Maserati 3500 GT '61

• Get-go Maserati: first mass production car from Maserati


• Maserati at its finest and purest


• With maintenance bills and certificates


• Only 2,226 ever made

The Maserati 3500 GT was Maserati's attempt to mass-produce its extravagant sports cars and offer Italian craftsmanship to a wide(r) audience, it immediately became a bull’s eye attempt. The introduction of this elegant GT at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show put Maserati on the map of automakers, shaping the history and future of the renowned Italian luxury brand that still holds worldwide fame today.

Maserati left the niche of circuit racing and set its course towards the public roads. The experience they had gained during their decades-long career on the racetrack was utilized to make a splash in the private market. In 1957, Maserati introduced the 3500 GT, which became their first car to be produced in large quantities. History was made, as without the 3500 GT, Maserati would not have become what they are today—a sporty Italian brand in their high-end luxury and sports segment.

Under the hood, adorned with two hood scoops, a straight-six engine took its place, aided by three Weber carburetors, generating abundant power and even more torque to guarantee a top speed of over 200 kilometers per hour, an astonishing feat for a car in the 1950s.

Since Maserati had not yet mastered mass production, the bodywork was outsourced to Carrozzerie Touring, an Italian master in coachwork manufacturing. Additionally, for regulatory reasons, many components of British origin were used in the construction of the 3500 GT. The rear axle was from Salisbury, the brakes from Girling, and the suspension from Alford & Alder. In 1960, a variant with fuel injection, the 3500 GTi, was introduced. It featured Lucas fuel injection and had a higher power output of 232 horsepower.

Production ceased in 1964, marking the ‘birth’ of a new car manufacturer—new to the public roads, at least—and the beginning of a long career as an automaker that continues to this day. A total of 2,226 units were produced. Today, the 3500 GT is a collector's item, the ultimate dream for many enthusiasts.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 470 (185 inch)


• Width (cm): 170 (67 inch)


• Height (cm): 130 (51 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 260 (102 inch)


• Weight (kg): 1350 (2976 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: 3485 cc six-in-line front-engine


• Valve gear: 12, DOHC


• Fuel system: 3 Weber carburettors


• Gear box: 5-speed manual


• Transmission: RWD


• Left-steered


• power: 220 hp (162 kW) at 5500 t/m


• torque: 324 Nm at 3500 t/m


• Top speed: 206 km/h (128 mph)