Beautifully Restored and Great Driving Early 3500 with Triple Webers, Twin Plug Ignition, and Front Disc Brakes. Elegant Superleggera Touring Coachwork with Lovely Detailing.

1959 Maserati 3500 GT
s/n AM101*530*, engine no. AM101*530*
Blue with Ivory Leather Interior

Driven by their passion for racing and the pride of their growing competition victories, Maserati built their company on superlative engineering and dedicated artisanship. The commitment and innovation attributed to the Maserati brothers allowed them to assemble some of the finest racecars in the world and attract world-class drivers. Though lacking the resources of larger companies, Maserati remained highly competitive, earning significant world racing titles including a win at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. By the early 1950s, however, it was clear that Maserati needed greater financial stability. The company shifted their focus to dual-purpose vehicles capable of delivering great performance on the track, but also beautifully appointed for street and touring use. While they had previously built small numbers of road cars, they needed a new model which could sell at the figures necessary to create a viable business to support their racing.

Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Auto Show, the 3500GT presented an elegant, handsome 2+2 design penned by Guilio Alfieri and constructed by Carrozzeria Touring. The handmade aluminum body panels were formed over a tubular frame. The patented Superleggera (super light weight) method developed by Touring was based on aircraft construction techniques yet quite suitable for performance cars. For power, Maserati utilized their race-bred engine, the 3.5 liter inline six with twin-plug ignition and dual overhead cams. Updated to a wet-sump system, tuned for street use, and mated to a ZF 4-speed gearbox, the marvelous engine provided exceptional performance, which pleased contemporary press and buyers alike. Production for the 3500GT continued through 1964, allowing Maserati to remain profitable, while also encouraging the continued development of future GT offerings for decades to come.

According to the Maserati Classiche certificate and copies of the build sheets presented with this car, this 3500GT was constructed on July 25, 1959. Finished in Grigio Verde over white leather interior, the car was sold new in Milan. In the 1970s, two brothers from California purchased the car, intent on using it as a driver. At some point however, an issue with the transmission sequestered the car to a garage and subsequently wound up being stored for over three decades. By this time, the color had been changed to the blue that the car now wears. In 2009, the brothers embarked on a proper restoration with the help of a wide range of experts. Having been stored in a dry location, the original coachwork and mechanical components all remained in excellent condition, showing no significant corrosion or damage to the body or chassis. The body and paint work was performed by Brian Moore Restoration who carefully stripped the car down to the original aluminum while carefully prepping the car for repaint in the same beautiful shade of blue that the car was prior to restoration. The chrome plating was also renewed. Mechanical work included a comprehensive rebuild for the engine, all hydraulics, and the ZF gearbox, which was shipped to Germany for final assembly and testing before being reunited with the original engine. Suspension, wiring, emblems, and trim were all carefully restored using as many of the original components as possible. Experts at Anino Upholstery in Rancho Cordova, CA, reupholstered the beautiful ivory leather interior and Wilton carpets. Seeking to restore the car to a high level of enjoyment while still retaining originality, a few improvements were made including the installation of stainless steel exhaust, more effective sound and thermal insulation, Koni shock absorbers, and the addition of a period-correct Audiovox radio. More recently, the car has been serviced including the installation of a new brake booster, as well as carburetor tuning.

Today, this Maserati 3500GT presents as a wonderfully restored example of one of the finest and most elegant GT cars ever produced. The clean Touring lines are beautifully enhanced by the glossy blue paint which has been expertly applied throughout the car. The black and yellow California license plate dates from the mid 1960s and displays a 1981 registration sticker, supporting the long-term ownership and provenance attributed to the Californian brothers. The beautiful grille, side vents, and upper trim line along the rear fender all contribute to the stunning coachwork and dramatic hunkered down performance stance. The rare ventilated bimetal wheels are trimmed with small wheel covers and accenting beauty rings adding to the dramatic and purposeful look of the car. All body panels have excellent fit including tight closures from the doors, hood, and trunk. There are some minor paint chips, and minor blemishes in a few areas, noticeable when looking closely, none of which take away from the very handsome and cohesive visual presentation. Glass and surrounding trim are in very good condition, however the windshield has some road wear and wiper marks. The chrome and polished trim are all in excellent condition, showing only light hazing. The trim and emblems, lighting and lenses are all very nicely preserved or restored with care and authenticity in mind.

Opening the driver’s door, the ivory leather interior comes to life vividly against the contrasting painted blue dash fascia and elegantly curved black leather dash top. The leather seats have been faithfully upholstered with correct piping and pleating patterns, showing some relaxed cushion use on the driver’s seat since restoration, but still presenting crisply overall. The rear seating compartment, headliner, door panels, and Wilton carpeting are all perfectly executed in material, color, and composition. Even the tinted hinged Plexiglas sun visors are correct and in place. The dashboard features excellent gauges with superb clarity and near perfect numeric indication. The painted black steering wheel rim is handsomely finished with detailed perimeter rivets surrounding the polished aluminum spokes. Overall the various trim, interior components, and details have been addressed with thoughtful artistry and impressive attention to detail. The trunk compartment retains much of the original and rare quilted diamond pattern, which lines the trunk walls and floor. Under the upholstered removable trunk floor, a correct matching bimetal rim is in place with a period correct spare tire.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers twin-cam, twin-plug 3500 series engine delivers a very strong and captivating visual impression. The restoration performed on the car addressed every aspect of the engine and engine bay carefully with regard to originality. Correct painted finishes, casting finishes, proper hoses, lines, and correct fasteners have all been sourced and installed as they were originally. The finishes have only slightly started to mellow since the restoration work was completed, but the overall impression is very strong. All engine components are in place, many of which are believed to be original, supported by the condition of the car when restoration was commenced. The Weber carburetors, correct air cleaner, air cleaner assembly, and all assorted details remain beautifully finished including the correct diamond quilted hood insulation pad.

The car is exceptionally satisfying to drive. The engine starts easily and even from idle, there is a purposeful and throaty exhaust note. Throttle response is excellent, and the triple Webers breathe beautifully and produce fabulous induction noise. The 4-speed gearbox is easily engaged with well-defined gates, and a slick, mechanical action. The gear ratios are particularly well-judged, with a pleasingly tall fourth gear which allows civilized cruising at speed, an unusually modern attribute which significantly enhances the car’s usability. The clutch takes up smoothly and acceleration is brisk and particularly enjoyable thanks to the quality feel of the gearbox and the visceral character of the Webers. Instrumentation functions properly and the car shows good temperature and oil pressure. Braking is very good, coming down from higher speeds with excellent bite, reassuring pedal pressure, and even tracking, having benefitted from the recent rebuild of the brake booster as well as front disc brakes, which were optional in 1959. The steering is nicely weighted and provides good feedback and excellent precision. The chassis and suspension have a tight, responsive character that makes the car a pleasure to maneuver at any speed. The underside of the car is clean and well presented, showing excellent structure overall, correct components restored to proper specifications, and reflective of the cohesive visual and mechanical integrity of the entire car. The car comes with a notebook containing copies of the build sheets, correspondence with Maserati SpA, and miscellaneous photos and documents from the restoration. Also included are spare coils, fuel pumps, and original parts book and owner’s manual.

Truly the embodiment of great Italian style and motoring elegance, this Maserati 3500GT is an exceptionally well-resolved example finished in stunning colors. Boasting a high quality professional restoration and excellent visual presentation, this wonderful example is a true pleasure to drive and is ready for enjoyable driving, vintage events, or concours exhibits.