The 3500 GT was the first production model of Maserati, which allowed the brand to cope with financial difficulties in the late 50s.
Source: Car Pixel
Under the leadership of chief engineer Giulio Alfieri, a prototype four-seater two-door sports coupe called the Maserati 3500 GT was constructed and introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957. This was Maserati’s debut in conventional road cars, following the release of exclusively racing cars. The car’s body was developed by Touring studio (Milan). Moreover, the vehicle was released until 1964, with a total of 1983 3500 GTs produced. Interestingly, this car was purchased mainly by people from high society: among the most remarkable owners of this automobile were the Prince of Monaco – Rainier III, Anthony Quinn, and Alberto Sordi. Outwardly, the 3500 GT was magnificent – the long body was somewhat reminiscent of the American aero style. In a word, it was a respectful automobile for a respectful owner. As mentioned earlier, the car became a lifeline for Maserati, saving the company from bankruptcy. In the first year, 119 cars were sold, and by 1961, the 500th car was sold.
Source: Sports Car Market
In 1957, Maserati was in a miserable financial situation because of the grand spending on the racing program. Adolfo Orsi (owner of the company) decided to focus on successful cars that were popular on the market, which at the time, demanded large vehicles, combining high-end racing design with grace, luxury, and quality. Thus, the 3500 GT model appeared. The debut took place at the Geneva Motor Show. The automobile was positioned as the successor to the A6G model and was a mixture of a road and racing car. The creation process was based on the company’s experience with sports models’ constructions. The works on the experimental bodies were entrusted to several well-known Italian coachbuilders. However, for the Geneva Motor Show, there were two – Allemano and Touring studios. After studying the reaction of the public, the company opted for the Touring studio’s version, which used their patented ultra-light bodywork system, though in an improved version. Sure, the art of tinsmiths, hand-knocking out body parts, yielded to stamping panels with a press, however, did not affect the traditionally high quality of the Touring products, as well as the expressive and at the same time discreet design. In addition to Touring and Allemano, other leading studios such as Frua, Bertone, Ghia, and Vignale offered their body options. However, most of these versions remained single samples, only the coupe, and Spyder from Vignale (designed by Michelotti) were produced in small series – on a base shortened from 2600 to 2500 mm.
Source: Pixel
In 1961, the vehicle was equipped with the Lucas mechanical fuel injection system, which allowed the company to add the letters GTI to the name of the 3500. Thus, the 3500 GT became the first Italian car to be equipped with a fuel injection system. The power was increased to 235 hp, and the maximum speed of the model was 240 km/h. A more “charged” sports version of the engine developed up to 270 hp and accelerated the lightweight vehicle to 250 km/h. Unlike all previous road cars, the 3500 GT had a high-quality interior finish and elaboration of all design details. For this, Giulio Alfieri, the chief designer of the company, spent a lot of time studying the best models from British manufacturers. The result was a two-door body concept with ample interior space for two full-size front seats and two child seats in the rear. The salon was distinguished by functionality and moderate luxury. One of its important advantages was an excellent all-around view. Thanks to the Maserati 3500 GT, the company managed to get out of the financial hardships rather quickly.
The GTI index (from the Italian “Gran Turismo Iniezione”) – meant that the automobile was equipped with injection, which appeared on the 1961 Maserati 3500 GTI for the first time.
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