In 1957, while Maserati's race cars were victorious internationally, the 3500GT road car
entered production. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show, this exclusive GT coupe stunned
the motoring public with its captivating design, technical innovation and coachbuilt appeal.
The success of the 3500GT coupe prompted Maserati to create an open version, and the
beautiful 3500 GT Vignale Spider went into production in 1960. Other than its wheelbase
which had been shortened by two inches, the Spider shared its mechanicals with the coupe,
including the outstanding in-line six cylinder engine derived from the 350S race car.
This particular example offers a rare combination of the most sought-after options. Built on
the cusp of the production change to fuel injection, this car has both the more desirable
triple Weber carburetors of the earlier cars, plus the more desirable front disc brakes and 5-
speed transmission of the later cars. Additionally, it's fitted with the rare and highly
desirable optional Borrani wire wheels.
Before me, this car had the same owner for 25 years. It is a numbers-matching car. It is in
very presentable cosmetic condition. The paint is shiny and looks nice. There is a small
bubble in one rocker panel. The chrome and brightwork is also in nice condition. The
underside of the car is extremely clean, solid and rust free. The interior and top are in good
condition, as is the trunk. The engine compartment is clean. On the road the car feels very
nice. It makes very good power, sounds great, and is easy to drive. It has a new clutch, and
a few years ago the cams were reground and the valves adjusted.
Considering their timeless styling, sophisticated mechanical specifications, hand-built quality
and rarity, with only 242 examples produced, the Maserati 3500 GT Spiders have long been
overlooked. Today collectors prize Maseratis from the 1950s and 1960s. These open
Maseratis make outstanding touring cars, offering an ideal blend of power, beautiful Italian
styling, comfort, durability, and ease of operation. When compared to the Ferraris of the
same era, such as the 250 GT California Spyder, they are a fantastic value at less than a
tenth of the price but are similar, and some may argue even better, in terms of beauty,
performance, and quality.
$POA
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