Conceived principally with the lucrative American market in mind, Maserati’s new-for-1962 Sebring model was appropriately named in honour of the works team’s victory in the famous Floridian 12 Hour race some five years earlier, courtesy of the mighty 450S of Fangio and Behra.

Although constructed on the platform of the Giulio Alfieri-designed 3500GT, and still powered by the same 350S-derived, fuel injected straight-six engine, the new model had a noticeably more contemporary look than its predecessor, courtesy of its attractive new coachwork by Vignale. In 1965, the evolutionary Series II variant was introduced, which featured a raft of cosmetic changes including revised head and taillights, modified bumpers and side vents, as well as offering a longer stroke 3.7-litre engine option and latterly even a 4.0-litre version.

This particular example left the Bologna factory on 31 August 1965, finished in the distinguished colour scheme of Argento Auteuil (Silver) with contrasting red leather interior. One of just 93 Series II Sebrings completed that year, it was delivered to its fortunate new Roman owner in 3.7-litre guise and was fitted with a five-speed ZF gearbox - thereby mercifully avoiding one of the lamentable Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmissions offered, somewhat ill-advisedly, as a factory option.

Roughly fifteen years ago, the Maserati was purchased in the U.K. by Keith Duly as a restoration project. At the time of his purchase, the car was disassembled but found to be complete and in sound condition. The car was then sent to Italy to be restored. Daniele Turrisi was entrusted with the bodywork and paintwork while the upholstery was retrimmed by Luppi. Duly fitted wire wheels and also installed an air conditioning system using modern components. Other than its change in colour and the upgraded air condition, it is factory-correct throughout, retaining its original engine and gearbox.

In recent years, the car has been maintained by marque specialists Redline Automotive Restorations of Black Rock, Connecticut and has been entered with great success in several prestigious Concours d’Elegance. These have included the 2010 Greenwich Concours and 2010 Le Belle Macchine d'Italia - in which the car placed Best in Class and Second in Class respectively - and the 2013 Elliot Museum and 2013 Mar a Lago Concours, both of which resulted in further Class wins.

Beautifully presented - and enhanced by delightful period touches ranging from a period correct Becker stereo to the original fitment Maserati branded rubber floor mats - there can be few cars which combine stylish elegance, inspiring performance and everyday practicality as successfully as this.