1962 Maserati 3500 GTI Spyder by Vignale (Tipo 101/C) Ω

The 1950s had proved very successful for Maserati in both sports car and Grand Prix racing and in 1957 the Italian sports car manufacturer announced an exciting new road car called the 3500GT. The rakish new car was styled by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan and featured their new hallmark 'Superleggera' body construction which consisted of lightweight aluminium body panels supported underneath by thin steel tubing that followed the general shape of the car. The engine was a road-going version of the competition 300/350S motor, a double overhead-camshaft straight-six unit with two spark plugs per cylinder, fuelled by a set of triple side-draft Weber carburettors with Lucas fuel injection as an option later in the model's production. Many chose the fuel-injected engine when new but as the technology was in its infancy a great number of 3500 GT engines were converted retrospectively to Weber carburettors. Factory original Weber-engined cars are therefore very rare.

Presented at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the 3500GT was an instant hit and it wasn't long before Maserati realised there could be a great demand for an open top version. Carrozerria Frua had built a Spyder prototype on an early 3500GT chassis in 1957 and Carrozzeria Touring constructed two open-top versions, however, it was Carrozzeria Vignale who were sanctioned to produce the car for Maserati in 1959. Interestingly the Spyder didn't feature Touring's 'Superleggera' construction but was built with a steel body with an aluminium bonnet and boot lid. The wheelbase was shortened and front disc brakes and a limited-slip differential were options in 1959 and became standard equipment from 1960 onward with rear brake discs introduced as standard equipment in 1962.

According to its Certificate of Authenticity issued by the Maserati Classiche programme, AM101*1375* was delivered on 13 April 1962 to the Swiss Maserati agent in Chiasso, just over the Italian border. Official concessionaire Martinello & Sonvico had specified the car in a stylish and very period combination of Biancospino (white) with a Pelle Blu Connolly interior and a matching blue hardtop. Examination of the Certificate confirms that this lovely Spyder remains ‘matching numbers’ and still retains its correct S5.17 ZF five-speed gearbox and Borrani steel/alloy disc wheels.

The car's first owner was a Mr E Kendrick of 64 Century House, London, who chose to have the expensive and exotic car registered in Geneva, not unusual in the days of currency controls and punitive UK Taxes. Records accompanying '1375' show it to have been sold for 50,000 French francs by M. A Mezzo of St Vaast, Normandy to Yannick Le Prevost of Saint-Omer - both French citizens - on 18th March 1982. On 27 April 2002, another Frenchman, M. Gerard Fasseux, purchased the Maserati from Le Prevost, now living in Arques, and he in turn sold it to an Italian enthusiast, Sig. Massara, some 18 months later.

With his new acquisition now in Milan, he entrusted Modenese Maserati expert Franco Tralli with a €65,000 programme of thorough, but mild and sympathetic recommissioning. All bodywork matters were left to another recognised marque and model specialist, Mario Galbiati. Within the substantial history file, there is a quote for Sig. Massara from Auto Sport dated 7/11/03 to the value of €47,730 covering the bodywork (side members, internal side members, floor, rear cross member, boot interior and doors etc.) and the car fully prepared and painted in its original Biancospino. The intention was always to maintain the wonderful originality of '1375', avoiding a US-style restoration with new, out-of-character leathers and period incorrect paint finishes. The interior is still the original, almost impossible to replicate, Connolly blue hide and even the luggage compartment is in period condition. 

All necessary mechanical work was completed to such a level of detail that when the engine was stripped down it was found that the original pistons were in excellent order, so were retained, modern replacements being of an inferior standard. Various stickers (on the wheels, for example) are as applied in 1962. Purchased by our London-based vendor in 2015 and initially UK-registered as 169 UYN, it was exported to Germany in 2019 in order that he could enjoy it when he was on business in Munich. Although now registered in Germany, and enjoying free movement within the EU, '1375' will be present at the Sywell sale. Should the car remain in the UK low rate import duty of 5% will be payable on the successful purchase price.

Used lightly and well maintained since its recommission, the car remains in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition and is one of the last 'unmolested' Vignale Spyders retaining that lovely 'original' feel. It's accompanied by an Owner's file which contains lots of early correspondence, bills of sale, German registration details, certificates, memberships, photographs of the 2003 recommission and a workshop manual. Naturally, most of this is in Italian. The Maserati Classiche report is not currently with the car.

To conclude, therefore, we believe that the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder offers incredible value today against the car's in-period rival, the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, recent sales of which have topped $20,000,000. As one of the prettiest Maseratis ever produced, this car deserves serious consideration and we welcome any inspection.