Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Maserati 3500 Vignale Spyder
s/n AM 101.1051, Engine internal number 858
Metallic Blue with Red Leather

Introduced in 1957, Maserati’s 3500 series is generally regarded to be their first whole-hearted effort at a regular production model. It provided a great deal of financial stability in the form of regularization of income to offset the expense of motor racing, which was very welcome during this, Maserati’s heyday of competition in the World Championship. The car itself was available as both a coupe with handsome Touring bodywork or the beautiful and considerably rarer Spyder with Vignale bodywork. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti while at Carrozzeria Vignale, the Vignale spyder is considered one of the most attractive open cars of the 1960's. The open bodywork featured their characteristic interesting details including a number of tasteful vents and scoops to augment the already well-proportioned and elegant lines. The Spyder also featured a marginally shorter wheelbase than the coupe, and just 250 were built over a five year period, compared to about 2000 coupes. Both open and closed cars were motivated by a torquey 3.5 litre twin cam inline six, fed initially by triple Weber carburetors, and later by Lucas fuel-injection, which sometimes proved difficult to tune. They provided very good road holding, which in conjunction with the small back seats and generous trunk, made the car an enjoyable and usable touring car.

This particular car is an original triple-Weber carburetor equipped example, fitted with the desirable Borrani wire wheel option, and was sold new to Beverly Hills, California in October of 1960. According to Maserati Historica, it was finished in Argento Luna when new, with red leather interior as it wears today. Also according to Maserati’s Classics department, the engine displays the correct external oil pump unit only found on 1959 and 1960 production cars, and internal number of 858 is in keeping with this chassis number range, although the engine number pad was not stamped on this 3500, as is the case with many cars emerging from Maserati during this time period.

In the early 2009 the car was owned in Atlanta, Georgia by Ivan Ruiz, having already seen considerable body and mechanical restoration work. Mr. Ruiz, who has a long history of restoring Maseratis of this era including at least one Maserati 3500 Vignale Prototype, performed additional detailed restoration works, which was completed later in 2009. Approximately 3,200 miles have been logged since the work was completed, and while the restoration is mellowing slightly, it achieves a very beautiful presentation.

The paintwork, which was performed to reasonably high standards and applied over straight panels with good shut lines, is extremely nice, with just a handful of age and use marks present, mainly on the opening panels. The color shade could not be better suited to an Italian sports car of the period, and contrasts beautifully with the interior. The brightwork is outstanding throughout, having been redone during the restoration. The bumpers are free of any waviness, and the headlight rims retain their Cibie stampings. The Maserati emblems and Vignale badges are also excellent. The windshield appears to be the original VIS unit, and remains very nice. The tail light lenses, which are almost certainly original, are showing their age, but entirely serviceable, while all other lenses are excellent. A new black canvas soft top has been fitted at the time of the restoration and is excellent in condition. The car sits on very good aluminum Borrani wire wheels shod with near-new Michelin 185x400 tires.

The engine bay has been restored to show condition and is very correct in its details. Correct black crackle and semi-gloss finishes have been applied where appropriate, correct plug wires and Magnetti Marelli coils are installed, as is the correct air box with three-tab wing nuts. The exhaust manifold is correctly treated, and installed with brass nuts. The VDO window washer container is also present, as is the correct black vinyl hood pad. This example retains its original Maserati ID tags, and the overall presentation of the engine bay is exceedingly fresh and authentic.

The interior, which is trimmed in the original color, and may be partially original, has a very nice presentation, but is not absolutely fresh. Some age is becoming evident on the seat and door panel upholstery, whereas the balance has a restored look. The instruments, switchgear, and interior brightwork is all beautiful. Interestingly, this 3500 Spyder features electric power windows. The well-appointed interior is filled with many unique art deco-inspired details which contribute greatly to what makes these cars feel so special.

The trunk, which is likely upholstered in the original black vinyl diamond stitch pattern is in beautiful condition and should not be restored.

The underside, while solid at this time, has seen partial refurbishment, mainly to the suspension corners which have all been rebuild. As part of the body restoration, the rockers appear to have been replaced, and some rust repair work was carried out in select areas of the floors and jack points. The differential still displays the red paint applied at the factory. The suspension corners have a freshly restored and rebuilt look, as do the brake assemblies.

The car has been fully serviced without regard to expense by Aston Martin of New England under the current ownership period. This work included rebuilding the suspension on all for corners including shocks and brakes, servicing the steering box, detailing the engine bay sorting the heating system, keeping up with fluid changes. Much of this work was completed in early 2015, and records are on file. The compression was tested 300 miles ago, and was between 150-160 lbs on all six cylinders.

The car has a very well sorted feel on the road. The suspension rebuild is evident, and the car has great composure over rough surfaces. The steering box is well adjusted and very accurate. The engine starts easily, and has that purr which DOHC 6 cylinder engines are known for at idle. On throttle, however, the revs climb quickly, and the exhaust has very rewarding note. The brakes are effective, and the ZF transmission shifts beautifully both when warm and cold, up or down.

This example is accompanied by a very attractive tool roll, a restored jack, the matching Borrani wire wheel spare, and records for the current ownership period.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of these rare and beautiful open cars that is ready to be used. Historically undervalued, these cars have appreciated significantly in recent years because of their intrinsic beauty and technological features. Yet, when compared to other contemporary open Italian cars, they are a relative bargain, with a Ferrari 250 long wheelbase California Spyders fetching in excess of $8 million dollars now, and a short wheelbase nearing the $20M mark!

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608