Maserati 3500 GT

The heyday of the post-war European economy was reflected in the condition of the roads. Everywhere, in the mid-50s, the reconstruction of old highways and the construction of new ones were carried out.

This, of course, served as a catalyst for the development of the automotive industry and, in particular, GT class cars.

With over 30 years of experience building race cars, Maserati set out to create a large car that combines the features of high-end racing design with the refinement, luxury and quality demanded by the newly emerging luxury car market.

The superb inline six-cylinder engine was taken from the Maserati 350 S racing car. Derated for road use and reliability, this dual-ignition powerplant produced 220 hp and a decent 343 Nm of torque.

Paired with a four-speed gearbox, the engine was housed in a specially designed tubular chassis.

Unlike all previous road cars produced by Maserati and which had truly Spartan equipment, the new Maserati 3500 GT had to have a high-quality interior finish and elaboration of all design details.

To this end, Giulio Alfieri, the chief designer of the company, spent a lot of time studying the best models of British manufacturers.

The result was a two-door body concept with ample interior space for two full-size front seats and two child seats in the rear.

Work on the creation of experimental bodies was entrusted to several well-known Italian coachbuilders.

For display at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957, the works of two studios - Allemano and Touring were chosen, and after studying the reaction of the public, Maserati chose the excellent work of Touring.

Serial production started at the end of the year, and at the beginning of 1958 the first cars entered dealerships.

The illustrations show one of the 390 Maserati 3500 GTs built in 1962. The car, unlike the first models, is equipped with Girling disc brakes on all wheels, a five-speed gearbox and a 220 hp engine with 3 Weber 42 DCOE carburetors.

Maserati 3500 GT can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 137 mph (220 kph).

The interior of the car is impressive, with luxurious leather seats and a spacious cabin. The dashboard is beautifully designed, with a large speedometer and tachometer taking center stage.

The elegant three-spoke steering wheel stands out, and a special detail is the handrail in front of the passenger seat.

Photo: "File:Maserati 3500 GT interior - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2004.jpg" by Craig Howell from San Carlos, CA, USA

Most Expensive Sales

The most expensive sale of 3500 GT was on August 20, 2022. The car was sold for a $224,000 at an auction in Pebble Beach, CA (USA). In excellent condition, restored-original, with steering wheel on the left side.

Although the estimated value was slightly higher than the achieved price ($250,000 - $300,000), this beauty found a new owner. Congrats to the new owner!

Celebrity Owners

Over the years, many famous people have owned a Maserati 3500 GT, cementing its status as an icon of automotive history.

Here are just a few of the celebrities who have been proud owners of this marvelous machine.

Famous American actors Dean Martin, Tony Curtis and Rock Hudson, then, Elizabeth Taylor, an English-American actress, a true icon of her time.

Interestingly, the famous Liz was not very happy with this car, so it ended up in the hands of Anthony Quinn, who was a serious car lover.

This gold Maserati 3500 GT was auctioned in 2016 and sold for a whopping $572,000. (Auction in Pebble Beach, CA, USA)

We will also mention the British actor Stewart Granger, Prince Rainier III. of Monaco as well as Mexican President Adolfo Lopez.

Final Words

The Maserati 3500 GT is a classic car that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its unique blend of style, power, and luxury makes it a timeless classic that will always be in demand.

From 1957 to 1964, 2,226 units of this beautiful car were produced.