www.QV500.com - Maserati Tipo 101 Part 1: 3500 GT Coupe

 
By the mid 1950's, success with sports racing cars demanded purpose built machinery created specifically for the job. Jaguar had the D-Type, Ferrari the 250 Testa Rossa and Mercedes the 300 SLR. Maserati had a variety of engine and chassis combinations too, perhaps typified by the all conquering 300 S, but despite retaining some degree or roadability, none of these cars were a sensible proposition for drivers wanting a reasonably reliable, comfortable or practical high-speed tourer. Since Count Orsi had taken over at Maserati, the firm had been making a gradual shift towards passenger cars, however, most were still based on the sports racing A6G and tended to be
   

at the request of individual customers. It was clear that to satisfy the increasing demand for a luxury Gran Turismo, Maserati needed an all-new model - the 3500 GT was born. Between 1957 and '64, over 2000 3500's were built in various configurations, this in contrast to the 76 A6G's that rolled of the production line beforehand. To keep costs down, the 3500 adopted components from several specialist firms, ZF supplying the gearbox, Borg & Beck the clutch, Girling the brakes and suspension and Salisbury the rear differential. As a result, the 3500 outsold its closest competitor (Ferrari's 250 GT PF) by around four to one. Adopting a traditional front-engined, rear wheel drive layout, Maserati's beefy welded tubular steel chassis featured a wheelbase of 2600mm. The front suspension was independent with coil-springs and telescopic shock absorbers, a rigid Salisbury axle being used at the back with semi-elliptical leaf springs and more telescopic shocks. Anti-roll bars were fitted front and rear along with hydraulically operated 12-inch turbo-finned drum brakes on all four wheels. 16-inch diameter rims were manufactured by Borrani, these steel items measuring 6.5-inches across and normally coming shod with Pirelli Cinturato tyres. For the engine, a modified version of the sports racing 350 S was installed. A twin cam straight six of 3.5-litres, the block, head and ribbed sump were all manufactured in light alloy, other interesting features including hemispherical combustion chambers, domed pistons and a massive seven-bearing crankshaft.

 
Exact displacement was 3485cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 86 x 100mm respectively, compression being set at 8.2:1. Three twin-choke 42 DCOE sidedraught Weber carburettors were used along with twin Marelli distributors. All told it equated to an impressive 230bhp at 5500rpm, this being fed through a four-speed all-synchromesh ZF gearbox with Borg & Beck single dry plate hydraulic clutch. Few automotive creations have been blessed with such elegant coachwork as Maserati's 3500, the production Coupe being bodied by Touring of Milan using their patented Superleggera manufacturing process. Exquisitely proportioned from every angle, the all alloy shell
   
was designed by Touring engineers Anderloni and Ponzoni. Inside, the luxurious interior combined excellent all-round visibility and plentiful luggage space. An attractively laid out dashboard housed all the necessary instrumentation, electric windows and an electric radio antenna coming as standard along with leather for the seats, door trim and gearshift surround. Occasional rear seats made the 3500 a genuine 2+2, but adult passengers often complained of little head or legroom. Weighing in at 1420kg, the 3500 was an impressive performer. According to which of the seven rear axle ratios was adopted, top speed could exceed 140mph whilst 0-60 could be accomplished in a whisker under seven seconds. Launched at the Geneva Salon in March 1957, two prototypes were displayed, one by Touring and the other by Allemano. Touring's proposal was selected for production, the first 3500's rolling out of Maserati's Modena factory in early 1958. A year later (1959), front disc brakes became optionally available along with a limited slip differential and Borrani wire wheels. 1960 then saw disc brakes and LSD moved from the options list to standard equipment, but it was early 1961 when the most radical changes were introduced. Maserati switched from Weber carbs to Lucas fuel injection, the newly titled 3500 GTI boasting 235bhp at 5500rpm, five horses more than its carb-fed predecessor.

 

Not only was the GTI quieter and smoother, it also benefited from a reduced tickover and improved throttle response. At the same time, a five-speed gearbox was introduced along with a variety of subtle cosmetic changes, the most obvious having been the removal of the carb versions front spot lamps. New rectangular indicators were fitted along with an extended nose, a lower roofline, a re-positioned front radiator grille, new tail light clusters, rear quarterlights and Iniezone scripting. More changes were later introduced in 1962 when the hood and side grilles were removed. Production continued until the end of 1964 by which time 1973 Touring Coupe's had been built.