Description
Maserati 3500 Touring Spider “Prototype” – 1 of 2, an Italian Dream!
Some cars are special. Others are unique. And then there’s this Maserati 3500 Touring Spider, a prototype of which only two were ever built by Maserati. This is not just any classic Italian convertible. It is the direct predecessor of the Maserati 3500 Vignale Spider, a model that played a crucial role in saving Maserati from financial troubles and marking the start of a new era in the brand’s history.
Adding to its exclusivity, this very car made an appearance on the silver screen in the Hollywood movie “Love is a Ball”, starring legends Glenn Ford and Hope Lange.
The Car That Saved Maserati
At the end of the 1950s, Maserati was in serious financial trouble. The company had spent enormous sums on its racing program, and without a successful road car, it was facing possible bankruptcy. The answer? The Maserati 3500 GT, a stunning and blisteringly fast grand tourer featuring a modified version of the inline-six racing engine from Maserati’s successful competition cars.
But the company needed something more. A convertible to rival the stylish Ferraris of the era. Maserati experimented with several designs, including this Spider by Touring, of which only two examples were ever built.
Italian Art on Four Wheels
The long, flowing lines of the Touring Spider are instantly recognizable as the work of Carrozzeria Touring, sharing much of its elegance with the 3500 GT coupe.
A customer told us:
“Touring brought the dream to life by transforming the already stunning 3500 GT coupe into the ultimate convertible, exactly as a 3500 GT cabriolet should be.”
The Touring Spider is vastly different from the later Vignale Spider. While the Vignale had a more playful design with pronounced air intakes, the Touring Spider prototype remains pure and refined, featuring clean lines and classic proportions.
Exceptionally Well-Restored and Rebuilt
According to official Maserati factory records, this car was completed on June 18, 1958. The entire ownership history is documented, and the car has been meticulously restored down to the finest details.
Its exterior is in outstanding condition, with high-quality paintwork. The chrome bumpers have been carefully re-chromed, maintaining the period-correct look. The dark green soft top is a perfect match for the body color, adding to the car’s stunning presence. The signature dual exhaust pipes reveal the power of the inline-six engine, which is directly derived from Maserati’s racing heritage.
Inside, the black leather upholstery is in pristine condition, and the high-quality carpets reflect the craftsmanship involved in its restoration.
Under the hood, the inline-six engine is fitted with three Weber 42 DCOE carburetors, producing 220 horsepower—an impressive figure even today. The engine runs flawlessly, revving effortlessly, showcasing Maserati’s true racing DNA.
Why Is This Maserati So Special?
– One of only two Touring Spiders ever built by Maserati—extremely rare!
– Predecessor to the Vignale Spider—a crucial piece of Maserati history
– Featured in a Hollywood film alongside Glenn Ford and Hope Lange—true celebrity status
– Fully restored to the highest standards—every detail is in top condition
– Accompanied by extensive documentation, including original Maserati letters, photos from the film, restoration records, invoices, and magazines featuring this exact car
Contact Us for More Information
With its flawless proportions, powerful engine, and historic significance, this Maserati is a showstopper at concours events and exclusive rallies. Combining sportiness, elegance, and extreme rarity, this is a crown jewel for any collection of 1960s Italian sports cars.
Contact us today for more information. Gallery Aaldering has been a family-run business since 1975, specializing in the finest classic cars in the world. Are you located outside the Netherlands? No problem! We have extensive experience in worldwide vehicle exports. Ask us about the possibilities.
