From 1961, Lucas fuel injection was available on the Maserati 3500 GT as an option. Dubbed 3500 GTi (thus becoming the first “GTI” model ever!), the car now boasted a power output of 235 hp and a top speed of over 230 kph (144 mph). Maserati had started experimenting with its own fuel injection designs in 1954 under the guidance of Chief Engineer Giulio Alfieri. Many different systems were tested and several prototypes were built, providing Maserati with plenty of expertise in this specialist area. The first application of direct fuel injection (supplied by Bosch) in a Maserati had come on the 1955 250F Formula 1 car.

For road-going production, a partnership was formed with British supplier Lucas, and the 3500 GTi became the first Italian road car equipped with indirect petrol injection, while the mechanical system was also used to good effect on the second series 5000 GT. The increase in horsepower (15 bhp) was less significant than the increase in smoothness and driveability.

A carburetor version of the 3500 GT remained available for the more traditional members of Maserati’s clientele. Four-wheel disc brakes became fitted as standard on all 3500 GTs from 1962. There were also some subtle revisions to the styling that same year with less chrome and new taillights. The 3500 GT’s great success necessitated the creation, in the early 1960s, of a true assembly line with a raised ramp that allowed engineers to work both above and below the car simultaneously.

Looking at the 1961 sales brochures, there were some external differences between the carburetor version and the injected 3500 GT: the latter sported rectangular side indicators and the side window was divided with a fixed 3/4 piece, while the former adopted a thicker chrome surround to the front grille.