass production" aspirations, the 3500 GT
was still very much an exclusive automobile built for the
connoisseur. Maserati did not skimp on style or performance in the
name of production, either. At the heart of the 3500 GT was a 3.5
liter twin-cam, twin-plug inline six that produced nearly 250
horsepower on a trio of Weber carburetors. The engine a direct
descendent of that used to power the 350S and 300S sports racing
cars, as well as the legendary 250F Grand Prix cars. Despite the
astonishing $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 3500 GTs constructed were sold with closed
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 3500 GT
Spyder was a gorgeous machine, with a distinctly Italian balance of
restraint and flair. Astute observers might notice a bit of the 250
California in the shape of the rear quarters, which is no
coincidence, as the new Maserati was seen as a direct competitor to
Ferrari's 250-series cars. But thanks to the burly inline six, the
Maserati retained a unique character and provided ample performance
to match its stunning good looks and today is counted among the
most quintessential Italian Grand Touring cars of the 1960s. We are
very pleased to feature this stunning 1963 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale
Spyder; chassis number 101.1405. According to the included Maserati
Classiche documents, this breathtaking automobile was delivered new
to an Italian buyer in Torino via Autosalone Renzo Bordese in the
summer of 1962. It came very well equipped from new, with Borrani
wire wheels and ZF 5-speed gearbox. Build sheets also show it was
delivered in Blu Sera over Marrone Connolly hides with matching
carpets. This lovely Vignale was enjoyed in Italy for several years
before being imported to the United States in 1969 where it spent
many years in both California and Texas. It has recently been
treated to a sympathetic restoration which was completed in late
2017, and now presents in beautiful condition throughout. Finished
in the original shade of Blu Sera�which complements the new�Rossa
leather, the stunning Vignale coachwork looks positively delectable
in its dark blue livery with just a hint of metallic sparkle. 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 dark blue Haartz canvas soft top
complements the paint work very nicely, and is fully lined for
comfortable cruising even at high speed; while and a red leather
top boot can be snapped in place when the roof is folded. The dash
retains a great number of its original features, including the
factory-applied blue paint as well as original gauges, switch gear
and steering wheel; all in excellent condition. The highly valuable
factory tool kit and jack are included in their original pouches,
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 used throughout, with the
careful attention given not to erase the rough-hewn nature these
cars exhibited when they left the works. At an unknown point in its
life, the troublesome Lucas mechanical injection-spec engine was
replaced with the current unit; a proven and vastly more reliable
triple Weber carburetor specification engine. It is, however,
important to note that the original, matching-numbers block,
verified and documented by Maserati Classiche�(internal number
1333), will be included in the sale. Regardless of spec, the twin
plug ignition, dual overhead camshafts and race-proven design
translates into 240 horsepower and near 150 mph performance, along
with that signature raucous Maserati soundtrack. Along with the
careful engine detailing, the chassis is presented with correct
colors on the shocks, brakes, and major components. As a 1963
model, 101.1405 benefits from many significant improvements over
the earlier models such as four-wheel disc brakes, the optional ZF
five-speed manual transmission and a set of beautiful, highly
desirable polished alloy Borrani wire wheels, all fitted from new
and documented by the Maserati production records. It has been very
well sorted and would make a very fine choice for a wide array of
tours, rallies and events. Beautiful and rare Vignale coachwork
along with 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 and positively resplendent
in its presentation, is a worthy addition to virtually any
collection; a fabulous driving sports car with race-bred DNA from
one of the most legendary Italian marques of all time.