MASERATI - 3500 - One of just 242 Vignale Spyders built, this specific example is the Turin Motor Show car of 1962

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

PLEASE NOTE: Currently the Maserati is without bumpers as they are currently re-chromed due to a very little dent in the rear bumper. The car will be delivered with bumpers of course. 

1962 MASERATI VIGNALE SPYDER

- One of just 242 Vignale Spyders built

- This particular example is the Turin Motor Show car of 1962

- Desirably fitted with Borrani wire wheels and triple Weber carburettors

- Impressively restored and complete with foto documentation of the restoration

- Carrozzeria Vignale is one of the most famous Italian coachbuilding companies

- Recent work was carried out, engine rebuilt in 2021, resulting in invoices with amounts exceeding € 78.000,-

- Complete with a comprehensive history file documented with “Maserati Certificate of Origin”, “Maserati Technical and Aesthetic Characteristics”, service invoices and restoration pictures

In the 1950’s, not even Ferrari could touch the workmanship and performance of Maserati.  And their GP cars were simply among the best, as Fangio ended his last four career championships with the triumphant Maserati 250F.

The 1950s had proved very successful for Maserati in both sports car and Grand Prix racing and in 1957 the Italian sports car manufacturer announced an exciting new road car Superleggera-bodied called the 3500GT. Its first road car built in significant numbers.

At the 1959 Salon de l’Auto in Paris, Maserati introduced the Vignale-bodied 3500 GT Spyder. 

As Luigi Orsini and Franco Zagari state in their go-to reference book on the marque, Maserati – a complete history from 1926 to the present, ‘Its direct descendence from the famous racing six-cylinder was very evident in the general layout and in the engine, which was non other than a road version of the 350S, originally born from the three litre experience’.

Fortunately, the 3500GT proved to be a resounding success and public demand led to the production of some 2500 examples; high numbers indeed for such an exclusive machine. However, of this number, only 242 of the highly coveted Spyders were built, with a chassis two inches shorter than the coupé version and bodywork styled independently by Carrozzeria Vignale. 

In 1948 the Carrozzeria Vignale was founded at Via Cigliano, Turin and became a well known Italian coachbuilding company. 

Vignale designed and built cars for Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia and many others. For the design he often relied on his friend and former colleague at Farina, Giovanni Michelotti.

In December 1969 Alfredo sold his Carrozzeria Vignale to DeTomaso Automobili. 

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

The Maserati S.p.A. Certificate of Technical and Aesthetic Characteristics that accompanies this example confirms that this specific example was manufactured in left-hand drive configuration on October 1962.

It was finished in Bianco Andalusia (4398) over Blue Connolly.

This particular example is fitted with the very rare five-speed gearbox and equipped with the optional and expensive Borrani wheels, along with triple Weber carburettors system which means no headaches about the injection system.

The car had to show nice as this particular example is the car which was used on the Turin Motor Show in 1962 but the first owner wasn’t happy with the color and decided to bring the Maserati back to the factory to bring it in the current color which is Argento Auteuil.

A very nice detail is that the change is described on the Maserati Build sheet. 

In the Maserati build sheet it is  also reported that this car is the  “Salone Torino (Turin Motor Show)” which, in fact, opened on 31st October 1962.

In December 1962 the Maserati was delivered to Cornacchia Automobili Maserati dealer in Milan where it was sold on the 10th of January 1963 to an Italian Engineer a Mr. Vitaliano Medaglia who lived at the time in Milan and owned the car till 1989.

In June 1964 the Maserati was brought to the Maserati Customer Department for service.

In 1989 the Maserati was exported to the United States, the car returned to Europe in 2001.

In 2001 it was offered for sale in the Bonhams & Brooks auction in Monaco and sold to a buyer in Germany. The car was at that time Red with Blue upholstery and described as totally restored in England. 

In December 2003 the Maserati was purchased by an Italian owner, a Mr. Grandori from Milan that owned the car till 2014.

In 2017/2018 the Maserati received its first complete and professional restoration.

The paint was carefully stripped, revealing a body underneath that was in very good condition.

In the course of the nut-and-bolt restoration of this car to its original condition, the electrical system was replaced and the upholstery redone. 

In later years the Maserati, was in the possession of a German private collection.

The former owner acquired the Vignale Spyder approximately in 2019.

He is a keen car collector and a very good friend of us, who owns a Maserati Mille Miglia Veteran Car and various extremely important cars. 

While in the former owner’s care the Vignale Spyder was made even better then it was.

In 2021 the engine of the Maserati has been rebuild and since the engine rebuilt the car has been used scarcely by its former owner due to the fact that he has too many cars in his collection. 

This, along with other maintenance works, amounted to approximately € 78,000,- invoices which are available to view on file.

This example presents itself in an absolute wonderful condition and would certainly be a worthy addition to any Maserati collection.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

This particular example is in a very nice overall condition. The body of the car is very nice with a beautifully Silver paint.

The car has been body wise completely restored in 2017/2018.

When we inspected this car it became clear that the restoration has been done very thorough.

The doorfittings and boot/bonnet fitting are excellent and details such as the insides of the doors have received their attention.

The connection between the chrome are wonderful which means that the car is very properly restored. 

The chrome / aluminum parts are all in a very nice order, especially the impressive grille is in excellent order even as the lamps and the surrounding of the air intake on the bonnet.

Currently the Maserati is without bumpers as they are currently re-chromed due to a very little dent in the rear bumper. 

The chrome “Ruote Borrani” spoke rims have a sublime appearance and are in a beautiful condition.

Pictures of the impressive body restoration are available and can be send upon request. 

CONDITION INTERIOR 

As soon as you take a seat in the beautiful blue leather seats, you are immediately transported back to the glorious 1960s. 

The splendid steering wheel, with its distinctive split-rim style, frames a classic Jaeger instrument panel, where each dial and meter is a subtle nod to Maserati’s rich racing history.

The interior of the Maserati was newly upholstered in approximately 2017/2018.  

All of the seats, door cards and rear section are very fresh and present very well and according to the original color specification. 

The interior is extremely stylish and full of extremely nice details. 

The meters, knobs and buttons are incredibly beautiful.

ENGINE BAY/UNDERNEATH

The engine bay and underpart of the Maserati are in a very nice and period correct condition. The engine bay as well as the underside present very fresh.

Due to the recent engine rebuilt, one can easily recognize the proper maintenance which has been given to the car. 

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

We’ve been in and out of this car and it looks fabulous, delightful to drive, this car is a wonderful alternative to a Ferrari 250 Series car.

The driving experience of the Maserati reflects the fabulous looks of the car. 

The feeling is fantastic and the sound is great.

In summary, this Italian classic is ready for a new chapter in its adventure!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.