Maserati 3500 GT
Produced between 1957 and 1964, the Maserati 3500 GT served as a landmark car for the Italian car company as it was their first prosperous experience with GT culture and manufacturing.
Maserati 3500 GT History
When the 1950s occurred, Maserati had already achieved noteworthy status in the racing circuit. Maserati engineer Giulio Alfieri suggested the next move was to create a 3.5-liter engine. As a result of Alfieri’s decision, the Maserati 3500 GT was born during 1955.
What Maserati knew was that a different approach was needed to build well-rounded grand tourers. Previous examples such as the A6 models were limited to twelve models annually.
3500 GT Development
Although Maserati had its hands full of its participation in F1 racing during 1957, the main developments on the 3500 GT took place. Alfieri was able to modify the 350S engine to fit a tourer by changing engine accessories and shifting over to a wet sump oil structure.
British-made components were utilized for the 3500 GT’s development as a result of no component suppliers in Italy.
Italian taxes required that every manufacturer design parts in-house, which proved to be a challenge for little organizations such as Maserati.
The bodywork on the 3500 GT was the next task. White in color, the initial 3500 GT contained a 2+2 body using Superleggera assembly methods. A more imposing grille was the main addition the 3500 GT received after being shown in Geneva during 1957.
3500 GT Production
With the production of 3500 GT’s starting in 1957, 18 vehicles were built. All produced 3500 GT models featured leather inside with Jaeger gauge tools.
1958 featured the first showing of a 3500 GT convertible prototype. Front disc brakes and limited-slip differential became standard between 1960-1962.
After the 3500 GTi was shown during 1960, it became Italy’s first fuel-injected vehicle reaching the manufacturing level. Between 1957 and 1964, almost 2,300 Maserati 3500 GT coupes and convertibles were assembled. 1961 proved profitable as 500 makes of the 3500 GT were sold.
Under the 3500 GT Hood
Now the exciting part:
What’s beneath the hood of a 3500 GT?
3500 GT’S had an engine block with cast iron cylinder outsides and aluminum cylinder heads. Valve seats were cast iron, and combustion chambers were hemispherical. 3500’s were equipped with Marelli ignition, dual ignition, plus a double fuel pump.
3500 GT Conclusion
Maserati overcame odds by producing 3500 GT’s. Italian laws and regulations initially made acquiring necessary parts for this vehicle troublesome. After pairing with British suppliers, Maserati was able to create and sell a good number of 3500 GT’s that near 1 million dollars on the market today.
Company milestones were achieved with the 3500 GT as it became Maserati’s first successful GT. Modern car enthusiasts can expect to pay a pretty penny for the 3500 GT as the car’s value has more than tripled over the past ten years.
Everything about the 3500 GT is specific. From the engine to the aluminum exterior, the 3500 GT from Maserati is nothing short of magic.