1963 Maserati 3500GTI Vignale Spyder

Lot Number: 413

1963 Maserati 3500GTI Vignale Spyder

A late production right-hand drive UK car imported new, this superb Vignale Spyder has been the subject of substantial recent expenditure.

  • NOT SOLD

LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 24th August, 2024 at 11.00am BST at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN

  • Body Colour

    BODY COLOUR
    Blue Scuro

  • Drive

    DRIVE
    RHD

  • Registration Number

    REG NUMBER
    MZ 43

  • Odometer Reading

    ODOMETER READING
    44706 Miles

SUMMARY

A late production right-hand drive UK car imported new, this superb Vignale Spyder has been the subject of substantial recent expenditure.

DESCRIPTION

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.

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 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. In all, 243 Vignale Spyders were built between 1959 and 1964 of which a mere eight cars were right-hand drive.


This car was the second to last right-hand drive car built and one of the five that were imported to the UK when new. It was completed in August 1963 and benefits from all the later developments, as well as the optional Borrani wire wheels. In 1986 it was acquired by respected UK collector, the late Tom Walduck, and formed part of his extensive Collection, maintained but little used. In 2003, the current owner acquired the car from Walduck and immediately handed it over to McGrath Maserati for recommissioning. The brief to McGrath was to make the car safe, reliable and ready to use and after assessment, it was deemed necessary to replace the wiring loom, re-instate the Lucas fuel-injection and the suspension and brakes were gone through with whatever was required being carried out. After a general service, the car was returned by McGrath to their customer as being, ready for use, which it certainly was as our vendor enjoyed it, albeit occasionally, for the next ten years during which time it was maintained throughout ‘on the button’ by McGrath.

In 2016, the decision was made to restore the car properly. The body and paintwork were entrusted to Prestige Restorations in Surrey and the mechanical and trim work was undertaken by McGrath. The original exterior colour was Amaranto Roma however, during the restoration, it was decided to refinish the car in the origanal Maserati hue of Blue Scuro, a rich dark blue that really suits the Spyder’s elegant lines. The original interior was listed as ‘neutral’ and it was completely retrimmed in a very similar colour and a new hood fitted. At the same time, the engine, gearbox and suspension were rebuilt and numerous detail improvements were made.

Whilst the engine is the correct type for this vehicle, it is not the matching numbers original. The work totalled approximately £175,000 and since then, the car has not been used at all, although it has just been recommissioned once again by McGrath.

Further information about this fascinating Maserati can be found in the Vignale Spyder book by Walter Baumer published in 2015.

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number
413
Make
MASERATI
Model
3500GTI VIGNALE SPIDER
Registration Number
MZ 43
MOT Expiry
Exempt
Chassis Number
AM1012757
Engine Number
1012757
Transmission
Manual
Body Colour
Blue Scuro

GALLERY

CONSIGNOR

Consignor

For further information regarding this lot please contact Rob.

CONTACT

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SEE IT IN ACTION

SEE IT IN ACTION

Payment is due by 5pm on Monday 26th August.

Payment should be made by bank transfer where possible. Payment by card can be made (in person only)

Due to venue restrictions, all vehicles must be collected on Monday 26th August between 9am and 2pm.

Any vehicles not collected by this time will be transported to a secure storage facility in Northampton by our transport partner EM Rogers, the charges for which are £175 plus VAT for removal and £10 plus VAT per day for storage. We will make contact on Sunday to confirm how you will be removing your vehicle(s). If we do not hear back from you by 5pm on Sunday evening, we will arrange collection with EM Rogers on your behalf.

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An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.

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