Maserati 3500 GTi

Dubbed 3500 GTi (thus becoming the first GTI model ever!), the car now boasted a power output of 235 hp and a top speed of over 230 kph (144 mph). Maserati had started experimenting with its own fuel injection designs in 1954 under the guidance of Chief Engineer Giulio Alfieri.

Many different systems were tested and several prototypes were built, providing Maserati with plenty of expertise in this specialist area. The first application of direct fuel injection (supplied by Bosch) in a Maserati had come on the 1955 250F Formula 1 car.

For road-going production, a partnership was formed with British supplier Lucas, and the 3500 GTi became the first Italian road car equipped with indirect petrol injection, whilst the mechanical system was also used to good effect on the second series 5000 GT. The increase in horsepower (15 bhp) was less significant than the increase in smoothness and driveability.

A carburettor version of the 3500 GT remained available for the more traditional members of Maserati’s clientele. Four-wheel disc brakes became fitted as standard on all 3500 GTs from 1962. There were also some subtle revisions to the styling that same year with less chrome and new taillights. The 3500 GT’s great success necessitated the creation, in the early 1960s, of a true assembly line with a raised ramp that allowed engineers to work both above and below the car simultaneously.

Looking at the 1961 sales brochures, there were some external differences between the carburettor version and the injected 3500 GT: the latter sported rectangular side indicators and the side window was divided with a fixed 3/4 piece, while the former adopted a thicker chrome surround to the front grille.

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In Detail

tags	Maserati 3500GT
submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1961 – 1964
built at	Italy
coachbuilder	Touring
price $	$ 10,500
engine	Inline-6
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Lucas Indirect Fuel Injection
displacement	3485 cc / 212.7 in³
bore	86 mm / 3.38 in
stroke	100 mm / 3.94 in
compression	8.5:1
power	175.2 kw / 235 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	67.43 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	163.19 bhp per tonne
torque	344.4 nm / 254 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	Hydraulic 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	Worm & Sector
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Girling Shock Absorbers
r suspension	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	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.00:1, 1.84:1, 1.30:1, 1.00:1
top speed	~230.1 kph / 143.0 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 GTi Auction Sales History

1962 Maserati 3500GTi Coupe AM101.2524 – sold for $286,000 Exceptionally well-presented example of Maserati’s legendary GT. Certified by Maserati Classiche. Matching numbers and presented in original factory delivered livery. Desirable late-production example featuring 5-speed ZF ‘box and disc brakes. Extensive history file includes copies of factory built sheets. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams

1962 Maserati 3500 GTI coupé AM101.2462 – sold for €93,150 he current vendor bought the Maserati in 2001 from a person living in Bordeaux, via a retailer based in Lyon. Since acquisition the engine has been fitted with Weber carburettors, replacing the Lucas fuel injection, and the car treated to a complete restoration. The latter commenced in 2004 and was completed in 2012, since when the car has scarcely been used. Refinished in its rare original livery of Maya Red with black Connolly leather interior, this beautiful Italian classic is described as in generally very good condition and offered with Maserati factory certificate, French Carte Grise and the original fuel injection system. Auction Source: 2013 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1962 MASERATI 3500 GTi – sold for €66,716 The car offered is an exceptional coupé liveried in red, that first took to the road in 1962. It has covered 108,000 km in the hands of just three owners. The current owner bought the car in 1971, from the marque importers, Thépenier. The model from this year was the most successful version, with 235 bhp available underfoot, complemented by the five-speed gearbox. The vendor, who took part in rallies in the 1950s, told us that he liked to cruise at 160 km/h when the roads were clear. During restoration work carried out by the ARES workshop during the 1980s, the paintwork was redone, and part of the leather trim was replaced, while retaining the original seats. At the same time, new brakes, clutch and a stainless steel exhaust were fitted. Cars with such continuous history are hard to come by, and this Maserati offers a remarkable opportunity to acquire a car in original condition, as might be found some thirty years ago. Auction Source: 2012 Sport & GTs au Mans Classic by Artcurial

1964 Maserati 3500 GTi Coupe AM1012718 – sold for $55,000 Well cared for throughout its life, this 1964 Maserati 3500 GTi represents the landmark model. Thoughtfully restored a number of years ago, it retains a very original feel with smooth, clean body panels showing off the correct deep dark gray paint and sparkling brightwork. Rich red leather seats contrast beautifully with the dark exterior. Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1964 Maserati 3500 GTi Coupe Chassis 101-2224 – sold for $88,920 The GT-injection Maserati 3500 was bought for the collection because in their opinion the model is the ‘most beautiful post-war Maserati ever built.’ As ever, the reason for acquiring this car over others was that it represented a good original and correct example of the model. This fact is supported by an interesting file of history which dates back to its original supply, which was in Germany.

The original closed German registration (Kraftfahrzeugbrief) is included in the history file and confirms that the car was first registered to Dr. Norbert Heieck of Braunschwieg on July 10, 1964. A later copy of a bill of sale from Auto-Becker of Dusseldorf charts its sale to the U.S. for DM14,000 to S. Harris of Rolla, Missouri on March 18, 1968. The car is understood to have spent much of the next two decades in Sacramento and by late 1980s, the car was with Bruce Trenery of Fantasy Junction, CA when it was sold to the previous owner, John Hansen of Sioux Falls, SD in 1993 through that same company.