Restoring the Spyder: Part I
February, 1997

Following a tip that a rare early Maserati was available from a collector in the USA, Mario Lombardi did some detective work and identified three interesting vehicles (totally dissembled but still intact) available in the US.

The owner had apparently started restoration more than 15 years ago, but had lost interest and the vehicles were left languishing in a dusty Texas garage until discovered recently. Following an extended negotiation Mario Lombardi became the owner of a 1959 Maserati 3500 Spyder, 1959 Maserati 3500 GT and a 1959 Maserati 3500 GTI.

Now following several weeks at sea, crisscrossing the Pacific the cars have finally landed at Mario's Highett workshop. As Mario said, "What a find!" The most exciting of the three cars is undoubtedly the Spyder, which Mario's research has shown was one of two prototypes produced as the forerunner to the "production" Vignale Spyder. Apart from the chassis identification, the car is easily recognisable to a student of the marque as the eventual production version was altered in several minor yet significant aspects. Mario naturally is excited about the prospects of restoring the car. "It really is a fantastic opportunity. The car is a part of Maserati history".

The first 3500 Spyder made its debut at the Turin Auto Show in 1959. Two chassis were given to Vignale - one was No. 505 and the other No. 678. It is No. 678 that is in Mario's possession. The first car pictured below is known to be Chassis 678, as it was prepared for the Turin Show. The photograph of the car from the Maserati factory archives from the book "Maserati Road Cars" by Crump and Box and is reproduced here, 

The photograph of Chassis 505 has been reproduced from "Maserati Sports, Racing & GT Cars" by the same authors.   Mario said "As far as I am aware No 505 has been totally restored in Modena and at one time formed part of Adolfo Orsi's collection". 

No. 678 is currently just a very tired shell, "I will keep you informed on the progression of the restoration in the coming months. It's a very challenging project!" We will keep you in touch with Mario's progress. If you would like to see the car, give Mario a call. It is after all quite rare!