1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale marked a decisive step for Maserati: it combined racing-derived engineering with open-top grand touring comfort. It was also the first Maserati road car built in significant series production, helping secure the company’s financial future. The Spyder version added a new layer of elegance to an already technically ambitious platform.
Technical Details:
The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,485 cc. This unit was derived from Maserati’s 350S racing engine, redesigned for road use with a more durable and tractable configuration. In early carbureted specification, the engine produced approximately 220 to 235 horsepower, depending on tuning and market version. Fuel delivery was handled by triple Weber carburetors in most 1960 examples. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox supplied by ZF, although some early cars used a four-speed transmission.
The chassis consisted of a tubular steel frame, reflecting Maserati’s motorsport background, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Disc brakes were fitted at the front from the outset, and from 1959 onward four-wheel disc brakes became standard, placing the 3500 GT among the more advanced European grand tourers of its time. With a top speed in the region of 220 km/h, the 3500 GT Spyder combined high-speed capability with long-distance touring comfort. The overall engineering concept balanced racing heritage with reliability, making it suitable for everyday road use as well as spirited driving.
- Manufacturer: Maserati
- Model Name: Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959–1964
Design:
The design of the 3500 GT Spyder Vignale differed noticeably from the earlier Touring-bodied coupé. While the coupé was styled by Carrozzeria Touring using its Superleggera construction method, the open Spyder version received a distinct body designed and built by Carrozzeria Vignale. Introduced in 1959, the Spyder featured cleaner, more restrained lines than some contemporary Italian convertibles.
The front end retained the recognizable Maserati oval grille with the Trident emblem, flanked by subtly integrated headlamps. The side profile was defined by a straight beltline and balanced proportions, avoiding excessive ornamentation. Compared to the coupé, the Spyder had a slightly shorter wheelbase, contributing to a more compact and agile stance. Chrome accents were used sparingly, emphasizing elegance rather than flamboyance.
Inside, the 3500 GT Spyder offered a driver-focused yet luxurious cabin. The dashboard typically featured a full array of round instruments set into a simple, horizontally structured fascia. Leather upholstery and carefully finished trim underscored the car’s grand touring credentials. The open-top configuration added a sense of lightness and connection to the surroundings, reinforcing the Spyder’s dual role as both sporting machine and refined touring car.
Historical Significance:
The Maserati 3500 GT holds a central place in the brand’s post-war history. During the 1950s, Maserati was primarily known for competition cars. Financial pressures, however, made it clear that long-term survival required a stronger presence in the road car market. Introduced in 1957, the 3500 GT became Maserati’s first true series-production road model. It provided a stable revenue stream at a time when the company was withdrawing from factory-backed racing.
The Spyder version, launched in 1959, expanded the model’s appeal, particularly in export markets such as the United States. American demand for high-performance European convertibles played a key role in shaping the Spyder’s development. Between 1959 and 1964, just over 240 Spyder examples were produced, making it significantly rarer than the coupé.
Technically, the 3500 GT also paved the way for later Maserati grand tourers by establishing the formula of combining competition-derived engines with refined road manners. In 1960, Maserati further advanced the model line with the introduction of fuel injection on certain versions (the 3500 GTI), signaling the brand’s commitment to ongoing technical development.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
Although not as widely featured in cinema as some contemporaries, the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale became associated with the international jet set of the early 1960s. Its combination of Italian styling and racing pedigree appealed to affluent buyers seeking exclusivity without overt extravagance. The relatively low production numbers of the Spyder have made surviving examples highly sought after in the classic car market.
One notable detail is the contrast between the Touring coupé and the Vignale Spyder. While both share the same mechanical foundation, their visual identities differ enough that they are often discussed almost as separate models among collectors. This dual-coachbuilder approach reflects the Italian tradition of pairing a single chassis with multiple stylistic interpretations.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.
Conclusion:
The 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale represents a pivotal chapter in Maserati’s evolution from racing specialist to established grand touring manufacturer. Its 3.5-liter inline-six engine, tubular chassis, and four-wheel disc brakes demonstrate a clear link to competition engineering, while its Vignale-designed open body emphasizes elegance and usability. Produced in limited numbers, the Spyder remains one of the most distinctive variants of the 3500 GT family. As a result, the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale continues to be recognized as a defining example of early 1960s Italian grand touring design and engineering.
