This stunning 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder was sold by uk based
The Classic Motor Hub.
Chassis number AM101.1297, one of only five right-hand-drive cars, was completed on 23 May 1961, and sold new via Arturo Tuena in Genoa to an Englishman who was living in Italy, hence the right-hand-drive configuration.
Finished in Acciaio Brunito with a black interior, it originally wore steel wheels but they were later replaced with the optional Borrani wires.
As a relatively early example of the 3500GT Spyder, it featured the four-speed gearbox. Not until later in the production run did Maserati fit a five-speed unit.
Originally launched as a 2+2 coupé, the 3500GT featured bodywork by Touring that was mounted on a tubular chassis. Beneath the bonnet was a 3485cc straight-six that was closely related to the marque’s competition engines and featured twin overhead camshafts, twin-plug ignition and a trio of twin-choke Webers.
When it was introduced in 1959, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder featured drum brakes all round – those at the front were soon replaced by discs – while suspension was via wishbones and coil springs at the front, with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The wheelbase was slightly shorter than on the coupé, at 2500mm rather than 2600mm.
Upgrades applied during its production run included a five-speed gearbox in place of the previous four-speeder, all-round disc brakes from 1962, and the development of the 3500GTI. Having been fitted with Lucas fuel-injection, the power output for this model was boosted to 235bhp – the carburettor-fed model gave in the region of 220bhp. In total, 245 Vignale Spyders were built between 1959 and 1964.
When Road & Track magazine tested a 3500GT Spyder, it compared it favourably to the Ferrari 250 GT. With a top speed approaching 140mph, it certainly had the performance to go with its good looks, and it was little wonder that the Maserati became the Grand Tourer of choice for captains of industry and glamorous socialites alike.
The photographer wasn't credited in the listing, but beautifully shot, as you would expect for a car of this nature.
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