1961 Maserati 3500 GT Coupé Speciale by Frua
- Engine
- Rebuilt 3500 GT unit (inline-six, twin-cam)
- Colour
- Metallic azure blue
Chassis 1496 is one of only four Maserati 3500 GT chassis clothed by Pietro Frua, completed in May 1961 and delivered through Lugano dealer Martinelli & Sonvico. Distinguished by its aggressive frontal treatment, sweeping flanks, and characteristic Frua detailing, it has been described as the closest surviving equivalent to a junior 5000 GT. Following years of incomplete ownership in the United States, a meticulous restoration was undertaken around 2007–2011, after which the car debuted at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours and subsequently received class recognition at multiple concours events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$550,000 – US$700,000
- 1961-05-01 → 1961-06-01Factory deliveryMartinelli & Sonvicofull documentation
Prominent Maserati dealer based in Lugano, Switzerland, took initial delivery from Frua before transferring the car to its first registered owner.
- 1961-06-01 →Private saleJacques Bordierpartial documentation
First registered owner, based in Bern; vehicle registered as BE 999997 in his name.
- → 1988Acquisition unknownFrank Mandaranopartial documentation
Well-regarded Maserati parts and car supplier and founder of Concorso Italiano; held the car for several years before selling it.
- 1988 → 1993Private saleDoug Speerpartial documentation
- 1993 → 1996Private saleJerry Woodpartial documentation
- 1996 → 2007Private saleJohn Bookoutfull documentation
Noted Maserati collector who conducted extensive provenance research, confirmed chassis identity via Adolfo Orsi and Frua historian Stefan Dierkes, and initiated a full restoration that remained unfinished at the time of sale.
- 2007 →Private saleKeith Dulyfull documentation
Experienced marque restorer who brought the restoration to completion; cosmetic work handled by Chris Charlton of Oxford, Maine, with mechanical work done in-house. Obtained Maserati Classiche documentation in August 2011.
- 2011 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car shortly after its concours debut; has continued showing it at events and maintaining it to a high standard.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownChicago-area enthusiast pairpartial documentation
Two collectors in Chicago held the car by the mid-1970s after it had been imported to the United States; at this point the original rear window and engine were already absent.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDr. Harmspartial documentation
Resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; received the car from the Chicago collectors.
Competition
- 20112011 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Post-restoration debut appearance; reportedly received considerable positive attention.
- 20142014 Greenwich ConcoursMost Outstanding Maserati
Maserati was a featured marque at this event; the car took the top Maserati award among a strong field.
- 20152015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance2nd in class; Amelia Award recipient
Maintenance & restoration
- 1996Maintenance
Extensive historical and provenance research undertaken by the then-new owner, including outreach to Adolfo Orsi and Frua specialist Stefan Dierkes, conclusively establishing the car's identity as chassis 1496.
Research preceded and informed the subsequent restoration.
- 2007RestorationChris Charlton (cosmetics); Keith Duly's shop (mechanicals)
Comprehensive return-to-original restoration completed by Keith Duly, with cosmetic and bodywork by Chris Charlton of Oxford, Maine, and mechanical work by Duly's own workshop. All original components were catalogued and retained wherever feasible; the car was finished in Azzuro Metallizato over tan leather with grey carpets.
Work was initiated under John Bookout prior to 2007 and completed after Duly acquired the car; finished in time for the 2011 Amelia Island debut.
- —Engine rebuild
A replacement engine found in the car was assessed as unserviceable; it was substituted with a freshly rebuilt 3500 GT unit, consistent with a documented practice on other cars of this type.
Engine swap carried out as part of the broader restoration; the replacement block is correct to the model.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.