Description
Introduced in 1962, the Sebring was one of the final manifestations of the landmark 3500GT, which had been the linchpin of Maserati’s programme 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 centred on switching production from competition to road models.
Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the spyder and likewise styled by Vignale, the Sebring 2+2 coupé arrived in 1962. By now a five-speed gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options. Introduced in 1965, the Sebring Series II came with a 3.7-litre, 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, around 400 of which were in the first series.
Chassis 1765 is the desirable first series model which has been very nicely restored and sensibly upgraded over the years, with the fitting of carburettors to replace the troublesome Lucas fuel injection system. This beautiful Sebring, delivered to Holland, is finished in the rare colour combination of Navy Blue with a Burgundy leather interior. We understand the bodywork is in very good condition, the engine runs well, in fact the whole mechanical condition of the car is excellent.
Offered with Dutch title papers and current German TüV documents, this is a wonderful example of a rare and desirable GT car. A Maserati for the true connoisseur.
