1963 Maserati 3500GTI Vignale Spyder

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 original 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 correct type but non original engine was rebuilt, along with the gearbox and suspension plus numerous detail improvements being made. The work totalled approximately £175,000 and since then, the car has been seldom used if 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. It is rare indeed to find an original right hand drive Italian convertible on the open market, together with its McGrath recent works this is an opportunity not to be overlooked.