1957 Maserati 3500 GT Coupé
The Maserati 3500GT established Maserati as a road car manufacturer as it was their first production project. From 1957 to 1964 Maserati produced over 2000 of these models which was a stark contrast to the limited number of race and road cars produced in the Maserati-Brothers era in the preceding decade.
Maserati’s success with the 3500 largely stems from the vision of company owner Adolfo Orsi and designer engineer Giulio Alfieri who had worked on the previous Maserati A6 and Maserati 250Fs designs. Internally the car was known as the Tipo 101 which is reflected in the chassis and motor numbers of each car.
The sensible 3500 design used a welded tubular steel chassis that was intended for 2-door coupé bodywork. Fitted was an inline-6 engine that used a double overhead, twin spark plugs and three 42 DCOE Weber carburetors to produce 220 bhp.
Key to the 3500’s success was a comfortable ride, careful marketing and quality components sourced form specialists such as Salisbury, Girling, Lucas, Bord & Beck, Burman & Sons, Alford & Adler and the Carrozzeria Touring coachwork.
Throughout production later cars were offered with 5-Speed transmissions, Borrani wire wheels, Girling disc brakes and a limited-slip differential. These changes eventually led up the 3500 GTi which used Lucas indirect fuel injection.
Maserati displayed both a Carrozzeria Touring and Carrozzeria Allemano coupes at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show for the model’s introduction. Eventually Carrozzeria Touring won the bid for regular production and the cars were completed in Milan, Italy.
Famous owners of the 3500 GT included Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the tenor Giuseppe di Stefano, actors Alberto Sordi, Tony Curtis, Stewart Granger, Rock Hudson and gentleman racing driver Anthony Quinn.
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1957 Maserati 3500 GT Coupé Gallery
In Detail
tags | Maserati 3500GT |
submitted by | Richard Owen |
type | Series Production Car |
production years | 1957 – 1960 |
released at | 1957 Geneva Motor Show |
built at | Milan, Italy |
coachbuilder | Carrozzeria Touring |
engineers | Giulio Alfieri |
price $ | $ 10,500 |
predeccesor | 1954 Maserati A6G/2000 Sport |
succeccesor | 1961 Maserati 3500 GTi |
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 / 3.38 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 | 152.78 bhp per tonne |
torque | 344.38 nm / 254.0 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm |
body / frame | Aluminum Body over Steel Tube Frame |
driven wheels | RWD |
wheel type | Steel Discs |
front tires | Pirelli 6.50×16 |
rear tires | Pirelli 6.50×16 |
front brakes | Drums or Discs |
rear brakes | Drums |
front wheels | F 40.6 x 14.0 cm / 16.0 x 5.5 in |
rear wheels | R 40.6 x 14.0 cm / 16.0 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 | 1440 kg / 3175 lbs |
wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
front track | 1390 mm / 54.7 in |
rear track | 1360 mm / 53.5 in |
length | 4780 mm / 188.2 in |
width | 1760 mm / 69.3 in |
height | 1300 mm / 51.2 in |
transmission | ZF 4-Speed Manual |
gear ratios | 3.00:1, 1.84:1, 1.30:1, 1.00:1 |
top speed | ~210 kph / 130.41 mph |
0 – 60 mph | ~7.6 seconds |
0 – 100 mph | ~22.5 seconds |
0 – 1/4 mile | ~15.5 seconds |
fuel capacity | 75 litres or 19.80 gal. |
Maserati 3500 GT Auction Sales History
1963 Maserati 3500 GT AM1011580 – sold for $154,000 A Desirable Carbureted Example. Unrestored, Largely Original 3500. Carefully Stored by a Collector for 25 Years. A Perfect Restoration Candidate or Charming Driver. A Uniquely Untouched Maserati GT. Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1960 Maserati 3500 GT AM 101 648 – sold for €156,800 Although the complete history of this 3500 GT is not known, it is confirmed that the car was previously owned by a Mr Stolze in Holland, who purchased it from a Mr Oet. After its acquisition by the current consignor, it was completely restored between 2007 and 2008. Since the original engine was no longer with the car, a very early example of the correct type was sourced and installed.
A full body-off restoration was undertaken by the present owner, and the work performed was photographically documented and is available for inspection. This work included stripping the body to bare metal, priming and painting it in deep gloss black, and performing a careful nut-and-bolt rebuild to exceptional standards. The brightwork is all of the finest order, and the interior has been re-upholstered in beige leather, which is nicely contrasted by black carpeting. The Jaeger speedometer shows just test mileage since completion, and the engine and drive line have been recently detailed. Auction Source: 2014 Monaco by RM Auctions
1960 Maserati 3500GT Coupé 101/1020 – sold for €94,000 Following its completion, the 3500GT attended the Maserati Club’s summer concours at the Stanford Hall AutoItalia day in 2012 and the subsequent outing to Goodwood Motor Circuit, where it completed many laps with the vendor’s wife at the wheel, looking majestic and performing superbly. Only sold to help finance other projects, this understated all-weather classic is offered with the aforementioned restoration invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to April 2013 and Swansea V5C registration document. Auction Source: 2012 Goodwood Revival Sale by Bonhams
1962 Maserati 3500 GT A.M. 101.1954 – sold for $137,500 Ex-Peter Revson, Chris Amon, and formerly of the Uihlein Collection. Superleggera aluminum alloy panel work by Touring of Milan. Desirable second series specification with five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes. Awarded Best Maserati at Cavallino Classic. Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions
1962 Maserati 3500 GT 101.2428 – sold for $236,500 Multiple Show Awards Including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Best Features of Early and Late Models.Timeless Carrozzeria Touring Design. Autographed by Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni. Restored by Leading Experts. Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1960 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe AM101860 – sold for $101,750 This example from 1960 benefits from 24 years of single ownership and is a desirable earlier version equipped with Weber carburetors and the more attractive frontal treatment with triple round head, driving and turn-signal lamps. Freshly serviced and presented very nicely with a very attractive red and black color palette, this 3500 GT Coupe is a rare find and represents tremendous value for discerning collectors of the finest Italian GT machines.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM
1960 Maserati 3500 GT Touring Coupe 101.930 – did not sell for $148,500 Formerly the Property of Stan Baker. Well-Preserved Quality Restoration. Multiple-Award Winner. Long-Term Family Ownership. Proven Long-Distance Performance. Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company