Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Dealer Info
tel: 775-629-6167Cool Classics International
9730 S Virginia St
Reno NV, 89511
Maserati's 1959 Paris Motor Show car, Beautifully Restored
The 1959 Maserati 3500 GT represents a pivotal moment in the Trident's history. Following Maserati's official withdrawal from the financially draining world of factory racing, the 3500 GT arrived in 1957 to secure the marque's future by focusing on the lucrative Grand Touring market. This was Maserati's first true series-production road car, a sophisticated machine designed for continent-crossing speed and luxury.
Clothed in elegant, lightweight aluminum bodywork using Carrozzeria Touring's patented Superleggera construction, the 3500 GT was immediately hailed for its effortless style and balanced proportions. Its heart was a refined 3.5 L inline six-cylinder engine, directly derived from the DOHC twin-spark unit of the legendary 350S sports racer, ensuring it retained a proper competition pedigree.
The 1959 models are particularly desirable, as they sit at a crucial intersection of the model's development. They retained the robust and sonorous triple Weber carburetor setup that gives early cars their distinct character, while gaining technical improvements like the option of front disc brakes and the later availability of the slick 5-speed ZF gearbox. The 3500 GT's success established Maserati as a premier builder of high-performance luxury automobiles and cemented its enduring rivalry with the era's best GTs from Ferrari and Aston Martin.
The vehicle offered is an exceptional 1959 Maserati 3500 GT boasting a fascinating history, having served a distinguished role as the demonstrator car for Jean Thépenier at the prestigious 1959 Paris Motor Show. After its high-profile debut, the car was retained by its original French owner for an impressive sixteen years, remaining in their custody until 1975.
The coupé has since been the subject of a beautiful, exacting restoration carried out by renowned Italian marque specialists, including Franco Tralli and Carrozzeria Franchini, ensuring it presents in superb condition today. It is equipped with what many enthusiasts consider to be an ideal combination of performance features: a triple-carbureted engine and desirable front disc brakes for enhanced stopping power. Mechanically, the 3500 GT is powered by a 3,485 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine equipped with three Weber 42 DCOE twin-choke carburetors, which produce a healthy 220 BHP at 5,500 RPM and is mated to a 5-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox. Its chassis features a classic setup with front independent suspension utilizing coil springs and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, with braking handled by front disc and rear drum brakes. This superb example is offered complete with an impressive documentation file, including vital factory records.
1959 Maserati 3500
$279,000
1959 Maserati 3500
$279,000
Highlights
- The Maserati demo car for the 1959 Paris Motor Show
- Retained by its original French owner until 1975
- Restored by Italian Marque Specialists Franco Tralli and Carrozeria Franchini
- Impressive documentation with factory records
Description
The 1959 Maserati 3500 GT represents a pivotal moment in the Trident's history. Following Maserati's official withdrawal from the financially draining world of factory racing, the 3500 GT arrived in 1957 to secure the marque's future by focusing on the lucrative Grand Touring market. This was Maserati's first true series-production road car, a sophisticated machine designed for continent-crossing speed and luxury.
Clothed in elegant, lightweight aluminum bodywork using Carrozzeria Touring's patented Superleggera construction, the 3500 GT was immediately hailed for its effortless style and balanced proportions. Its heart was a refined 3.5 L inline six-cylinder engine, directly derived from the DOHC twin-spark unit of the legendary 350S sports racer, ensuring it retained a proper competition pedigree.
The 1959 models are particularly desirable, as they sit at a crucial intersection of the model's development. They retained the robust and sonorous triple Weber carburetor setup that gives early cars their distinct character, while gaining technical improvements like the option of front disc brakes and the later availability of the slick 5-speed ZF gearbox. The 3500 GT's success established Maserati as a premier builder of high-performance luxury automobiles and cemented its enduring rivalry with the era's best GTs from Ferrari and Aston Martin.
The vehicle offered is an exceptional 1959 Maserati 3500 GT boasting a fascinating history, having served a distinguished role as the demonstrator car for Jean Thépenier at the prestigious 1959 Paris Motor Show. After its high-profile debut, the car was retained by its original French owner for an impressive sixteen years, remaining in their custody until 1975.
The coupé has since been the subject of a beautiful, exacting restoration carried out by renowned Italian marque specialists, including Franco Tralli and Carrozzeria Franchini, ensuring it presents in superb condition today. It is equipped with what many enthusiasts consider to be an ideal combination of performance features: a triple-carbureted engine and desirable front disc brakes for enhanced stopping power. Mechanically, the 3500 GT is powered by a 3,485 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine equipped with three Weber 42 DCOE twin-choke carburetors, which produce a healthy 220 BHP at 5,500 RPM and is mated to a 5-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox. Its chassis features a classic setup with front independent suspension utilizing coil springs and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, with braking handled by front disc and rear drum brakes. This superb example is offered complete with an impressive documentation file, including vital factory records.
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