Teamspeed.com - 1 of 2 1961 MASERATI 3500 GT COUPE SPECIALE COACHWORK BY FRUA

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--Azzuro Metalizato with Tan leather interior and Grey carpets, 1 of only 2 similar cars bodies by Frua. 5-speed, Restored by marque specialists to show standards.

This 3500 GT Coupe, AM101.1496, is one of only two similar cars bodied by Frua in 1961. The other, #1494, is believed to be lost. Finished in May 1961, the car left the masters at Frua and was delivered to the prominent Maserati dealer Martinelli & Sonvico of Lugano, Switzerland.

In 1976 or 1977 this 3500 GT Speciale was imported to the United States and owned by Dr. Harms of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Later the 3500 GT passed to noted Maserati personality and founder of Maserati parts source M.I.E. and the Concorso Italiano, Frank Mandarano. In 1988, Mr. Mandarano sold the car to Doug Speer, and it is believed that #101.1496 was then purchased in 1993 by Jerry Wood.

John Bookout was #101.1496’s next caretaker, buying the car in 1996. In 2007, Mr. Bookout sold #101.1496 to its next and last owner, a well-known marque enthusiast who is known for his thorough restorations on Maseratis as well as rare Alfa Romeos. When he acquired the car, a restoration to exacting standards was begun. The restoration was completed in late 2010, with all cosmetics performed to Pebble Beach Best of Show-winning restorer Chris Charlton of Oxford, Maine. During the restoration process, it was discovered that the engine was in poor condition and it was therefore replaced with a freshly rebuilt un-numbered 3500 unit, a fairly common practice among engines of this type.

In completely restored form, this 3500 GT Speciale was shown at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

The car comes with a certified copy of the original Technical Data Sheet and a Certificate of Origin for AM101.1496, provided by Maserati Classiche on August 24, 2011. This fascinating set of documents includes copies of the handwritten build record and the original shipping notice.

With the style of the legendary 5000 GT at a much more accessible price and a chance to own a car unlike any other 3500 GT ever built, this is an investment opportunity that will certainly rise in value in the wake of 5000 GT rising values. Restored to an impressive level by a marque expert, this 3500 GT Speciale is a welcome addition to any concours lawn and a definite conversation starter wherever it goes.