The 3500GT was a success in its niche. Demand led to the production of some 2500 examples, high numbers for such an exclusive machine. However, of this number, only 242 of the Spyders were built, with a chassis two inches shorter than the Coupé with bodywork styled by Vignale.

This particular Vignale was delivered in 1962 in Germany and has been restored to its original specs, with triple carburettors, a 5-speed ZF gearbox and wire wheels. It is also one of the few Vignale Spyders delivered with the optional hardtop. The restoration has been documented. This car is considered to be excellent and pristine. It was awarded the Maserati Classiche Certification of Authenticity in April 2022.

===========================
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis number: AM101*1421*
Engine number: 1180
Build year: 1962
Body: Spyder with matching hardtop
Transmission: ZF 5-speed
Matching number: Yes
Matching colours: Yes

=> The workshop about this car
Leo Peschl: "Although this car is the 4th Vignale Spyder restoration carried out in our workshop, it was the most demanding one. We could not start from scratch but took over a restoration project 'in progress'. We found AM101.1421 in 2015 as what looked like a restored bodyshell. The car came in boxes filled with spare parts – many were unrestored, and some were partially restored. However, most restoration work was carried out to a vague standard in the 1990s.

Based on what we found, the rebuilding strategy was decided. That was to bring the car to a world-class standard without overstressing an already ambitious budget. It turned out that many crucial parts were missing. When planning the project, the primary challenge was to analyse and understand the quality of the work already done and the quality of the existing parts and components.

We outsourced and supervised the painting and interior trimming. All other work, including rebuilding, was carried out in our workshop. The restoration process required a total of 1800 hours. The major technical challenge was handcrafting all the missing parts – specifically chrome trim, window and door mechanisms, etc.

These cars are exceptional, and parts evolved and altered over the model's lifetime. Most technical components were rebuilt to our LP standard without compromise. Our aim was to build the car to precise factory specs and still allow a satisfying driving experience by avoiding to a maximum degree the noises, vibration and heat."

=> Certification of Authenticity by Maserati Classiche
This car was certified at the Maserati factory in Modena in April 2022. It was checked against +300 criteria and matched against all the historical documents held by the Archivio Storico, not just the documents on this specific car and chassis number. A committee of external experts guarantees the Certification process.

Maserati Classiche announced on December 14th, 2021, their program for the Certification of Authenticity of classic cars. It is part of their efforts to protect and promote the preservation and originality of the company's automotive heritage. It is available to Maseratis older than 20 years and the special series, including more recent vehicles like the MC12 and the Quattroporte limited editions.

=> History
- The factory order shows the car was ordered on January 18th 1962, by Auto-König, Munich, Germany.
- The order was confirmed by the Modena factory four days later, on the 22nd.
- As shown on the test sheet, the car was finally ready for delivery on August 14th, 1962.
- Six days later, the car was delivered to Auto-König.
- The first owner was Mr Mario Zoelch from Bad Tölz, about 50 kilometres from Munich. Under his ownership, the car drove some 26.000 kms over 2 years ( registration plate: TÖL-R 800).
- On August 18th, 1964, the car was traded in as part of a deal between Auto-König and Herr Mario Zoelch. Herr Zoelch ordered a Lancia Flavia 1.8 coupé. From then on, the car exchanged hands several times.
The dates are featured on page 170 of the Walter Bäumer book - Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Vignale. A large photograph is on pages 172-173.
- On August 23rd, 1965, the car was registered again in Munich, Germany. At some time, the car suffered front-end damage due to a collision with a Mercedes.
- In 1972, the car was owned by Martin E. Maier - (Meistersingerstrasse 106) in Munich, Germany, with licence plate M-RA 1325. It was now painted in yellow and offered for sale in Automobil Revue (issue from August 8th 1972, p.64).
- On August 16th 1973, the car was involved in an accident with damage on the front left- and rear left side. At that time, the car had 82,199 km on the clock.
- April 8th 1974, sold to Adolf Johann Rail - Wulfertshausen, Germany, registered FDB-C 62.
- On June 4th 1974, Mr Rail did not pay the agreed price. Mr Maier took the car back and out of registration.
- June 29th 1974, sold by Mr Maier to Manfred Weiss - Puhlheim, Germany, who paid DM 1,400 for the still damaged car.
- 1999: sold to the owner from Solingen, Germany, via restorer Manfred Strecker - Gottingen, Germany.
- 2012: is still under a long-time-restoration.
- 2015: July 25th, sold to a new owner, Mr Pisker from London, UK.
- 2016: The new UK owner decided to sell the car via Leo Peschl's workshop in Köln.
- 2017-2018: The car's history was researched, the entire car was audited, and the restoration was planned.
- 2019: Restoration finished with regular test drives in and around Cologne, Germany.
- 2020: The car has done its first 1000 kms in Belgium and has been back at the workshop of Leo Peschl for its first maintenance.
- 2022: The Vignale went to Maserati Classiche for inspection and was awarded their Certification of Authenticity.

=> Classiche Masters
Classiche Masters preserves and promotes Maserati's classic cars and, through its network of workshops, offers a range of services for owners of classic Maseratis, including restoration, maintenance, car inspection and sales. The cars on offer are restored, serviced or inspected by one of the expert workshops. The project cars listed here are waiting to be revived. Either with the help of the workshops or by yourself. But always with expert knowledge available to assist at any stage of the restoration process. We'll gladly help you find a classic Maserati if a car is not listed. Through our global network, we find the cars and know their condition. So please contact us with your requirements.
[email protected]

More pictures at www.classichemasters.com
Video about this car:
<< >>