1963 | Maserati 3500 GTI Spyder Vignale

Sold | £432,500 GBP

• One of only 242 examples of the 3500 GT Spyder built between 1959 and 1964
• Late-production model featuring fuel injection and a five-speed manual ZF gearbox
• Retains its matching-numbers 3,485-cc straight-six making 235 brake horsepower
• Presented in its factory colour combination of Nero over a Cinghiale interior
• Nearly £44,000 spent in 2024 on mechanical maintenance at McGrath Maserati
• Accompanied by an extensive history file and rare aluminium hard top roof

Please note this car is titled as 1962.

Just 242 examples of the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder were completed between 1959 and 1964, with coachbuilder Vignale tasked with styling the model’s transformation from coupé to convertible. Factory records note that chassis number AM101 1453 holds a February 1963 production date. As a late car, the 3.5-litre straight-six swapped carburettors in favour of Lucas fuel injection to deliver 235 brake horsepower via a five-speed ZF manual gearbox.

Finished in Nero over a Cinghiale interior, this GTi was delivered to Mr Antonio Turati of Milan. The car remained in the city under the care of its second owner before it was exported to Sweden, where it was enjoyed by Mr Uno Lingmark for more than 15 years. The Maserati is believed to have then arrived in the United Kingdom and was changed to silver over red upholstery. Come 1988, the Spyder was sold at auction and registered by Mr Jack Levy of North Devon. He commissioned Maserati specialist Bill McGrath with a restoration before selling in 1995, at which point New Jersey resident Mr Lawrence Auriana took ownership.

Following a spell in Stamford, Connecticut, the Spyder was acquired by a custodian based in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Chassis number 1453 was sold again in January 2008, with the new keeper taking it back to United States to live in Houston, Texas. The Maserati was next owned in Vienna. While in the Austrian capital, Frantz Classic Cars of Vösendorf embarked upon a second restoration. The engine was rebuilt at a cost €10,247 (invoice available to view on file) before the bodywork was prepared and repainted by Carrozzeria Autosport of Modena for €78,862.

It is believed that between 2018 and 2019, the 3500 GTi made its way to Bacchelli & Villa in Modena to be returned to its factory colours, as the car presents in today. Subsequently, it was acquired by the British consignor in 2022. Most recently, between May and November 2024, it returned to McGrath Maserati. The inlet manifold, water pump, and exhaust were rebuilt, the wiring tweaked, plus the front suspension, gearbox, brakes, and steering system refreshed in work totalling £43,671. Please note, while the engine number appears to have been restamped, the internal number is confirmed as correct by Maserati Archivio Storico.

Equipped with fuel injection, a ZF gearbox, disc brakes, and Borrani wire wheels, here is one of the most desirably specified examples of the Maserati 3500 GTi Spyder. It is made more appealing courtesy of being accompanied by an aluminium hardtop and sizeable history file.

Please note this lot has entered the UK on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the UK on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the UK.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.