1959 Maserati 3500 GT

Vehicle Description:

• Served as Jean Thépenier’s Demonstrator During the 1959 Paris Motor Show

• Retained by Its Original French Owner Until 1975

• Beautifully Restored by Italian Marque Specialists Franco Tralli and Carrozzeria Franchini

• Ideal Combination of Carbureted Engine, Front Disc Brakes, and Upgraded Five-Speed Gearbox

• Offered with Impressive Documentation File Including Factory Records

• 3,485 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

• Three Weber 42 DCOE Twin-Choke Carburetors

• 220 BHP at 5,500 RPM

• 5-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox

• Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes

• Front Independent Suspension with Coil Springs

• Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs

First introduced in 1957, following one of Maserati’s most successful racing seasons, the 3500 GT was the Modenese firm’s first mass-produced model, the success of which solidified its future as a manufacturer of road vehicles. Drawing heavily on Maserati’s competition experience, the 3500 GT employed a rigid, tubular chassis, and a twin-cam, three-carb inline six-cylinder engine derived from the 350 S racing car. According to records supplied by Maserati Classiche, this 1959 Maserati 3500 GT was originally finished in Grigio Topo (Mouse Grey) over a white interior, and delivered new to French concessionaire Jean Thépenier for use as a demonstrator during the 1959 Paris Motor Show. There it was purchased by its first owner, M. Galada of Cannes, France, who retained it until 1975. The second owner fitted an upgraded five-speed ZF gearbox, and the Maserati changed hands two more times, before being acquired by another French owner, who retained it for 27 years. During his ownership, the 3500 GT was the subject of a mechanical restoration overseen by Maserati specialist Franco Tralli. At the same time, it was repainted by Carrozzeria Franchini of Modena in the attractive current color scheme of gray with a contrasting dark blue top and matching midnight blue interior.