Vehicle Description
Chassis No. AM101 1449
Engine No. 101 302
Spare Engine Block No. AM101 1449 (see text)
Body No. 233
Throughout its early history as a manufacturer, Maserati's focus
was primarily on motorsports, which was rewarded with numerous
victories in Grand Prix and sports car racing before and after
World War II. The few road cars the firm sold were exclusive and
expensive, heavily relying on components from their racing
machines. Although Juan Manuel Fangio had achieved his fifth and
final World Championship driving for Maserati in 1957, the company
ultimately saw the discontinuation of its factory racing program in
1958. To ensure its financial health, Maserati needed to adopt a
new business strategy and while they continued to offer racing car
services to privateers, the Modena marque would begin building
series production road cars for the first time with the 3500
GT.
When word of Maserati's intention to begin building road cars
spread, Italy's most esteemed carrozzerie mobilized to secure
manufacturing contracts. The 1957 Geneva Motor Show served as the
stage for two competing visions: Allemano's interpretation and
Carrozzeria Touring's submission from Milan. Maserati ultimately
selected the Touring design, a sophisticated 2+2 coupe showcasing
the firm's signature Superleggera construction method, which
utilized aluminum body panels attached to a rigid steel
framework.
Following the 3500 GT Coupe's commercial success, customers,
particularly in the American market, expressed strong interest in
an open variant. The development process spanned several
iterations: Frua crafted an initial Spyder prototype in 1957 using
an early 3500 GT chassis, though this design didn't advance to
production. Carrozzeria Touring followed with two open-air studies
in 1958. The breakthrough came in 1959 when Carrozzeria Vignale
unveiled their Spyder, penned by the masterful Giovanni Michelotti.
This definitive version rode on a shortened wheelbase-10
centimeters shorter than the coupe-and utilized steel body panels
with an aluminum hood and trunk lid rather than the closed car's
all-aluminum construction. Production continued through 1964, with
just 242 Spyder examples built compared to around 2,000 coupes.
According to a copy of the internal factory order form obtained
through Maserati Archivio Storico, this outstanding Vignale Spyder
was originally ordered on 22 November 1962 through Hoffman Motors
Corporation on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. The document
outlines a striking specification including Bianco Le Touquet
(White) paintwork and a Pelle Nera (Black leather) interior with
matching carpets. Its desirable original specification was
completed by a tool kit, five wire wheels, and an optional high
final drive ratio of 4.09:1 (versus the standard 3.54:1). The car's
original delivery note declares that the Spyder was completed the
following month on 17 December 1962.
Chassis 1449's fascinating ownership history reveals long-term
periods of preservation punctuated by faithful restoration efforts.
After its initial California delivery, the Maserati reportedly
remained with its first owner for over twenty years until 1985,
when it was acquired by Maserati Information Exchange (MIE) in
Auburn, Washington. At the time, the car is said to have still been
on its original California "pink slip" title and in dormant
condition after a long period of storage. Recognizing its
significance and originality, MIE undertook a restoration beginning
in 1987 and concluding in 1989, which saw the Maserati renewed in
red with a tan leather interior. Following its completion, the car
sold to Hiroaki Fukushima of Beppu, Japan, in March 1989, showing
approximately 37,881 kilometers at the time.
Curiously, rather than driving the freshly restored Spyder,
Fukushima reportedly never registered the car in Japan, instead
remaining on its Washington State title and being promptly placed
in storage. Chassis 1449 would not reemerge until July 2017, when
after a remarkable 28 years in storage, the car was purchased by
Bill Noon of Symbolic International in San Diego, California,
showing 37,906 kilometers-indicating that a mere 25 kilometers were
traveled in Fukushima's nearly three decades of ownership!
Following its return to the United States in August 2017, chassis
1449 received a thorough inspection in the workshops of Symbolic
International before commencing a complete restoration. This
methodical approach revealed the original Vignale body tag stamped
"233," and throughout the disassembly, numerous corresponding body
number markings "33" were found stamped on virtually every
removable component-each carefully photographed and
documented-confirming remarkable body originality. The body
subsequently received complete stripping and professional
refinishing to the correct factory Bianco Le Touquet finish, while
the interior was entirely re-trimmed in correct black Connolly
leather to match the factory specification. All chrome and
brightwork underwent professional restoration to concours
standards, complemented by the fitment of new Borrani wire
wheels.
Mechanically, the car's period-correct, triple Weber-carbureted
3.5-liter inline-six engine (no. 101 302, internal no.125) was
fully overhauled to factory specifications. Meanwhile, the car's
original, matching-numbers engine block (no. AM101 1449, internal
no. 1530) was sourced and reunited with the car. Correspondence
with the former proprietor of MIE, Francis G. "Frank" Mandarano,
who undertook 1449's initial restoration, reveals the fascinating
story of the separation and reunification with its original engine
block spanning over three decades.
During its restoration in the 1980s, 1449's original engine was
sold to Village Import Auto Sales & Service in Williamsville, New
York. The block subsequently found service in another 3500 GT,
chassis AM101 916, where it operated for over twenty-five years
after that car's original engine suffered an oil pump failure. The
story came full circle when Mandarano purchased chassis 916 in 2012
and recognized the familiar engine number. Through contact with the
previous owner and a call to Village Import Auto, he discovered
that the shop still had 916's original block stored in their back
room. After acquiring and having the original 916 block
professionally rebuilt, the 1449 block became available for
purchase. After some negotiations, the long-separated engine block
was successfully traced and reunited with the Maserati after more
than thirty years apart. This original, matching numbers unit will
be available for pickup following the auction at the buyer's
expense from its present location in Traverse City, Michigan.
Having accumulated approximately 1,300 kilometers since the
completion of its high-quality restoration, the Spyder presents
today as a fine, three-owner example of Michelotti's design
masterpiece executed by Carrozzeria Vignale. Its stunning
restoration makes it an ideal candidate for both international
concours events and spirited grand touring, where its open-air
configuration allows for the full sensory experience of Maserati's
magnificent inline-six.
