Description
THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE AUCTIONED AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING 19TH APRIL
** 1966 Maserati Sebring Series II Coupé
Coachwork by _Carrozzeria_ Vignale**
Registration no. DRS 285D
Chassis no. AMthe details below
Engine no. AMthe details below
• Rare original right-hand drive model
• Professionally restored in New Zealand in the 2000s
• Granted Maserati _Classiche_ certification
• EZ power steering fitted
Introduced in 1962, the Sebring was one of the final manifestations of the landmark 3500GT, which had been the linchpin of Maserati's programme to establish itself as a manufacturer of road cars. The Modena marque's new era had begun in 1957 with the launch of the Touring-bodied 3500GT, its first road car manufactured in significant numbers. Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Spyder variant and likewise styled by _Carrozzeria_ Vignale, the Sebring 2+2 coupé arrived in 1962. By now a five-speed gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes, and fuel injection were standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential available as options. Introduced in 1965, the Series II came with a 3. 7-litre engine, while some cars left the factory with 4. 0-litre units towards the end of production in 1966, by which time 591 Sebrings had been built, around 190 of which were in the 2nd series.
This Maserati Sebring was delivered new to Cape Town in South Africa, hence the right-hand drive configuration, before making its way to a new owner in New Zealand, a Mr Hunter. The enthusiast 'Kiwi' was in regular contact with the factory in Modena seeking spare parts, and the Maserati was maintained in this way until the early 2000s when it was comprehensively restored by Auto Restorations Ltd of Christchurch, NZ (many bills on file) and Brands Hatch Restorations Ltd, also of Christchurch (up to 2006).
The coachwork was stripped to bare metal and painted in the correct _Marrone Rossiccio_ (Reddish Brown) from the original _Argento Auteuil_ (Silver). At the same time the interior was re-trimmed in Italian leather at great expense, and the engine rebuilt and upgraded with electronic ignition. The aforementioned works were completed before the Maserati was imported into the UK in 2015.
Work continued in the UK with a gearbox rebuild by Ferrari specialists, SMDG of Horsham, while numerous parts were replaced, including the fuel pump, bearings, and half shafts, and a major service carried out. The Sebring was then sent to famous marque specialist, Bill McGrath for a new clutch and release bearing. Our vendor purchased the Maserati from a UK auction in September 2017, since when EZ power steering has been fitted (in 2018) at a cost of £8, 000.
There is a photograph album of the restoration in the history file, which also contains the all-important Maserati _Classiche_ and other documents together with a UK V5C Registration Certificate.
