The Maserati 3500GT: A Car with a Story

For classic car enthusiasts, few names evoke the romance and artistry of Italian automotive design quite like Maserati. Among its most revered models, the Maserati 3500GT stands as a testament to craftsmanship, engineering brilliance, and timeless elegance. At Rétromobile 2025, this legendary grand tourer takes centre stage once more, following an impeccable restoration by Touring Superleggera, with the support of Maserati Classiche.

The Maserati 3500GT being showcased in Paris is no ordinary vintage automobile. This particular 1959 model, originally destined for the sun-soaked highways of California, has a storied history, having been in the care of the esteemed Dodge family for decades. It is a machine that has witnessed generations, a rolling piece of history that exudes the spirit of mid-century Italian motoring.

Now, thanks to the meticulous work of Touring Superleggera, the car has been brought back to life with reverence and precision. Every functional component is original, ensuring that the car remains a genuine representation of its past while being fit for the modern era. With Maserati Classiche providing its prestigious Certification of Authenticity, this is more than just a restoration—it is a resurrection.

A true restoration requires more than just mechanical expertise; it demands passion, patience, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Touring Superleggera, the legendary Milanese coachbuilder, has upheld these principles to perfection. Their workshop, a place where history and innovation intertwine, became the home for this intricate project.

Every detail of the 3500GT underwent rigorous scrutiny under the Maserati Classiche Restoration Assistance Service. From the chassis to the engine bay, transmission, suspension, and brakes, every inch of the car was examined, restored, and validated. The bodywork, faithfully crafted in aluminium, was returned to its original splendor, showcasing the graceful lines that make the 3500GT an unmistakable masterpiece of Italian automotive design.

Interior refinements were equally painstaking. The materials, colours, and layout were verified against Maserati’s historical archives to ensure absolute accuracy. The electrical system, accessories, and mechanical components were restored to their period-correct specifications, preserving the car’s integrity while ensuring reliability for years to come.

Achieving Maserati Classiche’s Certification of Authenticity is no small feat. The verification process is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, involving over 300 technical checks against Maserati’s historical records. The certification ensures that every component aligns with the car’s original specifications, offering collectors and enthusiasts the assurance that this 3500GT is as authentic as it was when it first rolled off the production line.

Beyond certification, Maserati Classiche offers a suite of exclusive services for owners of classic, youngtimer, and special series Maseratis. Whether it’s assistance in sourcing rare parts, expert maintenance, or full-scale restorations, the programme is dedicated to preserving Maserati’s legendary heritage.

The Maserati 3500GT is more than just a classic car; it represents a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. Introduced as Maserati’s first large-scale production road car, it married racing pedigree with luxury grand touring sensibilities. Designed by Carrozzeria Touring, the car featured an aluminium body built using the patented Superleggera method, ensuring an agile yet lightweight structure.

Under the bonnet, the six-cylinder engine derived from Maserati’s 1956 350S race car provided smooth yet powerful performance, perfect for long-distance touring. Initially equipped with triple Weber carburettors, the model later received a Lucas fuel injection system in 1961, boosting output to 235 horsepower in the 3500GTI variant. The transmission evolved from a four-speed ZF gearbox to a more refined five-speed option, while front brake discs were introduced as an option in 1959, further enhancing the car’s driving dynamics.

By the late 1950s, the Maserati 3500GT wasn’t just an Italian automotive marvel—it was a global sensation. To complement the coupé, Maserati introduced a spider variant in 1959, styled by the great Giovanni Michelotti, bringing open-top motoring to an already celebrated grand tourer.

As the world of classic car collecting continues to evolve, the importance of authenticity and preservation has never been greater. The meticulous restoration and certification of this Maserati 3500GT underscore Maserati’s commitment to maintaining its heritage while allowing enthusiasts to experience the magic of these legendary machines.

For those who value automotive history, stepping into a restored Maserati 3500GT is more than just a drive—it’s a journey through time. It’s the sound of the inline-six roaring to life, the scent of handcrafted leather, and the sensation of commanding a piece of art on wheels.

At Rétromobile 2025, this spectacular Maserati 3500GT stands as a beacon of Italian craftsmanship, a symbol of the enduring allure of the House of the Trident. With its breathtaking restoration, impeccable heritage, and unwavering authenticity, it is a shining reminder that true legends never fade—they are simply reborn.

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