Fascinating Reasons The Maserati 3500 Spyder Defines Italian Elegance

When Maserati began planning the Spyder version of the 3500 GT in the late 1950s, Touring was already deeply involved with production of the coupé. Designed by Touring, the elegant and restrained coupé had set a high bar, but much of the company’s resources had been committed to building the car. So, with its production facilities nearing capacity, Touring focused on perfecting build quality rather than branching out to new models.

Meanwhile, Carrozzeria Vignale, led by Giovanni Michelotti, was gaining a strong reputation for stylish, innovative and somewhat more adventurous body designs. Maserati saw an opportunity to create a Spyder that would be distinct yet complementary to the coupé.

We saw this iconic Maserati 3500 Spyder at the 2025 Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace. This car was one of many that grabbed my attention. You can see much more Concours of Elegance content here, and videos on our YouTube Concours of Elegance playlist.

A Perfect Match of Style and Practicality

Vignale’s flexible approach and willingness to push design boundaries aligned well with Maserati’s desire to craft a convertible that was sporty and elegant. It also offered a different character from the coupé.

There was also a practical aspect. Vignale was equipped to handle lower volume, more bespoke coachbuilding work, which suited the Spyder’s more limited production run.

Vignale’s flexible approach and willingness to push design boundaries aligned well with Maserati’s desire to craft a convertible that was sporty and elegant. It also offered a different character from the coupé.

This allowed Maserati to introduce the Spyder without disrupting Touring’s focused and higher-volume coupé production.

Chassis History and Early Life

This particular car was completed on September 8, 1961, and was the 173rd of just 242 produced. Its first owner collected it directly from the factory. He embarked on a tour of Europe before eventually taking the car to the United States. This journey is confirmed by the warranty booklet, which records the first service as having taken place in Zürich, Switzerland. In 1969, Mr. Campbell sold the car to his brother-in-law.

Restorations and Returns

When the Spyder returned to Italy in 2001, it still retained its original gold metallic finish. It was then restored in Lombardy, with the mechanical work carried out by Officine Tralli in Bomporto, near Modena, specialists in classic Maserati models. During this restoration, the car was repainted green. Following the unexpected death of the owner, the car was sold to Germany.

The German owner later sold the car due to his advanced age, and it spent a couple of years in London. In 2019, the current custodian purchased the vehicle and had it meticulously restored by the boys and girls of Classic Mike. They brought it back to its original 1961 factory condition. This particular Spyder Vignale is the only one factory-painted in beige, described as gold metallic.

Specifications

Conclusion

The 1961 Maserati 3500 Spyder Vignale is more than just a classic convertible. It represents a bold collaboration between Maserati and Vignale that blended elegance, sportiness, and exclusivity. With only 242 built, and this example uniquely finished in gold metallic, it remains a rare and remarkable piece of motoring history. Restored to factory condition, it continues to inspire collectors and enthusiasts almost 65 years after first leaving Maserati’s Modena workshops.

But what do you think. Does the Maserati 3500 Spyder outshine its Touring-built coupé sibling in terms of style and desirability? If you had the choice, would you prefer this rare gold metallic finish or something more traditional like red or silver? And most importantly, if you had the keys today, would you preserve it as a museum piece or take it out on the open road where it truly belongs?

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