Maserati 3500 GT Spyder

Alfredo Vignale’s Carrozzeria Vignale won the contract to produce the open-top version of Maserati 3500 in 1960. Maserati produced a short-wheel-base version of their chassis for the new bodywork which shared the coupe’s exceptional engineering, build quality and style.

Giovanni Michelotti was specifically responsible for the 3500 Spyder design which was completely different in detail from the 3500 Coupe produced by Carrozzeria Touring since 1957.

Before Vignale was given regular production, Carrozzeria Touring proposed a convertible of their own standard coupe of which three were produced. Vignale also built several pre-production prototypes with differences in details before the final production Vignale design was chosen. In six years, 243 Spyders were produced.

Mechanically, the convertibles shared all the hallmarks that made the coupes such a success including late-model features such as disc brakes. Options including Borrani Wire Wheels, a 5-Speed ZF Transmission and a very rare hardtop.

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This truly is a beautiful Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder of 1961. It has been in possession of the third and last owner for over 25 years. It has the original paint scheme “Bianco Andalusia” with a black leather interior. She also still has her original and therefore matching numbers engine! Mechanically she has been completely rebuilt by a well known specialist in Holland and has received the Maserati Classiche certificate!

 

Maserati 3500 GT Spyder In Detail

tags	Maserati 3500GT
submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1960 – 1964
built at	Italy
body stylist	Giovanni Michelotti
coachbuilder	Vignale
engineers	Giulio Alfieri
production	243
engine	Inline-6
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed	3 Weber 42 DCOE Carburetors
displacement	3485 cc / 212.7 in³
bore	86 mm / 3.39 in
stroke	100 mm / 3.94 in
compression	8.5:1
power	164.1 kw / 220 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	63.13 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	148.45 bhp per tonne
torque	360 nm / 265.5 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body w/Aluminum Doors, Hood Trunk over over Steel Tube Frame
driven wheels	RWD
front tires	Pirelli 185×16
rear tires	Pirelli 185×16
front brakes	Ventilated Discs or Drums
rear brakes	Drums
front wheels	F 40.6 x 14.0 cm / 16 x 5.5 in
rear wheels	R 40.6 x 14.0 cm / 16 x 5.5 in
steering	Burman & Sons Worm & Sector
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Girling Shock Absorbers
r suspension	Salisbury Live Axle w/Longitudinal Leaf Springs, Girling Shock Absorbers
curb weight	1482 kg / 3267 lbs
wheelbase	2500 mm / 98.4 in
front track	1390 mm / 54.7 in
rear track	1360 mm / 53.5 in
length	4450 mm / 175.2 in
width	1635 mm / 64.4 in
height	1300 mm / 51.2 in
transmission	ZF 4 or 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.00:1, 1.84:1, 1.30:1, 1.00:1
top speed	~230.09 kph / 143 mph
fuel capacity	75 litres or 19.80 gal.

 

Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Auction Sales History

1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spider Vignale AM101*1129 – sold for €858,240. Ruiz bought the car in bare metal from MIE and duly sent the car away for a 5-years restoration. The restoration was completed in 1993 and the owner entered the car in many events and, amongst others, won a prize at the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. The current owner bought the car in 2009 and even though the car was still very good condition he decided to send it to Maserati specialist, Ital-Auto, outside Stuttgart for a further restoration. It was beautifully re-painted in black and the interior re-trimmed in its original black colour. 500-600 hours of work excluding the paintwork were carried out and about 100 hours were spent solely on cosmetic details.

The car is complete with all its tools, books and with factory hard-top. The engine mounted is not the original one. However, the car does come with the original matching number engine block as well. It was also originally fitted with a rare and very desirable 5-speed gearbox which gives the car significantly longer legs for a much more relaxed drive. Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spider Vignale 101.1221 – sold for €834,400. Sold new in Paris. Matching numbers. Completely original. Same owner between 1979 and 2013. One of 245 examples built. The current owner, a Lamborghini owner, entrusted the car to the renowned business Automobiles T.S. where Monsieur Sisinni undertook a meticulous recommissioning, leaving the totally original coachwork untouched. Only the windscreen was changed as the old one was damaged. This is an incredibly sound car in every respect. In Toni Sisinni’s view, it has never been dismantled and is thus in very well conserved and completely original condition. The leather upholstery, hood and carpets are all original. Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars

1960 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder 101.979 – sold for €793,500. An early carburettor-equipped model, this matching numbers 3500GT Vignale Spyder was manufactured in July 1960 and exported new to California, USA where it was first registered in 1961. As far as in known, the Maserati has had only three private owners from new, the last of whom, a Dutch collector, owned it from 1989 to 2014. In 2000/2001 the car was restored by recognised specialists in Holland, including an engine rebuild, and refinished in its original colour scheme of Bianca Andalusia (white) with black leather interior. All restoration invoices are in the history file and the car is described as in beautiful condition, driving very well. Additional documentation consists of a Maserati Classiche certificate, International Maserati Research document and Netherlands registration papers. An exciting opportunity to acquire an exceptional example of this most sought after of classic Maseratis. Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder AM101.1029 – sold for $1,347,500 One of 242 Vignale Spyders built. Originally a factory demonstrator. Rare removable hardtop; spectacular colors. Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions

1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale 101.1365 – sold for $764,500 One of only 242 Vignale 3500 GT/GTi Spyders. No-expense-spared restoration by marque specialists. Fitted with desirable wire wheels and triple Weber carburetors. Strikingly beautiful in its original Argento Luna over dark blue leather. Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions

1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spider Prototype 101.124 – sold for $1,430,000 The Second of Only Three Touring- Bodied 3500 GT Spiders. Delivered New to Racing Team Owner and Maserati Patron Temple Buell. Well-Documented History with Fascinating Provenance. Exquisite Restoration Overseen by Maserati Historian Adolfo Orsi. Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction

1962 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spider – sold for $231,000. Power windows, four-wheel disc brakes, Weber carburetion and five-speed gearbox. Factory records indicate that chassis 1337 was produced on October 20, 1961. With power windows, four-wheel disc brakes, a five-speed gearbox and Weber carburetion, this is the configuration most desired by collectors today.

This car benefits from the loving care and consistent maintenance of an owner who purchased the car in 1981 and retained it until 2008. In his nearly thirty years of ownership, he never hesitated to address any need or problem that arose, and he kept the car in mechanically fit condition at all times. It is presented here in a very fitting shade of red that is complemented by tan leather seats, a tan cloth top and a beautiful set of 16-inch Borrani chrome wire wheels. The paint, interior top and brightwork are in very presentable condition.  Auction Source: RM Auctions’ 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey