Chassis No. AM1011093
Engine No. AM1011093

On 15 November 1960, a distinctive Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 with a Vignale Spyder body, later known as chassis 1093, was ordered. The unique features of this order, placed through the Dutch Maserati importer Maasland Company, included a Grigio Montebello (Max Meyer 16.003) exterior, a Neutral Connolly leather interior with Bordo bleu piping, the optional ZF “S 5.17” transmission, and a rare removable hardtop. The car was produced in December 1960 and delivered to Max Cohen in New York City on 23 January 1961.

Knowing that the Maserati would return to Europe, the car was equipped with metric specifications, including its instrumentation. When returning to the Netherlands in the spring of 1963, the car was registered on 11 March 1963 with a special import "EE" specification on the license plate, presumed to result from the previously mentioned instrumentation.

Mr. Cohen had the hardtop modified with an aftermarket sunroof before selling the car to the next owner, John Hootman. Under Hootman's discretion, the car was repainted in Bleu Celeste (Blue Metallic), and the interior was reupholstered with black leather. While enjoying his Maserati, the car was seen by Bob Haagendoorn, who became smitten by its sight and sound; he decided he had to own that car. By chance, Bob met John one day while having engine trouble and became his friend before purchasing the Spyder in 1968.

The challenge of repairing the engine did not worry Haagendoorn, as he was an experienced technician and physicist with an engine design patent that Lockheed Martin and Boeing were interested in acquiring. As there were no suitable shops near his home, Haagendoorn got in his Glas V8 and drove to Munich, where he got all the necessary parts to overhaul the engine from Auto König.

Driving the car regularly from spring through fall every year was Haagendoorn's true passion. This passion grew, and he purchased another Maserati Spyder. As a result, when the engine in 1093 suffered from more issues, a later engine with Lucas fuel injection was installed. He had incredible foresight that the original engine should be saved, so he stored it in his garage for future repairs.

After moving to a new house in early 1975, Haagendoorn had two Spyders sitting in his driveway when he was approached by Bart van der Weiden. As one of the founding members of the Dutch Maserati Club, the two quickly became friends. Weiden had fallen in love with Haagendoorn's Spyder and was told he would be the first choice when the time came to sell his beloved Maserati.

In 1977, the next round of major repair and service work was due for 1093, but due to other commitments, the car was placed in the garage until he had the time for a restoration. Upon not driving the car, it was deregistered in 1979 and remained there for the ensuing 38 years. Finally, when the time came, Weiden purchased the Spyder on 22 December 2015, along with a Sebring and another 3500 GT with his friend Marcel Lammerée. It was an emotional time for everyone involved as the garage had not been opened for so long, and a tree had to be cut down before the Spyder was revealed.

Already having a Spyder in his collection, the car was sold to the current owner on 2 January 2016. Thanks to Haagendoorn's careful use, the car remained in remarkably solid condition and was still fitted with its five-speed transmission and original hardtop. The elaborate trunk trim was still original and in impressive condition. Even the original license plate, first affixed in 1963, was still mounted to the car.

Commencing in 2016, the restoration of the 1093 was a meticulous process. The car was taken to Auto Sauer in Bamberg, where it was carefully disassembled, and each part was documented to determine its condition, with the restoration team paying particular attention to the car's unique details. They sourced new old stock Cibie headlights and fog lights, had a new windshield made by URO-Glass in England, and obtained a new wiring harness from Klaus Müller Kabelbäume.

The chassis and bodywork were stripped to bare metal for thorough examination prior to being refinished. Once the metal work was completed, the frame and body were dip-primed to ensure complete coverage before being spray-primed. The handcrafted panels were checked multiple times to ensure a consistent panel gap throughout the car. Deviating from original, the car was refinished in period correct Grigio Flemington (106-E-6) while the hardtop was refinished in its original shade of Grigio Montebello. In total, the bodywork alone took over 500 hours to complete.

The mechanical aspects of the car received the same level of attention as the bodywork. The original, matching-numbers engine was completely overhauled by the specialist at Heydt in Bamberg, Germany. New pistons, connecting rods, bearings, seals, and a timing chain were installed, and the water pump and radiator were overhauled. The five-speed manual transmission was sent to the gearbox specialist Hermann Oberlack for complete disassembly and overhaul, and a new clutch was installed. The brakes and suspension components also received the same level of care. The owner chose to replace the original steel wheels with new Borrani wire wheels, and the steering was upgraded with EZ Electric power steering for increased drivability.

Lastly, the interior was retrimmed with all-new leather. It was decided to use Crema over the delicate Neutral Connolly leather interior with Bordo Bleu piping. This work was completed by Erdmann Saddlery, including unique black leather on the dashboard that is resistant to high heat. The seats were reconditioned and received new foam before being reupholstered with Crema leather. The interior trim work was reconditioned, and the gauges reset to zero kilometers following the car's complete overhaul. An Autovox radio was installed in the vehicle, which has been upgraded with a higher output and an auxiliary input for use with your phone.

With over 2,800 hours of restorative work by well-regarded experts, the final result is a spectacular 3500 GT Spyder, prime for enjoyment. Should the next owner wish to enjoy the car with the hardtop, it can be made available for purchase as well. Between its known history from new and its splendid presentation, this 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder is not only a piece of automotive history, but a highly desirable concours candidate and eligible for touring events globally.

Title/Registration: German Fahrzeugbrief, VAT Status: EU Taxes Paid