MASERATI CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC

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3500GT Series I

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

     

 

 
 

   

   
 

Released at the Geneva Auto Show in the Spring of 1957 with only a handful of prototype cars built in that year - production did not get underway in earnest until 1958.  The engine had been conceived by Alfieri as early as 1956 and was in fact built at the same time as the Tipo 350S which retained the chain drive of the 3500GT.  Naturally aspirated, albeit some were fitted with Lucas indirect injection, it was replaced by the Series II during 1961 which ran almost exclusively on the Lucas indirect injection system unless specified with carburettors by the purchaser.
   

Specifications:
 

Production Period:

 1957 - 1961
 

Designed By:

 Vehicles built by Allemano, Bertone, Ghia & Touring, but Touring did the production version
 

Body Built By:

 Touring - 'Superleggera' alloy construction - 2+2 seater
 

Number Built:

 366 of a total of 1972 for Series I and II
 

Dry Weight:

 1300 kg
 

Top Speed:

 230 kph
 

Engine Type:

 Front in-line 6 cylinders
 

Bore and Stroke:

 86 x 100 mm
 

Displacement:

 3485.3 cc
 

Compression:

 8.5:1
 

Engine Output:

 225 bhp @ 5500 rpm
 

Valves & Actuation:

 Two OHV per cylinder with dual overhead camshafts
 

Carburettion:

 Free induction with 3 Weber 42 DCOE carburettors
 

Ignition:

 Double coil with distributor
 

Lubrication:

 Forced with delivery pump
 

Drive:

 Rear wheel drive
 

Clutch:

 Dry single plate
 

Gearbox:

 4-speeds plus reverse
5-speeds in 1960
 

Frame:

 Tubular
 

Suspension - Front:

 Independent with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
 

Suspension - Rear:

 Rigid axle with semi-elliptical springs and telescopic shock absorbers
 

Brakes:

 Hydraulically operated power assisted wheel drums - disks at front from 1959, four wheel discs from 1960
 

Wheelbase:

 2600 mm
 

Front & Rear Track:

 1390 mm front; 1360 mm rear
 

Wheels:

 6.00 x 16
 

Tyres:

6.50 x 16 all round