MASERATI

3500 GT VIGNALE SPYDER

The Maserati 3500GT was unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957 — an important moment for the brand that urgently needed a successful model. Its chassis and suspension had much in common with those of its predecessor, the AG6/54. The engine, an in-line-6 engine, was derived from the 350S while adapted for civilized road use. Boasting a double spark plug ignition and triple Weber carburettors, the engine produced 220hp and an impressive top speed of 220 km/h. The convertible version of the 3500GT was presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 1960. The coupé bodies were built by Touring, but, for the cabriolet version, Maserati chose Vignale, the Maserati 3500GT Spyder. A total of 242 Spyders were built. The car we have on offer is exceptionally well documented; all owners can be traced. The last owner, a Dutch collector, bought the car in 2013. The car was painted red at the time. This was not the original colour: the car had originally been built in a dark gray metallic colour, Grigio Metallizzato. For purely aesthetic reasons, it was decided to repaint the car in the fantasy colour Bronzo Montecarlo Metallic. This is an original Maserati colour but it does not match the period. A lot was invested in the mechanicals. The entire original matching engine was overhauled, up until the last part, by one of the Netherlands’ best-known specialists. After the overhaul, the engine running-in process was performed on a test bench. With 60,000 euros, the overhaul was extremely expensive, but the results are obvious and the engine actually runs like the engine of a modern car. The car is also equipped with a hardtop painted in the color of the body. This Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder is a very fine specimen of a very fine Italian convertible.