Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Frua
Chassis
The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Frua one-off chassis 101.268.
Vehicle Overview
The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Frua one-off, chassis 101.268, is a unique vehicle that stands out in Maserati’s history. The Maserati 3500 GT debuted at the 27th Geneva Motor Show in March 1957, marking Maserati’s entry into the world of high-performance luxury sports cars with a four-seat configuration. The 3500 GT was well-received, and its production continued until 1965 with various body styles, including the Touring coupé and the Vignale spider. However, the Frua-designed Spider, chassis 101.268, is one of the rare and distinctive interpretations of the 3500 GT. This car, built in 1959, was a one-off model and was commissioned by Maserati to showcase Pietro Frua’s design expertise. It was unique in many aspects, including its color, light yellow exterior (giallo chiaro), and a distinctive green interior with white seating and piping. The construction of the car began in 1958, with design sketches and construction plans being developed in late 1958. The vehicle was completed by December 1958 and later went through testing in early 1959, where it was photographed at Maserati’s Modena plant. The first official public announcement came in January 1959, and the car was set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1959. After its completion, the car was sold to its first owner in 1959, a Frenchman named M. Duc, and was registered in Paris. The car passed through several owners, including well-known figures such as the composer Francis Lopez and the actor Roger Pierre. The Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Frua was used in a 1960 film, “La Française et l’amour,” further cementing its place in automotive and cinematic history. In the following years, the car went through various ownerships, including notable collectors. Over time, it underwent restorations and modifications, including changes to its drivetrain and body. The car was offered for sale multiple times, including in the 1980s, and it participated in various prestigious events like the Concorso Italiano. Despite its changes, the Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Frua remains a rare and sought-after vehicle. It was auctioned multiple times, with prices varying based on its condition and provenance. By 2017, it was sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction for $605,000, and its most recent auction took place in 2022, where it sold for 488,750 GBP. This Maserati continues to capture the interest of collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique history, design, and rarity in the automotive world.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1959
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MakeMaserati
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Model3500 GT Spyder
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CoachbuilderFrua
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Length (mm)N/A
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Width (mm)N/A
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Height (mm)N/A
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Units built1
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Engine Type6L
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MakeN/A
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ModelN/A
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Cylinder CapacityN/A
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Number Of DoorsN/A
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Six Month RateN/A
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Twelve Month RateN/A
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Date Of First RegistrationN/A
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Year Of ManufactureN/A
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CO2 EmissionsN/A
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Fuel TypeN/A
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Tax StatusN/A
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TransmissionN/A
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ColourN/A
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Type ApprovalN/A
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Wheel PlanN/A
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Revenue WeightN/A
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Tax DetailsN/A
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Mot DetailsN/A
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TaxedN/A
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motN/A
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MakeN/A
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Cylinder CapacityN/A
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RegistrationN/A
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Year Of ManufactureN/A
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CO2 MissionsN/A
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Fuel TypeN/A
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Tax StatusN/A
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ColourN/A
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Type ApprovalN/A
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Wheel PlanN/A
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Revenue WeightN/A
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DESIGNER
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