1966 Maserati Sebring Series II 3.7 Coupe
Coachwork by Vignale
Chassis no. AM101/10185
Engine no. AM101/10185

Introduced in 1962, the Sebring was one of the final manifestations of the landmark 3500 GT, which had been the linchpin of Maserati's program to establish itself as a manufacturer of road cars. Despite numerous racetrack successes that included Juan Manuel Fangio's fifth World Championship - at the wheel of a 250F - and runner-up spot in the World Sports Car Championship with the fabulous 450S - both in 1957, the marque's most successful season - Maserati was by that time facing a bleak future. Its parent company's financial difficulties forced a withdrawal from racing and Maserati's survival strategy for the 1960s centered on switching production from competition to road models.

The Modena marque's new era began in 1957 with the launch of the Touring-bodied 3500 GT, its first road car built in significant numbers. A luxury 2+2, the 3500GT drew heavily on Maserati's competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The 3500 GT's designer was none other than Giulio Alfieri, creator of the immortal Tipo 60/61 'Birdcage' sports-racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F and developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500 GT was progressively updated, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.

A car possessing such impeccable antecedents not unnaturally attracted the attention of Italy's finest carrozzeria: Allemano, Bertone and Frua all created bodies for the 3500 GT chassis. Most Coupes were the work of Touring, while all but one (a Frua-bodied example) of the much less common Spider version were the work of Carrozzeria Vignale.

Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Spider and likewise coachbuilt by Vignale while styled by

legendary designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Sebring Coupe arrived in 1962. By now a five-speed ZF gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options. With a hefty price tag, the new Maserati was some 22% more expensive than the contemporary Aston Martin DB5, its closest rival. Introduced in 1965, the Sebring Series II came with a 3.7-litre, potent 245bhp engine, while some cars left the factory with 4.0-litre units towards the end of production in 1966, by which time 591 Sebrings had been built, 247 of which were in the second series.

One of the most elegant and understated Grand Touring cars of the 1960s, the Maserati Sebring offered here is a Series II model factory-fitted with the larger 3.7-litre engine and five-speed ZF gearbox. This fine example was delivered new to Italy, painted 'Argento Auteuil' . The car later migrated to the USA, where it remained until 1988, when exported to the UK. The Sebring was there purchased by Michael Sellers in 1996, son of legendary actor, comedian and singer, Peter Sellers, CBE. The Sellers were avid sports car enthusiasts, with a keen interest in Maserati GT cars. The current owner acquired the Sebring in 2005, and soon after set out to have a thorough, factory-correct professional restoration performed on the car. Receipts and photos of the comprehensive restoration, performed by noted European marque specialists including Italian Maserati experts Campana and German Bergmann Motorentechnik, are included in the history file, and documents a full strip down and preparation of the delicate Vignale bodywork and repaint in period-correct Bianco Polo Park exterior colour.

Today, this stunningly well-restored Sebring Series II presents in beautifully restored condition inside and out. Paint and brightwork is show quality, and the black leather interior is in lovely condition, topped by a wood-rimmed steering wheel and gear knob, factory-correct air conditioning and a period radio. Importantly, the Maserati retains its original, matching numbers engine. The original type Lucas mechanical fuel injection unit - removed by Mr. Sellers and substituted by the period-correct triple Weber carburetor set up and cylinderhead as seen on the car today - remains with the car, should a future custodian wish to go back to that induction. The Sebring's impressive history file includes much documentation from Mr. Sellers ownership, the aforementioned restoration records, and an 'expert opinion' report prepared by Austrian Historic car expert Karl Eder.

Ready for Concours d'Elegance judging or spirited high-speed touring, this spectacular Sebring Series II stands out among the very few examples produced in Maserati's GT Golden Era.