1959 MASERATI 3500 GT TOURING SUPERLEGGERA
Brand: Maserati
Model: 3500 GT carburetors
Year: 1959
Chassis: 101-604
Engine: 101-604
Touring body number: 6768
Displacement: 3500 cc
Interior: Neutral white leather PAC1544
Exterior: Cordoba Red metallic 106R7
Historical significance and rarity
The Maserati 3500 GT stands as one of the most important milestones in the company’s history. Bodied by Touring using the iconic Superleggera technique, it combined lightness, refinement, and performance. The carbureted version — like this one — is today considered the most authentic and desirable configuration.
The fact that this example retains matching engine and chassis numbers further enhances its collectability.
History of this example
Delivered new in the Netherlands by dealer Maasland, the car was first registered on 20 October 1959. Originally painted white with red interior, it changed ownership on 29 December 1965, passing to J. V. Bertholee of ’S-Gravenhage, who later had it repainted blue.
In 1988, the car was acquired by Mike van Helsdingen. Though complete, it required a full restoration after many years of inactivity. He disassembled the car to begin restoration work, which eventually stalled, leading him to sell it in 2006 to an Italian specialist in Touring Superleggera vehicles.
On 9 February 2007, the car was purchased by an Italian collector who initiated a high-level professional restoration. Body and mechanical components were fully restored, yet the project slowed significantly due to the difficulty of sourcing rare original parts and trim.
The car was then sold to Cristiano Luzzago on 9 June 2014, who completed the restoration thanks to his expertise and extensive network in the classic car field. The car subsequently became part of his private collection and participated in several Touring Superleggera Registry events.
All restoration and maintenance work performed since 2014 is fully documented with invoices. Van Helsdingen himself provided historical photographs of the car as purchased in 1988 and images of his initial, unfinished restoration.
Certifications and awards
In May 2023, the car received the FIVA certificate, category A3, and was registered in Prague.
On 29 September 2024, it took part in the Castello di Meano Concours d’Elegance, winning the special jury prize for the most elegant sports car.
Technical features
- Inline 6-cylinder engine, 3.5 litres
- Approx. 220 hp
- 3 Weber carburetors
- Top speed: over 230 km/h
- 4-speed manual transmission (5-speed optional on later models)
- Tubular chassis with aluminium Touring Superleggera body
- Independent front suspension, rear live axle
