The 3500 GT was intended to do just that. Using the company's proven inline six-cylinder engine, which now had 3.5 liters of displacement, the car was delivered when it was needed most and proved to be the success Maserati was looking for. Nearly 2,000 copies were produced over eight years, a huge number for a company previously known for its low-production, hand-built sports cars.
During 1957 and 1958, Frua E Touring individually shortened at least three of the first 3500 GT Spyders, but Maserati was not won over by any coachbuilder project and finally decided for Vignale to build its open cars. in 1959. Giovanni Michelotti was specifically responsible for the design of the 3500 Spyder Vignale which was completely different in detail from the 3500 Coupe produced by Carrozzeria Touring since 1957. Vignale is believed to have produced at least three prototypes (with differences in details) before use regular. spyder production, and the car officially debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1959. In six years, 243 Vignale Spyders were produced.
