Inventing the Super Turismo
From 3500 to 5000 GT

Back in 1957 the 3500 GT was introduced as the first ‘production’ Maserati. It was, of course, hand-built by craftsmen using the finest materials – but where no previous Maserati model had reached even 100 cars, more than 2,000 rolled out of the Modena factory. It was designed to meet the demand for a coupe which combined high performance with stylish design and a luxurious interior. Yet no matter how luxurious, no matter what the performance, there are always demands for something more, something even greater – which is where the 5000 GT enters the picture.

How the 5000 GT came to be created is not entirely clear; what is indisputable is that the Shah of Persia wanted something even more exclusive than the 3500 GT. Legend has it that, while on a factory tour, the Shah asked if an unused V8 engine – intended for the mighty 450S sports-racer – could be fitted to a 3500 GT chassis. Ing. Giulio Alfieri, the technical chief at Maserati, rose to the challenge and the 5000 GT project was born. With such a demanding – and wealthy – client, no expense was spared in creating the ultimate grand touring coupe.

Surprisingly few changes were made to what was essentially a racing engine; the capacity was increased to 4,950cc by increasing the bore, while power was reduced to 350 hp; the compression ratio was reduced and peak power was developed at much lower rpm, both features which would help engine longevity. The crankshaft was unchanged and the four overhead camshafts – two per bank of cylinders – retained their gear drive, a typical racing feature. Remarkably few changes were needed to the chassis, proving that the 3500 GT had been engineered to be extremely strong. Those areas which would be stressed by the increased power and weight got attention; brakes were upgraded to discs all round, the rear axle used semi-elliptical leaf springs and an anti-roll bar and the suspension was strengthened.

Carrozzeria Touring were given the task of designing a body and interior appropriate to such a unique car; in keeping with a car destined for the ruler of a country, the finest materials were used, including gold fittings. To keep the dashboard look as clean as possible, the controls of the Voxson radio were actually built into the rear-view mirror! Externally the car featured striking styling; the front grille in particular had a curious lowered center ‘snout’ with the Maserati Trident mounted within it.

With all the extra weight from the upgraded brakes, suspension and axle, not to mention a V8 engine in place of the straight-six used in the 3500 GT, the car weighed in at a not insubstantial 1.5 tons – but with 350 hp on tap, it had a top speed of over 160mph, a fabulous speed for 1959, particularly given the luxurious nature of the interior. Recognizing that it was a technical tour de force, Maserati built a second example and exhibited it at the Turin Motor Show. The result was a select group of customers who demanded their own version of this ultimate GT car; since the 5000 GT was priced at approximately double the cost of its little brother, they were all both wealthy and car enthusiasts. Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli owned one, as did the actor Stewart Granger, keen sports race Briggs Cunningham and President Adolfo Lopez Mateos of Mexico.

No two cars were the same; owners could request whatever personalization they desired. In addition all of the top Italian carrozzeria were clamoring to create their own interpretation of the fabulously sporting coupe. Pinin Farina, Monterosa, Allemano, Ghia, Frua, Bertone and Vignale all crafted bodies for the 5000 GT. Most of them were variations on the looks of the 3500 GT, but some were bolder; Giovanni Michelotti, working on behalf of Vignale, created a very sleek nose, with a low oval grille flanked by dramatic fenders which housed pop-up headlights. A version with a ‘fastback’ rear end was created by Bertone; the rear window swept back and merged into the sloping trunk lid, virtually eliminating the rear ‘deck’.

In total, just 34 examples of the 5000 GT were created for discerning clients. As you might expect of such unique, famous and storied cars, they are much sought after; of the top 20 Maserati GT cars sold at auction, no fewer than eight are 5000 GT models. In 2007, at Pebble Beach, a Frua example sold for more than a million dollars; it came complete with in-dash 45rpm record player!

Should you be fortunate enough to pay a visit to Modena, home of Maserati since 1940, be sure to stop by the Panini collection; among a dazzling collection of Maseratis there is a 5000 GT with bodywork by Monterosa. And as you gaze upon this truly one of a kind example imagine for a moment you are a Shah, a President, a titan of industry, an actor or a famous racer and how you would have custom built your own 5000 GT.  Of course with the 500GT’s descendant, the modern GranTurismo, there are literally millions of ways to personalize it so maybe you can still commission a one-of-a-kind Maserati even if you aren’t the Shah of Persia!