In the mid-fifties the head of Maserati, Omer Orsi, gave Ing. Giulio Alfieri, Maserati’s chief engineer, the task of designing a fast reliable road going Granturismo that could be produced in larger numbers. Maserati had until then produced road cars in very low numbers mainly in response to orders from individual customers. It was this strategy that was to change Maserati’s fortunes.
The 3500 GT was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957. Two prototypes were displayed on the Maserati stand: one by Allemano, the then traditional designer for the ‘Casa del Tridente’ and the other the work of Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Touring had designed a very elegant 2+2 coupé and it was this design that Omer Orsi chose for the series production. Between late 1957 and early 1958 the 3500GT entered production.
The 3500GT was more entitled to be named a ‘sports car’ than a ‘Granturismo’. Powered by an engine evolved from the Tipo 250F Formula 1 car and based on the successful Tipo 350S sports racer, the 3500GT had a maximum speed of around 145 mph combined with excellent acceleration.
1964 was the last year of production for the Maserati 3500 GT. This elegant 2+2 coupé is a combination of elegant coachwork and luxurious design. Under the hood is a 3485 cc 6-cylinder in-line engine with triple Weber carbs producing 220 bhp @ 5500 rpm.
The all aluminum body is extremely solid, only the paint has some visible chips as a result of age. The black interior much like the exterior shows some signs of wear. This is an extremely rare Maserati as there were only a limited amount ever produced. An excellent example of a classic Italian “Granturismo” Design.
“A Design of Classic Simplicity.”
