1963 Maserati 3500 GT(i) (EUR 260.000)

Here is an interview about the story behind this Maserati and his owner: 

This is a Maserati in perfect condition. It would be ready basically to participate in the Concours d’Elegance, tell us about the restoration process and how long it took you?

That was quite a journey, to be honest. I bought the car at an auction in 2016. It was claimed to be in perfect condition and the body and the basis of the car indeed was. But the rest was not. So I spent the last years restoring everything to the last detail of the car. The engine overhaul alone cost more than 40.000 Euros. All other mechanical components were rebuilt as well. Steering, braked, fuel tank, suspension, fuel pump, oil, pump, electrical wiring, etc. – everything was completely rebuilt to the highest standards. A very lengthy and costly process but the quality that the car deserves. In total, I would estimate the total restoration expense in the range of 200.000 euros. The great thing about the car is that it is 100% original and matching. My engine overhaul was the first ever performed for the engine and all components of the engine have the correct “numero intero” stamped on them. So in a way, the car is “as matching as it gets”.

You mentioned that the car has a very interesting first owner. Who was it? 

Yes, the car was first bought by Commendatore Alfonso Morini, a well-known Grand Prix Race Driver and the founder of the famous motorcycle brand “Moto Morini”. He was one of the most renowned gentlemen in his era in the motoring world. In 1963, he lived in Bologna where the car was delivered to him when it was new.  

You’ve told me that this car has some unique factory specs, which were requested by its first owner Alfonso Morini. Tell us about it!

Yes, let me start with a little bit of background: The Maserati 3500 GT was built from 1957 to 1966. In total 1972 units were built. In 1962, a modified and improved version was offered to the market. The most relevant upgrades were full disc brakes, a five gear transmission instead of 4 gears, and electric windows – but there were also some minor visual improvements. This upgraded version was called the Maserati 3500 GTi. The ”i” stands for a fuel injection system made by Lucas that was now standard for the car. Since the fuel injection technology was new at the time, it was not very reliable and it still is not reliable today in these cars. Alfonso Morini knew about the pros and cons of the fuel injection technology and wisely bought the upgraded GTi version of the car but he requested the much more reliable carburetor set-up. So this 3500 GT(i) combines the best essence possible specification of the car. All the advantages of the second generation of the 3500 GT with the desirable carburetor set-up being all original. There is no documentation about the number of GTis that were ordered with carburetors but I am sure there were very very few of them.

Written by Magazine “La Strega” 

Since Morini was the owner of the Maserati, there is a very particular detail on the dashboard, it says “Gabriella”. What is the story behind it?

On the passenger side of the dashboard, there is a small metal plate with a blue round stone-like shape and the name Gabriella engraved on it. Gabriella was Alfonso Morini’s daughter and presumably as a lucky charm or a reminder of her, he installed this little plate on the dashboard. Interestingly it was his daughter Gabriella, who ran Moto Morini after her father Alfonso passed away in 1969. She managed the company for almost 20 years until it was sold. It is unclear but likely that Gabriella owned this Maserati after the death of her father before she sold it.  

What else do you know about the history of the car?

When I acquired the car, I was informed that the car had 3 prior owners. Alfonso Morini bought it new and it can be assumed that he passed it on to his daughter Gabriella who drove it for a few years. The car was then sold within Italy once before it was exported to the United States, where it received a minor restoration and was owned by Mr. Barnes in Sacramento for many years. It was after his ownership that the car came back to Europe where I acquired it in 2016.  

What else do you know about the history of the car?

When I acquired the car, I was informed that the car had 3 prior owners. Alfonso Morini bought it new and it can be assumed that he passed it on to his daughter Gabriella who drove it for a few years. The car was then sold within Italy once before it was exported to the United States, where it received a minor restoration and was owned by Mr. Barnes in Sacramento for many years. It was after his ownership that the car came back to Europe where I acquired it in 2016.  

Do you have any related anecdotes, like what you like or enjoy the most about the 3500GT(i) for example?

It is a truly fascinating car to own and drive. The 3500GT was the first car Maserati ever built that was not a pure race car. The beautiful 3,5 liter straight 6 cylinder engine was originally developed for the Tipo 350S which was a race car that Stirling Moss raced at Mille Miglia. The engine received some minor modifications to make it more durable and usable and went straight into the Maserati 3500GTs. The driving experience of the Maserati 3500 GT is dominated by its incredible engine. It is rev hungry, strong, loud, and very agile, an absolute blast to drive it!

How can you describe your driving experience as a daily rally car?

When I look at the 3500GT, my heart melts away because it is so outrageously beautiful. And then I sit inside and drive it and it feels like riding a cannonball. I have never seen or driven anything like it. 

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