1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Vignale

1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Vignale
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2014
Sold for $764,500 Including Commission
Chassis no. AM101.1365
Engine no. AM101.1365
220 hp, 3,485 cc DOHC six-cylinder engine with triple Weber 42 DCOE carburetors, ZF five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, double wishbones, and an anti-roll bar, rigid rear axle with radius arms and semi-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 100 in.
•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
The Maserati 3500 GT, launched at the 1957 Geneva Salon, was designed by chief engineer Giulio Alfieri and was essentially developed from the company’s first street car, the AG6 of 1946, which was offered only as a rolling chassis and was bodied by numerous exotic coachbuilders. It is a testament to the chassis design that continued to evolve through the 1960s and ultimately powered the Sebring and Mistral. In its 3500 GT form, the twin-plug, 3.5-liter inline-six could carry its passengers upwards of 140 mph, which was an impressive figure for the era.
The best possible components went into the 3500 GT, including a ZF all-synchro four-speed gearbox, a Salisbury axle, Alford and Adler front suspension, and Girling brakes. Mechanical developments were steady throughout production, with a five-speed ZF gearbox made optional in 1960 and then standardized the next year. Massive Alfin drum brakes were offered until 1959, when three key options were added, which were front disc brakes, center-lock Borrani wire wheels, and a limited-slip differential. Lucas mechanical fuel injection was added in 1961.
The rarest factory iteration of the 3500 GT was the spyder, which was bodied by Alfredo Vignale on a slightly shortened 100-inch wheelbase chassis. The car offered here is an excellent, original, straight, rust-free example of that rarity, and it has been treated to a recent no-expense-spared restoration by a well-known marque specialist in Southern California. The body was refinished in its original color of Argento Luna (Silver Moon), and the interior featured elegant dark blue leather, a comprehensively instrumented dashboard, light grey carpet, and a new black top.
The previous owner always maintained the car mechanically, including upgrading the fuel supply system to the triple Weber 42 DCOE carburetors, which were fitted to the 1957–1960 models. This was a relatively common change, which occurred even in the Sebrings and Mistrals, as the carburetors offered similar performance without the maintenance hassle of the Lucas fuel-injection equipment. The engine compartment has received an engine-out detail, while the chromed trim and wire wheels shine brilliantly. Additionally, the car has recently been fully serviced.
With low production numbers, exceptional build quality, and potent engines, the 3500 GT Vignale Spyders are wonderful cars to own, and they represent exceptional value in the market today. This Maserati is finished in a stunning color combination and presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a rare coachbuilt Italian spyder that is considered to be one of the best all-around sports cars of the 1960s
Robert Myrick Photography