A historic milestone, a rare prototype, and a century of Italian excellence. Maserati has reached a defining moment in its heritage journey, as Maserati Classiche issues its 100th Certificate of Authenticity. The honour goes to an extraordinary machine — the Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Convertible Prototype, a car that helped shape the brand’s open-top grand […]
A historic milestone, a rare prototype, and a century of Italian excellence.
Maserati has reached a defining moment in its heritage journey, as Maserati Classiche issues its 100th Certificate of Authenticity. The honour goes to an extraordinary machine — the Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Convertible Prototype, a car that helped shape the brand’s open-top grand touring legacy.
This rare prototype, identified by chassis number *101*505*, represents the very beginning of Maserati’s convertible lineage — a blueprint for what would eventually become some of the most elegant grand tourers in automotive history.
Preserving the Trident Legacy
Established in 2021 at Maserati’s historic base in Modena, Maserati Classiche is dedicated to preserving and certifying the brand’s most significant vehicles. As part of the prestigious Fuoriserie programme, it combines archival research, technical expertise and traditional craftsmanship to ensure each certified vehicle remains true to its original identity.
The certification process itself is meticulous. A specialist committee examines every detail — from mechanical components to historical documentation — ensuring authenticity across every aspect. The programme applies to Maserati models over 20 years old, as well as rare and limited-production vehicles.
The Birth of Maserati Convertibles
The 100th certified car is no ordinary classic. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Carrozzeria Vignale, the 3500 GT Vignale Convertible Prototype debuted at the 1959 Turin Motor Show.
Only five prototypes were ever created, making it one of the rarest Maseratis in existence. From this concept, the production 3500 GT Convertible was born — a car that would go on to define Maserati’s open-top philosophy: combining performance, elegance and the freedom of open-air driving.
Its long bonnet, balanced proportions and clean rear lines perfectly capture the essence of late-1950s Italian design — timeless, confident and unmistakably refined.
Restored to Perfection
The prototype has recently undergone a detailed restoration between 2023 and 2026, carried out in Modena with direct support from Maserati Classiche. Using original archives and factory expertise, the car has been returned to its exact 1959 show specification.
The result is more than a restoration — it’s a preservation of history, ensuring the car remains a true reflection of its era.
Design Meets Engineering
The car’s visual identity is as striking as its heritage. A silver exterior is paired with an ivory and red interior, accented by blue carpets and subtle gold details — a direct tribute to Vignale’s design language.
Under the bonnet lies Maserati’s iconic 3.5-litre inline-six engine, producing 235 hp and paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. With a top speed of around 235 km/h, it delivered serious performance for its time.
The chassis setup — featuring double wishbone suspension up front, a rigid rear axle and classic Borrani wire wheels — reflects the engineering philosophy of the golden era of grand touring.
From Then to Now
This prototype marks the starting point of a lineage that continues today in models like the Maserati GranCabrio. From the late 1950s to modern electrified convertibles, Maserati has consistently redefined what an open-top grand tourer should be.
What began as a niche concept for global markets — particularly the United States — has evolved into one of the brand’s defining pillars.
Showcased in Rome
The newly certified prototype will take centre stage at the Anantara Concorso Roma, held from 16 to 19 April in the iconic Villa Borghese. Surrounded by some of the rarest Italian cars ever built, it stands as a symbol of Maserati’s enduring legacy.
A Century in Motion
With its 100th certification, Maserati Classiche reinforces its commitment to protecting the brand’s heritage while keeping its story alive for future generations.
From handcrafted prototypes to modern luxury performance machines, Maserati continues to honour its past while shaping the future — one certified icon at a time.
