Arizona 2023
1963 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I by Vignale
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$156,800 USD | Sold
| Phoenix, Arizona
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- One of 348 Series I examples produced from 1962 to 1965
- Striking presentation, finished in red over black leather
- Powered by a fuel-injected six-cylinder engine backed by a ZF five-speed manual transmission
- Equipped with power windows and Borrani knock-off wire wheels
- Over $80,000 spent on restoration work from 2015 to 2018; invoices on file
First offered in 1962 as a replacement for the flagship Maserati 3500 GTi, the Maserati Sebring is an elegant expression of mid-20th century Italian design. Named in recognition of the storied Bolognese manufacturer’s 1957 triumph at the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Sebring was designed to take full advantage of the open expanses and the smooth, modern freeway system of the U.S. market. Powering the car is a 3,485-cubic-centimeter, 235-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine shared with the 3500 GTi.
The Sebring could accelerate to 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds and could achieve a top speed approaching 140 mph. Despite its impressive performance, the Sebring 3500 GTi is not a lightweight sports car in the classical sense; it is clearly a luxurious grand touring car with a comfortable and well-appointed “2+2” interior. Underlying the steel body and giving it strength was an all-new tubular steel frame, which also supported the independent dual wishbone front suspension, semi-elliptical rear leaf springs, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Series I examples of the Sebring remain a rare, highly prized Maserati model, with just 348 built from 1962 to 1965.
Chassis number AM101 01841 was completed in July of 1963 and delivered new to Milan, Italy. Built with the fuel-injected 3500 GTi engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, it featured Grigio Montebello (Metallic Silver) paint and Pelle Nero (black leather) upholstery from the factory. The car was ordered on 2 August 1963 and later delivered through Cornacchia Automobili in Milan on 4 September 1963 to its first owner, Mrs. Elana Gelmi.
Today, the car is finished in red over black leather. It has benefitted from over $80,000 in restoration work from 2015 to 2018, which included an engine rebuild, a rebuild and calibration of the fuel injection system, a rebuild of the starter and water pump, a rebuild of the clutch and pressure plate, as well as brake work. Cosmetic work included painting the car, re-chroming or polishing the brightwork, depending on condition, and the installation of new leather front seat covers, along with a custom leather console cover. Pirelli tires with Blockley tubes were also mounted on the Borrani wire wheels in this timeframe.
The car is accompanied by a copy of the factory Maserati build record, a Maserati Historical Information Certificate, as well as owner’s manuals, and restoration invoices from 2015 to 2018.