Giovanni Micholotti designed an open top version of Maserati’s first successful Gran Turismo offering, earning Carrozzeria Vignale a contract to build a production convertible 3500 GT Spyder in 1959. By 1960, the design was perfected with the inclusion of many optional features as standard equipment.
This 1960 example left the factory bound for Mercedes-Benz Distributors Western Ltd. in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was finished in Rosso Alfa over a black leather interior. Under the hood, a 3.5-liter DOHC inline-six was paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission that sent power to 16-inch Borrani wheels through a limited-slip differential. Braking was handled by way of front disc brakes and finned rear drums. A double wishbone front suspension paired with coil springs and a leaf sprung solid rear axle earned this car a reputation of being a good handling car that was fun to drive.
Over the years this car has been well maintained. It is believed to have been repainted in the 1980s, a mechanical refurbishment was completed between 2003 and 2006, the brakes were serviced in 2014 and 2015, and the triple Weber carburetors were overhauled in 2021 along with some other repairs. The only parts believed to be missing from the car are the heater valve and blower.
In 2002, the car was relocated to the U.S. and it is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer. As an incredibly rare example of just 250 Vignale-bodied convertibles produced between 1959 and 1963, this car would be an excellent candidate for a comprehensive restoration or it could simply be enjoyed in its current state. For more information on this car and/or how to register to place your bid click here.
