To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$750,000 - $1,000,000
- A unique Maserati spyder custom-designed by Pietro Frua
- Initially styled as a prototype submission for the 3500 GT
Spyder
- Widely featured in period magazines and film
- Upgraded with desirable five-speed transmission and front disc
brakes
- Extensive mechanical restoration by RM Auto Restoration
- Successfully completed the 2018 Colorado Grand
- Suitable for historic driving events and rallies as well as
international concours
Prior to the official release and production of Maserati's 3500 GT,
the company enlisted a handful of coachbuilders to design bodywork
to sit upon the 3500 GT chassis. Five chassis and drivetrains were
sent to the Torino-based coachbuilder Pietro Frua and one only,
chassis AM101 268, was an open spyder. Its one-of-a-kind design
features headlights set into subtly "scooped" fenders, delicately
flanked with barely-there "coves" decorated in chrome strakes, and
slightly flared tailfins.
Completed in January 1959, the Frua spyder was driven by Maserati's
chief mechanic and test driver Guerino Bertocchi and German
journalist Richard von Frankenberg on the Modena Motodromo. It was
then exported to France via Paris importer Simone et Thenpenier. In
1960, the car featured with film actor Roger Pierre in a scene from
La Francaise et l'amour, "Love and the French Woman." The Maserati
would remain in France and there it was sold new and registered to
its first owner, Floret Remy, wearing number plates RM 27 in
Eure.
The next known owner was Bruno Bouvier of Evreux, who acquired the
3500 GT in 1981. Bouvier proceeded to have the Maserati fully
restored and fitted a new 3500 GT engine acquired from the Maserati
factory. Restoration work was continued by the next owner, Peter
Garett of Kent, United Kingdom, at Glendale Engineering of Oldham.
This included finishing the car in the present striking exterior
color of pastel yellow, along with a turquoise and white leather
interior. At that time, the car was also upgraded with a
factory-correct five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes.
In December 1991, after completing restoration, the car appeared in
Classic & Sports Car magazine as part of a feature article by
Martin Buckley. Then passing through Philippe Olczyk and Ben
Huisman, the 3500 GT was eventually acquired by renowned Maserati
collector Alfredo Brener. Mr. Brener had the restoration freshened
between 1998 and 2000, which featured new cream paintwork, and the
car was shown at the 2000 Concorso Italiano and 2002 Los Angeles
Auto Show. Acquired by another significant collector from Brener in
2003, the Maserati remained in the U.S. when it was purchased by
the current collector in 2017.
Immediately following acquisition, the one-off Frua spyder was sent
to RM Auto Restoration, where it was mechanically and cosmetically
prepared for the 2018 Colorado Grand. This included an extensive
mechanical restoration to bring the car to reliable running and
driving order. The engine and transmission were both rebuilt, with
a new second gear and clutch fitted, in addition to rebuilding the
rear differential. The brakes were likewise overhauled, and a new
exhaust was fitted along with sorting the electrical wiring.
Cosmetically, the bodywork was found to be in sound condition, and
was otherwise properly cleaned and detailed. The interior was
completely retrimmed in dark red Connolly leather with cream piping
to match the exterior, fitted with new carpeting, and the dash was
repainted to match the exterior, as well. To top it all off, a new
soft-top was fitted with a matching yellow leather boot cover.
During the Colorado Grand, the consignor notes that the 3500 GT
performed without issue, effortlessly handling the rigors of the
rally at speed-with the driver, two passengers, and a trunk full of
luggage, no less. The Colorado Grand has been the car's only
significant outing since acquisition three years ago, and it would
certainly be welcome at any number of historic driving events as
well as prominent concours d'elegance as a true, one-off coachbuilt
Maserati.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.