A Serious Classic Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder with QuickSilver Exhaust

July 23, 2021

 

If you own a car that you feel you need to explain to everyone to justify its style or its function then it could be argued that the car itself has failed in its purpose.

This Maserati 3500 GT Vignale however is not one of those vehicles and it is extremely tempting to simply upload every photo we have without a detailed explanation and just let you soak up this car, as is, in all of its glory. However, every car has story and you are here now so read on... if you must!

"In December 2015 a new centre exhaust and pipes were purchased from QuickSilver in the UK and fitted to the car in Aug 2016. At the same time new OEM flex pipe was welded in place."

This 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder with matching engine and original colour combination is one of approximately 240 examples built between 1959 and 1964. It is anyone’s guess as to the number of cars that have survived. Perhaps 60% have been destroyed.

 

Built by Vignale and designed by the great Giovanni Michelotti who was an Italian freelance designer who died at the young age of 59 in January of 1980.

Michelotti will long be remembered for his timeless classic designs of Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and dozens of other manufactures he worked with in secret. His Vignale Spyder is proof of his astounding sense of style and scale.

 

Chassis number AM101.1121 (1121) was ordered on Feb 20th 1961 by Maria Piera Merli Brandini in Fraschetti of Via Della Balduina n.59 in Roma. Maria special ordered the car in “Verde Scuro” (Dark Green) Max Meyer Code 10.550)

Most would call this colour “British Racing Green” Only 4 cars were painted this beautiful colour.

 

The car was fitted with brown Connolly leather code PAC.1386, also known as Cognac.

1121 was ordered with 3 weber 42DCOE8 carburetor’s, a 5-speed transmission and disc brakes. It was delivered with Borrani aluminum rims with steel centers and hub caps.

Period correct Borrani Wire wheels were later installed.

 

The car was built on March 8th 1961 and delivered to Maria on May 31 1961 (sixty years ago) It took 3 months and eleven days to build and deliver.

The declared purchase price was Lire 4,950,000, and registered Roma 461946. Over the next 38 years the car was sold no fewer than 10 times until in 2000 it came to the America and was auctioned by RM and purchased by Symbolic Motors of San Diego.

The current owner Maserati Author, historian and super enthusiast Francis G. Mandarano purchased the car in 2015 and began the process of bringing the car into a very high state of tune.

Our heritage systems are made to order, find out more or order online here

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