Rare Maserati Auction

A Rare Italian Gem: The 1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Frua

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, Italian sports cars had a flair about them that made heads turn, and Maserati was right at the heart of it. These beauties, whether from Ferrari or Maserati, had unmatched charisma. Enter the 1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Frua, a unique masterpiece sitting pretty on Bring a Trailer. Not just any Maserati, this is a one-off piece of art, a testament to Italian craftsmanship and design. Imagine the exclusivity of owning something this rare—this Frua is the only one of its kind with an open-top configuration.

Unique Features

What sets this Maserati apart from its type 101 siblings are the distinct styling cues crafted by Pietro Frua. These include inset fender vents adorned with quad chrome spears, a split grille flanked by vertical bumper guards, and tail end enhancements with similar vertical bumperettes. Add in a hood scoop and new tail lights, and you’ve got something truly special. It’s the kind of car that stands out not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s almost otherworldly in its sleek form.

A Storied Journey

This Maserati’s journey began in late 1958, once it was assembled and taken for a spin around the Autodromo di Modena. It then made its way to France, where it was first seen in public under a corporate registration in 1959. Soon thereafter, it drove into the spotlight, featuring in the French film “La Francaise et l’Amour”. Over the years, it changed hands, including belonging to French composer Francis Lopez. By 1981, it found a new home, receiving a replacement engine— a 3.5-liter DOHC inline-six—alongside a five-speed manual gearbox and a pale yellow repaint. The car eventually crossed the Atlantic, becoming part of the Alfredo Brener collection in the U.S. This rare vehicle later received extensive restoration work at Fast Cars Ltd. in California, which painstakingly returned it to its original specification, complete with a turquoise and cream interior, revamped powertrain, and rechromed accents, costing a jaw-dropping $416,000.

Driven Delights

Opened up under the hood lies the same 3.5-liter inline-six that was refreshed a few years back, coupled with triple Weber carburetors and dual spark plugs per cylinder. The driving experience is akin to taming a wild stallion—raw yet graceful. Compared to other classics, it’s got a distinctive charm. Its power delivery is smooth and responsive, similar to classic Lamborghinis of the era, but wrapped in an elegance that rivals any Ferrari of its time.

The Big Picture

Owning the 1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Frua is more than acquiring a car; it’s about becoming a guardian of history. With only five Frua-bodied 3500 GTs in existence, and this being the solitary convertible, it’s a gem in the vast automotive landscape. Along with the car come relics of its past: historical photos, a matching scale model, and an array of literature, echoing its storied heritage. As of now, bidding for this remarkable piece has reached $730,000, expected to rise even further given its rarity and distinguished restoration at Pebble Beach. It’s quite simply, automotive art at its finest.