Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder (1962)

The success of the 1957 launched 3500GT Coupe spurred on the development of an open-top version. Increasing demand from the United States meant Frua had a Spyder prototype as early as ’57, ’58 brought two designs from Carrozzeria Touring but it wasn’t until ’59 that Maserati had the design they were looking for, penned by Giovanni Michelotti for Carrozzeria Vignale. Maserati’s first real production convertible, the Spyder was the main rival to Ferrari’s venerable 250 GT Convertible at the time.

Full production started in early 1960 and it earned upgrades in line with the 3500GT coupe. For increased rigidity, the Spyders were built with steel, instead of the coupe’s all aluminium construction, instead featuring an aluminium bonnet and boot lid.

The chassis was shortened by 10cm and the car was powered by a 3.5l twin overhead-camshaft six-cylinder producing 220bhp, affording it the pace to keep up with its looks. Rare and beautiful, the Vignale Spider truly lives up to the ‘Dolce Vita’ era, from a time when Maserati had a firm footing as a manufacturer with proud motorsport history, building high-quality, high-performance GT cars.

Fresh from a Concours level, bare metal restoration, this example is presented in Grigio Metallizato with a full retrim in Beige leather. A1963-built example, it sees the rare and expensive period Borrani wire wheels. Just 251 Vignale Spyders were produced, and of that, this is one of just 5 right-hand drive examples. As a later car, it also features the upgraded 5-speed gearbox and electric windows.

In 2019 the car benefitted from a mechanical overhaul to the tune of £12,000 in our workshops. Most recently residing within a collection of prominent Italian sportscars, this Vignale Spider has been used sparingly.

Available to view by appointment only at our showrooms outside London, this fantastic and hugely rare RHD Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spider presents immaculately and is the perfect candidate for an early 60s convertible.