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The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale designed by Michelotti.
The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder, born from the collaborative brilliance of Giovanni Michelotti and Alfredo Vignale, stands as an enduring testament to automotive elegance and innovation. Unveiled at the 1959 Turin Auto Salon, it captivated audiences with its striking design and advanced features, notably the pioneering inclusion of rotating front brakes, a groundbreaking innovation that would later become standard practice starting from 1960. The genesis of the 3500 GT Spyder can be traced back to the resounding success of the 3500 GT coupé by Carrozzeria Touring, introduced in 1957 in Geneva. Recognizing the demand for a convertible counterpart to complement the coupe, various design proposals emerged. While Touring initially showcased a prototype at the 1958 Turin Motor Show, it was Carrozzeria Vignale’s iteration, presented at the 1959 Salon de l’Auto in Paris, that ultimately entered production. Crafted under Michelotti’s design guidance, the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder exuded a timeless allure, blending sleek lines with exquisite detailing. Its convertible design, characterized by a steel body with an aluminum bonnet, boasted a shorter wheelbase compared to its coupe counterpart. This meticulous attention to aerodynamics and aesthetics ensured that the Spyder retained the quintessential Maserati essence while embracing the freedom and exhilaration of open-top motoring. Beyond its visual appeal, the 3500 GT Spyder delivered exhilarating performance, powered by a potent engine that effortlessly merged power with refinement. Front disc brakes, an optional limited-slip differential, and rear disc brakes, standard from 1962, underscored Maserati’s commitment to engineering excellence and driving dynamics. Throughout its production run, the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder garnered acclaim for its blend of style, performance, and luxury. It embodied the epitome of Italian automotive craftsmanship, appealing to discerning enthusiasts and collectors alike. Today, the legacy of the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder endures as a cherished classic, celebrated for its design ingenuity and engineering prowess. It remains an icon of automotive history, a symbol of the golden age of motoring, and a testament to the enduring partnership between Giovanni Michelotti and Alfredo Vignale.
Photo courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
The stunning backdrop of Villa d’Este hosted another extraordinary edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where historic cars and concept vehicles enchanted the audience and judges alike. This year, the “Best of Show” title was awarded to a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 bodied by Figoni, while the public bestowed the “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” upon a 1995 McLaren F1.
Carrozzieri-Italiani.com proudly presents an exclusive showcase: “The Michelotti Masterpieces.” Delve into the unparalleled beauty of automotive design with our gallery featuring the top 20 creations by the legendary Giovanni Michelotti.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
