Maserati had built a highly successful reputation in the racing world but its success did not come without a price.

By the mid-1950s, the cost of maintaining a factory race team was straining the company’s bank account.

Wanting to refocus its efforts on road cars that would earn a potential profit, the factory racing programme was temporarily put on hold in 1958.

The marque continued to support privateers while attentions turned to balancing the books through a line of luxurious roadgoing models.

Development of Maserati’s first purpose-built road car, the 3500 GT, took place starting in 1956.

Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the first few completed cars were delivered at the very end of 1957.

Featuring an elegant 2+2 design by Giulio Alfieri, the Superleggara hand-formed aluminium-over-tubular frame coachwork was created by Carrozzeria Touring.

Maserati’s 3,500-cc race-bred engine was converted to wet sump and tuned for street use.

The 3500 GT was a success, and the ha...