Maserati 3500 GT

A little history

Despite its long history, Maserati didn’t build many road cars before 1957, having concentrated all of its efforts on racing cars. In March that year, the company introduced the superb 3500 GT at the Geneva auto show. Initially sold as a coupe designed by Touring, it was joined in 1960 by a similarly elegant spider made by Vignale along the same lines as the original coupe. The first fuel injection system fitted to an Italian car is to put to the credit of the 3500 GTi, released in 1961. Production of the 3500 GT lasted until 1964, though some bare chassis were sold later. Its replacement, the Sebring, was largely similar from a mechanical point of view, but fitted with a brand new body, again a Vignale creation.

(This car’s history will be expanded in due time, please be patient.)

About the model

Model: Maserati 3500 GT
Year: 1961
Maker: Minichamps
Scale: 1/43
Distributed by: Minichamps, limited edition - 4,032 pieces
Acquired: brand new, in May 2006, in Manila, Philippines

Nice model - what else to expect from Minichamps? Well, perfection actually doesn't exist so mine came with a damaged front licence plate, as can be seen on the pictures. The German brand put to good use photo-etched metal for the free-standing trident in front of the grille, so why the windshield wipers are so cheaply made (here we go again...) is well beyond my comprehension. Good looking steering wheel, too - I hope the picture below does it justice. I have to admit that the little disappointment regarding the licence plate probably influenced my rating, a (relatively) modest 13/20.