1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder (Frua)
- Engine
- 3500 GT inline-six (replacement unit sourced from Maserati factory)
- Colour
- Cream (previously pastel yellow)
This one-of-a-kind open spyder on a Maserati 3500 GT chassis (AM101 268) was among five custom bodies built by Turin coachbuilder Pietro Frua, and the only convertible of the group. Designed in 1958 as a possible blueprint for a production 3500 GT Spyder, it was ultimately a singular exercise whose styling anticipated later Frua and Maserati designs. After test drives by Maserati's Guerino Bertocchi and journalist Richard von Franckenberg, it entered French ownership, appeared in a 1960 film, and passed through several noted collectors before receiving thorough restoration work.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$605,000
- —Auction saleSold US$550,000
- —Auction saleSold £488,750 (≈ $611K)
- 1960 →Acquisition unknownFloret Remypartial documentation
Registered the car in Eure department under plate RM 27, following its use in a French film production.
- 1981 →Private saleBruno Bouvierpartial documentation
Evreux-based owner who commissioned a thorough restoration, including sourcing a replacement engine directly from Maserati.
- → 2003Acquisition unknownAlfredo Brenerpartial documentation
Well-known coachbuilt Maserati specialist who had the car repainted in cream and freshened between 1998 and 2000, and exhibited it at two events.
- 2003 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car directly from the Brener collection.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownSimone et Thenpenierpartial documentation
Paris-based French importer through which the car was exported from Italy to France after completion in early 1959.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPeter Garettpartial documentation
Kent-based owner who continued the restoration through Glendale Engineering in Oldham, adding the current yellow exterior with turquoise and white leather, plus five-speed gearbox and disc brake upgrades.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPhilippe Olczykpartial documentation
Noted collector listed as a subsequent caretaker following Garett.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBen Huismanpartial documentation
Noted collector listed alongside Olczyk as a subsequent caretaker.
Competition
- 20002000 Concorso Italiano
Exhibited during Alfredo Brener's ownership following a cosmetic refresh.
- 20022002 Los Angeles Auto Show
Displayed at the show while still in Brener's collection.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1981Restoration
Full restoration commissioned by Bruno Bouvier, including fitment of a replacement 3500 GT engine obtained from Maserati.
Work was initiated by Bouvier and subsequently continued by the following owner.
- —RestorationGlendale Engineering
Continuation of the restoration by Peter Garett at Glendale Engineering, encompassing the distinctive pastel yellow exterior, turquoise and white leather interior, and factory-specification upgrades of a five-speed gearbox and disc brakes.
The completed restoration was featured in Classic and Sports Car magazine in December 1991.
- —Bodywork
Cosmetic freshening of the restoration by Alfredo Brener, including a repaint in cream.
Work carried out between 1998 and 2000.
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