Maserati Sebring Series II
The Maserati Sebring, introduced at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show, was named in honor of Maserati's dominant victory at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Vignale, the Sebring was essentially a coupe derivative of the 3500 GT Spider, featuring a shorter wheelbase and more sporting character than the larger 3500 GT touring car.
The Vignale-built body was distinctive and handsome, if somewhat conservative compared to the more dramatic designs being produced by Pininfarina and Bertone for rival marques. The Series I Sebring featured round headlights, while the Series II, introduced in 1964, adopted quad headlights and revised trim that gave the car a more contemporary appearance.
Mechanically, the Sebring shared the 3500 GT's race-bred inline-six engine, available in 3.5, 3.7, and 3.9-liter displacements. The dual overhead cam design, derived from the 250F Grand Prix engine, produced between 235 and 255 horsepower depending on specification. Lucas mechanical fuel injection was standard on most examples, providing crisp throttle response, though some early cars used Weber carburetors.
The chassis was conventional for the period, with a tubular steel frame, independent front suspension via double wishbones and coil springs, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with an optional Borg-Warner three-speed automatic available for those who preferred a more relaxed driving experience. Four-wheel disc brakes provided confident stopping power.
The Sebring was positioned as a more sporting alternative to the standard 3500 GT, with its shorter wheelbase contributing to slightly more agile handling. The 2+2 seating arrangement made it marginally more practical than a pure two-seater, though rear accommodation was best suited to children or luggage.
A total of approximately 591 Sebrings were produced between 1962 and 1966 across both series. Today, the Sebring is valued by collectors who appreciate its elegant Vignale bodywork, race-bred engine, and the emotional connection to Maserati's competition heritage that its name evokes. It offers a more affordable entry into classic Maserati ownership compared to the 5000 GT or A6GCS.
Series II with quad headlights is slightly more common. Check for rust in typical Italian GT locations: sills, floors, door bottoms. Lucas fuel injection requires specialist maintenance. The inline-six engine is robust but parts are scarce. Vignale build quality was generally good but panel gaps may be wider than Pininfarina equivalents. Verify engine displacement matches documentation.
Approximately 591 units produced. Series I (1962-1964) with round headlights, Series II (1964-1966) with quad headlights. Available in 3.5L, 3.7L, and 3.9L engine options. Bodies built by Vignale to Michelotti design. Named after Maserati's 1957 Sebring 12 Hours victory. Borg-Warner automatic was optional.