With this model in fact came to pass, ten years after the presentation of the first Maserati road car, the transition from the racing world to that of mass production. In the years 1957-1964 between coupe and convertible will total 2,226 were built.
On 20 March 1957, at the Geneva Motor Show were presented, one beside the other two prototypes, both coupe, designed respectively by Allemanno and Touring. It was the second favorite, which began with the production phase after a few tweaks. The shell, spacious four-seater, was built in Milan by using the method Touring Superleggera . The all-new six-cylinder in-line engine with a long stroke, with two overhead camshafts and dual ignition, was the first Maserati engine to be designed without gaze to the world of motor racing, the first unit specifically and exclusively for the production in series. With the three carburetors double-body, the engine was able to develop a power of 230 hp and torque values ensure absolutely remarkable. The maximum speed was over 210 Km / h. The four-speed gearbox (five, in 1960, three for the automatic transmission available on request) was manufacturing ZF, the other components were provided by the best companies of the time: Salisbury rear axle, Girling brakes, suspension Alford & Adler, steering box Burman & Sons, Borg & Beck clutch and so on. The front disc brakes became available as an option since 1959, while direct injection Lucas came two years later (see 3500 GTi).
The idea that inspired the car, drawn by the owner Adolfo Orsi and designer Giulio Alfieri, was that of a Gran Turismo fast, able to deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel, resulting in the same time comfortable and easy to handle everyday driving. Maserati turned to exceptional customer care and was among the first to make a solid argument services marketing. Many celebrities wanted to sit behind the wheel of the GT 3500: Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the tenor Giuseppe di Stefano, actors Alberto Sordi, Tony Curtis, Stewart Granger, Rock Hudson and Anthony Quinn. Franco Cornacchia, a driver does not become official representative Maserati in Milan, regularly drove the copies of 3500 GT along the Autostrada del Sole , between Milan and Modena, covering the route “from toll to toll” (about 160 Km) with a record time of 39 minutes.
Specifications and Features
