Maserati 3500 GT Touring
The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Touring marked a pivotal moment in Maserati's history, representing the company's transformation from a small-volume racing constructor into a manufacturer of refined grand touring cars. Bodied by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan using their signature Superleggera (super-light) construction technique, the 3500 GT combined Maserati's formidable engineering heritage with Italian coachbuilding artistry.
The heart of the 3500 GT was a 3,485cc inline-six engine derived from Maserati's 350S racing car. Featuring dual overhead camshafts and 12 valves (two per cylinder), the engine produced 230 horsepower in its initial twin-spark plug, triple Weber carburetor configuration. This was genuine racing technology adapted for road use, providing a level of performance that few competitors could match.
Touring's Superleggera body construction used thin aluminum panels fitted over a framework of small-diameter steel tubes, creating a body that was both light and beautiful. The design featured flowing lines, a prominent Maserati trident grille, and elegant proportions that established the visual template for Maserati road cars for decades to come.
The chassis was a tubular steel structure with independent front suspension using double wishbones and coil springs, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. While the rear suspension was conventional for the era, the overall package provided composed handling and a comfortable ride suitable for the long-distance touring the car was designed for.
Inside, the 3500 GT offered a level of luxury appropriate to its grand touring mission. Leather upholstery, comprehensive instrumentation, and careful attention to detail created an interior that was both sporting and refined. The driving position was excellent, with the large Nardi steering wheel and precisely placed pedals encouraging spirited driving.
Maserati produced approximately 2,226 examples of the 3500 GT across coupe and spider variants between 1957 and 1964, with the Touring-bodied coupe being by far the most common. This production volume, substantial for Maserati, established the company's financial viability as a manufacturer of road cars and funded continued racing activities.
Today, the 3500 GT Touring is recognized as one of the most significant Maserati road cars and a landmark in the development of the Italian grand touring genre. Well-preserved examples command strong prices, reflecting the car's combination of beauty, performance, and historical importance. The 3500 GT remains a highly desirable classic that is both rewarding to drive and beautiful to behold.
The Superleggera body construction can hide corrosion in the internal tube framework. Inspect the aluminum body panels for repairs and corrosion at contact points with the steel tubes. The inline-six engine is robust but parts are scarce. Lucas fuel injection (on later cars) requires specialist knowledge. Check the chassis frame for distortion or accident damage. Provenance and original documentation significantly enhance value.
Produced from 1957 to 1964 at Maserati's factory in Modena, Italy. Bodies were crafted by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan using the Superleggera construction technique. Later cars received Lucas fuel injection and disc brakes on all four corners.