Maserati 3500GT Coupé Speciale by Frua

If at age twenty-two you are already Director of Styling at Stabilimenti Farina, then you surely are a man to be reckoned with! From 1935 to 1983, that is exactly what Pietro Frua proved by offering the automotive world some iconic designs that have since become undisputed classics: several designs on Maserati's A6G platform, the Renault Floride, multiple designs for Glas, and of course the Maserati Mistral and the very resemblant AC 428. There is no typical "Frua line", but many of his designs show an audacious yet balanced blend of elegance and restrained aggression: his cars don't look loud and shouty at all, but wait until you've driven them to judge them! This Frua-designed Maserati 3500GT Coupé Speciale is one of only two built in 1961, and the only one surviving, together with two 3500GTI's coachbuilt by him in 1962. This is a full-bred Gran Turismo in the purest sense of the word: everything about this car exudes high performance and luxury. And even though it shares much of its DNA with the "mass produced" 3500GT Coupé by Touring, it truly is as unique as its appearance. Originally intended by Frua as a design study for the Sebring, it clearly shares its smooth and sleek lines with his later designs for Maserati, such as the 5000GT and the Mistral. While the thin pillars and large windows give this Coupé its very light and open overall appearance, it's the small details that put the proverbial cherry on the cake: the chrome bridge between the double headlamps, the air outlets on the front fenders with the "Creazione P. Frua" inscription behind them, the miniature Maserati tridents above the quarter windows, ... all the way down to the spiral spring that holds up the hood! Delivered new in Switzerland, this Maserati moved to the United States in the mid '70s where it passed through the hands of prominent Maserati collectors. One of them embarked upon a full restoration in 1996, involving Maserati historians and marque experts. It took over 15 years €œ and a second owner €œ to bring this bold project to fruition. Upon completion, this stunning and unique car was named "Most Outstanding Maserati" at the 2014 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, and it won 2nd in Class as well as an Amelia Award at the world-famous Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. There is no doubt that even seasoned enthousiasts who visit us regularly will yet again be astonished by this absolute rarity. This is truly a car that has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated!