Maserati Sebring 3500GTi Series 1, 1963
Chassis No.: 01841 $170,000 | High bid • Exterior: Red • Interior: Black • 1 of only 348 Series 1 Sebrings produced • Vignale coachwork • Delivered new to Cornacchia Automobili of Milano, Italy on September 4, 1963 • Body stripped to bare metal before concours-quality respray applied • Brightwork re-chromed • Rebuilt original 3485cc DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine • Rebuilt rare Lucas mechanical fuel injection • ZF 5-speed manual transmission • Independent front suspension • Live rear axle • 4-wheel disc brakes • Wire wheels with knock-offs Developed from Maserati’s 3500 GT, which translated the company’s racing prowess to the road and revived the company’s fortunes, the handsome and fast Sebring was named in celebration of Maserati’s victory at the grueling 12-hour race there in 1957. While several of the era’s top Italian coachbuilders provided stylish bodies for the 3500 GT, the Sebring featured sporting yet sophisticated 2+2 bodywork by Vignale to a Giovanni Michelotti design. Based upon a shortened 3500 GT chassis and powered by Maserati’s lusty 3500cc DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine, the Sebring debuted at the 1962 Paris and 1963 Turin shows. Initially delivering 220 HP but quickly upgraded to 235 for 1963, capable of approaching 140 MPH and renowned for outstanding driving dynamics, the Sebring was built along two distinct series to 1969, with just 348 Series I cars built and 436 to 438 of these swift and elegant automobiles produced in total. Numbered 01841, this striking 1963 Maserati Sebring is a compelling Series I example equipped with the desirable 5-speed ZF manual gearbox and 4-wheel disc brakes. Following assembly, it was delivered to Cornacchia Automobili of Milano, Italy, on September 4, 1963, and it was first owned by Mrs. Elena Gelmi Cattaneo. Subsequently, it was exported to the United States and owned long-term by a caring enthusiast before passing to the next owner in strong, mostly original condition other that a prior repaint. At the time, the odometer reading of just 70,000 kilometers was believed actual. A glass-out, bare-metal refinish in the original red was performed, brightwork was rechromed, and the original engine was rebuilt, including the rare Lucas mechanical fuel-injection system. Handsomely presented throughout and riding on classical wire-spoke wheels, this exceptionally rare and very fine Series I 1963 Maserati Sebring 2+2 offers an endless number of possibilities for its next owner. With its incredible presentation, the car is sure to draw admiration everywhere it appears and with its incomparable Maserati heritage, it will offer a fabulous experience on all levels. https://www.mecum.com/lots/465356/1963-maserati-sebring-3500gti-series-1/
