Highlights
- One of one Autotecnica del Lario examples built in the 1970s
- Mechanically recommissioned
- Fantastic condition
- Absolutely gorgeous bodywork
The Appeal
Few cars are as achingly beautiful and highly regarded as a classic Maserati 3500. The first of Maserati’s full production series cars, it was still built in relatively low numbers (just over 2,000, including both the Coupé and Spyder) and is a very sought after machine today.
This Spyder evocation is something quite special indeed as it is one of one ever made by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Autotecnica del Lario in the 1970s, giving it a lighter, full alloy body. Presented now in excellent, largely unrestored condition, this is a remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the most collectible vehicles on the planet.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1962
- Apparently rebodied by Autotecnica del Lario in the 1970s
- Remained in a private collection for many years
- 3 owners from new
- Part specialist service history
- Mechanically recommissioned in 2015/16 by Automobiles Gillet, Belgium
- Major mechanical work undertaken in June 2022
The Interior
- Black and brown leather upholstery
- Classic Jaeger instruments
With its stylish fixed-back bucket seats and quilted, diamond stitched detailing to the transmission tunnel, this Spyder feels every inch the sporting grand tourer. The upholstery itself presents very well, in very good condition, with some light scuffs and blemishes, but no notable damage or tears we could see.
According to the paperwork, the seat rails and carpets were renewed as part of the 2015/16 recommissioning, and we suspect the upholstery has also been refreshed at some point.
Similarly, the dash and driving controls are complete and in good order, although they wear a little more patina. It’s terribly well designed, and the wear just conveys the sense of story and history that goes along with such cars. We particularly love the analogue Jaeger instruments, with their clean and timeless white-on-black design.
The steering wheel is a classic wood rimmed, three-spoke metal affair – perfectly suited to the car. So too the gear lever, wearing the evidence of 60 years of gear shifts, looks absolutely spot on for the vehicle.
We’re assured by the vendor that everything works as it should, with no issues or faults.
The Exterior
- Unique coachbuilt alloy body
- Period correct red paintwork
- Wire ‘knock off’ wheels
The Spyder came from the factory in 1962 with a steel body and aluminium bonnet and boot lid. However, the vendor tells us that this example was sent to Italian coachbuilder Autotecnica del Lario in the 1970s, where it was rebodied with full alloy bodywork, which would significantly reduce the weight. Along with a factory wheelbase 10cm shorter than the coupé, it should make this Spyder handle even better than it did originally.
We’re told that the body, paint and external brightwork are unrestored and have been left with their natural patination. We think this is an excellent move, as it makes for a genuine, honest car that wears its years and history proudly. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that previous owners have clearly taken very good care of it – the body and trim look in fine fettle for a 60 year old vehicle.
There is a fabric roof, perfect for those moments when the weather overtakes you, and it appears to be in fine condition, with no notable damage or tears we could identify. Included too are period correct ‘knock off’ wire wheels and vintage style Dunlop tyres. They’re in fine order, and truly suit the character of the car.
As part of the recent recommissioning, the body was removed and the steel chassis was prepared and repainted, ensuring this handsome GT is ready for many more years of service.
Overall, this is a very pretty vehicle, Giovanni Michelotti’s Spyder design holds up incredibly well, and this remains a truly breathtaking car to look at.
The Mechanics
- All aluminium 3,485cc DOHC 12-valve inline-six
- Manual transmission
- Comprehensive mechanical rebuild in 2015/16
- Significant engine work in June 2022
That melodious 3.5-litre straight-six is pulled straight from Maserati’s 350S race car of 1956, and it’s a fabulous engine. Offering up 220bhp and plenty of torque from low in the rev range, it makes the 3500 a great car to drive, even by today’s standards. The intake noise is spiced up further by triple Weber 42 twin-choke DCOE carburettors. The result is a heady mix of burbling induction and intoxicating exhaust note.
In recent years, the car has been subject to some extensive mechanical work. In 2015/16, a full mechanical recommissioning was undertaken and, according to the history file, the work carried out included: a new steering rack, new engine mounts, new bushings, new accelerator pedal, rebuilt braking system, refurbished starter and alternator, front suspension rebuild, new headlights and windscreen wiper system, a complete rewire, rebuilt rear axle, new rear spring, rear shock absorbers and anti-roll bar, engine rebuild and carburettor rebuild.
Then, in June 2022, further work was undertaken to repair a crack in the cylinder head. So as well as the head repair and engine rebuild, all the gaskets and seals were replaced.
We’re assured by the vendor that the car drives supremely well, with no mechanical issues, no leaks, smoke or untoward noises. In fact, they have supplied a recent video of the car being driven, which is linked below, so that potential buyers can evaluate it for themselves.
Summary
Few people will ever see a 3500GT, let alone a Spyder, which is now a vanishingly rare machine. This delightful car is something even more special: a one-of-a-kind, rebodied with an all-alloy shell by an Italian coachbuilder and cherished by its owners for many decades.
Now fully recommissioned and ready to go, this is an incredible opportunity to secure ownership of one of the rarest cars in existence. But more than sheer rarity, this is a beautiful, appreciating and thrilling Italian GT that is good enough to take pride of place in any collection you care to name. We are already very, very jealous of whoever takes custody of this lovely machine…
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