1962 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder

Chassis No. AM101 1337 Engine No. AM101 1337 (Internal No. 1039)Throughout its early history as a manufacturer, Maserati's focus was primarily on motorsports, which was rewarded with numerous victories in Grand Prix and sports car racing before and after World War II. The few road cars the firm sold were exclusive and expensive, heavily relying on components from their racing machines. Although Juan Manuel Fangio had achieved his fifth and final World Championship driving for Maserati in 1957, the company ultimately saw the discontinuation of its factory racing program in 1958. To ensure its financial health, Maserati needed to adopt a new business strategy and while they continued to offer racing car services to privateers, the Modena marque would begin building series production road cars for the first time with the 3500 GT.When word of Maserati's intention to begin building road cars spread, Italy's most esteemed carrozzerie mobilized to secure manufacturing contracts. The 1957 Geneva Motor Show served as the stage for two competing visions: Allemano's interpretation and Carrozzeria Touring's submission from Milan. Maserati ultimately selected the Touring design, a sophisticated 2+2 coupe showcasing the firm's signature Superleggera construction method, which utilized aluminum body panels attached to a rigid steel framework.Following the 3500 GT Coupe's commercial success, customers, particularly in the American market, expressed strong interest in an open variant. The development process spanned several iterations: Frua crafted an initial Spyder prototype in 1957 using an early 3500 GT chassis, though this design didn't advance to production. Carrozzeria Touring followed with two open-air studies in 1958. The breakthrough came in 1959 when Carrozzeria Vignale unveiled their Spyder, penned by the masterful Giovanni Michelotti. This definitive version rode on a shortened wheelbase-10 centimeters shorter than the coupe-and utilized steel body panels with an aluminum hood and trunk lid rather than the closed car's all-aluminum construction. Production continued through 1964, with just 242 Spyder examples built compared to around 2,000 coupes.According to a copy of the internal factory order form obtained through Maserati Archivio Storico, this outstanding Vignale Spyder, chassis number 1337, was commissioned by Auto-Konig in Munich, Germany on 25 July 1961. The document outlines a striking specification including Oro Longchamps (Gold) paintwork and a Pelle Rossa (Red leather) interior with matching carpets. Its desirable original specification was completed by a color-matched hard top, five wire-spoke wheels, and a tool kit. The car's original delivery note declares that the Spyder was completed the following month on 14 September 1961.Coming from a recent mechanical overhaul, the Spyder presents today as a fine example of Michelotti's design masterpiece executed by Carrozzeria Vignale. The coachwork wears a fine repaint in striking dark blue completed under previous ownership, complemented by a sumptuous tan leather interior, black carpeting, and a neatly tailored tan convertible top. Its presentation is further enhanced by dazzling Borrani wire wheels with knock-off hubs. Under the aluminum hood resides Maserati's venerable 3.5-liter inline-six engine topped with triple Weber DCOE carburetors, paired with a desirable ZF five-speed manual transmission, while four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power.The engine is the original, matching-numbers unit corresponding with Maserati Classiche documentation, and is understood to have been overhauled by a specialist shop in Tucker, Georgia, under previous ownership. Furthermore, a November 2020 service by Auto Turismo Sport in New Milford, Connecticut, included carburetor cleaning and adjustment, distributor cleaning, spark plug replacement, timing adjustment, and coolant flush.More recently, under current ownership, the car was entrusted to J Frazar Motorcars in Savannah, Georgia, for a thorough recommissioning, led by a complete front suspension and steering overhaul with newly fabricated coil springs, and replacement upper and lower ball joints, plus steering link and tie rod assemblies. The braking system was also comprehensively rebuilt with all calipers rebuilt, the primary brake master cylinder rebuilt, and a fully rebuilt Girling remote booster installed. Driveline work included the removal of the transmission to install a new clutch kit, followed by gearbox resealing. The ignition system was rebuilt with distributor service plus new points and condensers, cap and rotor, coils, wires, and spark plugs, and the work was rounded out with renewed hoses and clamps, new fuel lines, and fresh fluids and filters throughout.Offered fresh from this extensive recommissioning, chassis 1337, one of only 242 ever produced, would be an ideal candidate for both international concours events and spirited grand touring, where its open-air configuration allows for the full sensory experience of Maserati's magnificent inline-six.