Maserati had built a highly successful reputation in the racing world; however, their success was not without a price. By the mid-1950s, the cost of maintaining a factory race team was straining the small company’s bank account. Wanting to refocus their efforts on road cars that would earn a potential profit, the factory racing program was temporarily put on hold in 1958. Though they would continue to support privateers.

Development of Maserati’s first purpose-built road car, the 3500 GT, took place starting in 1956. Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Auto Show, the first few completed cars were delivered at the very end of 1957. Featuring an elegant 2+2 design by Guilio Alfieri, the Superleggara hand-formed aluminum over tubular frame coachwork was created by Carrozzeria Touring. Maserati’s 3,500-cc race-bred engine was converted to wet sump and tuned for street use. The 3500 GT was a success, and the handsome grand touring car helped the company turn a profit, staying in production until 1964 after a little under 2,000 coupes were made, paving the way for the great GT models for years to come.

According to Maserati Classiche, this example was produced on 25 July 1959, finished in the attractive grey-green color of Grigio Verde and delivered to Milan. Two California brothers acquired the car in the 1970s, intending to use it as a driver. However, a problem with transmission resulted in the car being parked, stored in a garage for over three decades. By 2009, the brothers decided it was time for a proper restoration. Driven sparingly and kept in dry storage, the Touring coachwork was in excellent original condition with no significant corrosion or damage. Brian Moore Restoration stripped and painted the car in its current elegant blue color. The gearbox was shipped to ZF in Germany for final assembly and testing before being reunited with the rebuilt engine, and the braking system, suspension, and ancillary systems rebuilt as well. Upgraded and improved insulation, stainless steel exhaust, a period-correct Autovox radio, and Koni shocks were also installed. The interior was beautifully reupholstered with Wilton carpets. Many original and unrestored features were retained wherever possible, including the distinctive quilted trunk liner.

This attractive and sporting Italian 3500 GT is ideally suited for concours exhibition, rallies, and touring, embodying the style and elegance that only Italian sports cars of this era possess.