This Is What A 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Is Worth Today

The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT was the first production touring car to come out of the Maserati factory, which had previously focused on racing cars and the occasional road car for a privileged customer. The 1957 model year was a watershed moment for Maserati, as it introduced the first true series-production road car, the 3500 GT. That is, they are not directly derived from a racing model and are not mass-produced with standardized coachwork and specifications.

It was a huge success, propelling Maserati beyond the realm of race cars and low-volume one-offs. Touring of Milan provided the coachwork. Touring also attempted a convertible version of the Spyder, but only a few were built. The engine was developed for the 250F Formula 1 car and later enlarged for the 300S and 350S sports racing cars, and it owed its existence to the racetrack. The seven-main-bearing six produced about 230hp thanks to hemispheric combustion chambers and twin spark plug ignition.

The remaining running gear was outsourced by Maserati. ZF from Germany supplied the manual transmission and steering gear, while Girling and Salisbury supplied the brakes and rear axle.

The Maserati 3500 GT Made Its Iconic Debut In The Late '50s

The first Maserati 3500 GT was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957. Maserati decided to produce a series sports car in larger numbers for the first time. It was the successor to the thrilling A6G54, which was limited to only 60 units. A total of 1,972 models of the 3500 GT with Touring body were produced by 1964. The engine was based on the legendary Tipo 350S with a few modifications, but the crankshaft and valve train were changed.

Weber horizontal double carburetors were used to ventilate the engine exclusively until 1961. The Maserati's superior performance was attributed to its modern and powerful all-aluminum engine, which featured two overhead camshafts and double ignition.

The body design of Touring is still a visual treat today. This 3500 GT is unquestionably a style icon. Carrozzeria Touring's patented tubular space frame with attached aluminum cover is simply perfect and sprinkled with loving details. The touring design, with its pontoon style and subtle fins on the rear fenders, is regarded as a well-balanced shape, especially because it perfectly expresses the Maserati philosophy - not maximum performance, but the high utility of a Gran Turismo with plenty of space and a large trunk.

You can't blame the celebrities of the 1960s for preferring the Maserati 3500 GT (including Prince Rainer von Monaco). The entrance is simple, and the interior is lighter than the exterior window surfaces suggest. The six-cylinder in-line engine starts easily and provides plenty of torque even at low engine speeds, making it a pleasant companion. The transmission precisely shifts. The clutch and brake operators are caring individuals. The driver has access to many Jaeger instruments, which provide him with all the information he needs.

The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT's Powertrain Is A Blockbuster

The 3500 GT was a significant car for Maserati because it was the company's first mass-produced road car. Maserati officially retired from motor racing in 1957, focusing solely on the production of Gran Turismo road cars. Carrozzeria Touring designed the 3500 GT's elegantly shaped body, which was made of aluminum and attached to a tubular steel frame (Superleggera patent). The 6-cylinder engine was derived from the 1956 350S racing car and had excellent torque output at low engine speeds.

The triple Weber carburetors were replaced with a Lucas mechanical fuel injection system in 1961, increasing the horsepower to 235hp (3500 GTI). The four-speed gearbox was supplied by ZF (five-speed from 1960 and three-speed automatic on request), with the rest of the components sourced from the best suppliers of the time. Front disc brakes were first offered as an option in 1959. This model was a huge commercial success and was instrumental in helping Maserati overcome its financial difficulties at the time.

The 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Is A Classic Car That Doesn't Come Cheap

One of the most beautiful coupes ever built is the 1957 Maserati 3500 GT. Its lines, numerous details, and excellent driving performance continue to captivate today. Even tall people will feel at ease in this Maserati. Almost no other vehicle combines the Italian flair so deftly, with such breathtaking lines and sporty driving pleasure, as this Maserati 3500.

Maserati's vehicles have always been known for being expensive, high-quality, and dependable, so adding one to your garage shouldn't be too difficult. If you want to buy a 1957 Maserati 3500 GT today, expect to pay between $173,250 and $488,111 depending on the car's condition, according to Classic.

Sources: Classic, Maserati, Hemmings, MotorTrend, Scuderia-Sportiva-Colonia