The Maserati 3500GT, a grand tourer that defined Italian automotive excellence, returns to the spotlight at Rétromobile 2025. Specifically, this 1959 example, restored by Touring Superleggera with support from Maserati Classiche, showcases the very best of craftsmanship and heritage preservation.
A Piece of Automotive History
Originally built for the California market, this 1959 Maserati 3500GT spent decades with the Dodge family, a name synonymous with American motoring. Now, following an exacting restoration, the car stands as a true tribute to Italian automotive artistry. Every original component has been meticulously preserved or recreated, ensuring a level of authenticity that collectors and enthusiasts admire.
A Restoration of the Highest Standard
Touring Superleggera, the revered Milanese coachbuilder, oversaw the painstaking restoration, ensuring every element matched its original specification. Furthermore, Maserati Classiche played a key role, offering technical and documentary expertise. Indeed, their combined efforts brought this classic back to life.
The restoration process involved:
- Chassis and engine authentication
- Inspection of suspension, brakes, wheels, and tyres
- Bodywork refinishing to original colours and materials
- Electrical and accessory restoration
The result? A car that looks and feels exactly as it did when it left the factory in 1959. This level of detail earned it Maserati’s Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its historical accuracy and mechanical integrity.
The Maserati Classiche Programme
For classic Maserati owners, the Maserati Classiche programme offers an exclusive service dedicated to restoring, preserving, and, moreover, certifying historic models.
Key benefits include:
- Certification of Authenticity for Maseratis over 20 years old
- On-demand restoration and servicing
- Production of rare, discontinued parts
This initiative ensures that Maserati’s legacy remains intact. Consequently, it allows collectors to maintain their prized vehicles with factory-approved expertise.
The Maserati 3500GT – A Grand Tourer That Defined an Era
Launched in 1957, the Maserati 3500GT was the company’s first mass-produced grand tourer, thus marking a shift from track dominance to road-going luxury.
Key features included:
- Aluminium body by Carrozzeria Touring
- 3.5-litre straight-six engine, derived from Maserati’s race cars
- Four-speed ZF gearbox (later upgraded to five-speed)
- Optional front disc brakes from 1959
By 1961, the introduction of Lucas fuel injection boosted power to 235 hp, giving rise to the 3500GTI, an even more refined and powerful variant. A convertible Spider, styled by Giovanni Michelotti, joined the lineup in the same year, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.
Maserati at Rétromobile 2025
Maserati’s presence at Rétromobile 2025 extended beyond the 3500GT. Maserati Schumacher Paris showcased:
- MC12 Corsa Blu Victory – a rare track-focused version of the legendary MC12
- GT2 Stradale – a road-going evolution of Maserati’s latest GT2 racer
- MC20 Cielo Blu Victory – an exclusive open-top supercar with breathtaking performance
Rétromobile remains the premier event for classic car enthusiasts, bringing together the world’s finest automotive treasures under one roof.
What Do You Think?
Does the Maserati 3500GT deserve its place among the all-time greats? What’s your favourite classic Maserati? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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