The Maserati 3500 GT was the first gran turismo built by the Italian company in significant numbers. Ten years after the introduction of Maserati’s first road car, it was this very model that effectively achieved the marque’s transition from racing car to road car manufacturer. A total of 2,226 3500 GT coupés and convertibles were built between 1957 and 1964.

Two prototypes were exhibited side by side at the Geneva motor show on March 20th 1957; the coupés were penned by Touring and Allemano. Touring’s design was preferred and made it to production with very few modifications. Its roomy four-seater body was built in Milan following Touring’s lightweight Superleggera method. The brand new straight six long stroke engine, with twin camshafts and twin-plug ignition, was the first Maserati engine designed specifically and exclusively for production vehicles, without racing in mind. With three twin-choke carburetors it developed 230 hp and provided plenty of torque. Top speed exceeded 210 kph (130 mph). ZF supplied the four-speed gearbox (five-speed from 1960 and three-speed-automatic on request), while other elements were sourced from the best suppliers of the day: Salisbury rear axle, Girling brakes, Alford & Adler suspension, Burman & Sons steering box, and Borg & Beck clutch. Front disc brakes became available as an option from 1959 and Lucas direct injection followed two years later (see 3500 GTi).

The original concept for the car, devised by company owner Adolfo Orsi and designer Giulio Alfieri, called for a fast GT that would be exciting to drive but also comfortable and practical for daily use – a design brief that continues to this day for all Maserati road cars. Maserati demonstrated exceptional attention to the customer and was a pioneer in making after-sales services a key marketing area. Many celebrity owners got behind the wheel of a 3500 GT, including Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the tenor Giuseppe di Stefano, and actors Alberto Sordi, Tony Curtis, Stewart Granger, Rock Hudson and Anthony Quinn. Franco Cornacchia – a gentleman racing driver, who later became Maserati’s representative in Milan – regularly drove 3500 GTs between Milan and Modena on the Autostrada del Sole, setting a toll-to-toll record of 39 minutes over approximately 160 km.