Classic

Touring Superleggera Dodge Maserati 3500GT Restoration Case

A Legacy Across the Atlantic

Born in 1957 as Maserati's first series-production road car, the Maserati 3500 GT marked a pivotal moment in automotive history. Touring Superleggera's innovative lightweight aluminum construction, the hallmark of the ''Superleggera'' technique, elevated this model to icon status. It seamlessly combined Italian elegance with Maserati's illustrious racing heritage, setting the stage for an era of luxury grand touring.

This timeless icon also carries a proud American legacy. Dispatched from Maserati's factory on March 18, 1959, the car was shipped to Allinger Motors in Palo Alto, California, Maserati's premier U.S. dealership. Shortly after, it became the prized possession of Horace Elgin Dodge III, a member of the renowned Dodge dynasty, underscoring its appeal to America's elite. For 27 years, the “Dodge” Maserati 3500 GT remained in his care, representing the car's seamless connection between Italian artistry and American appreciation for excellence.

Now, over 60 years later, Touring Superleggera has restored this historic vehicle, preserving its original character while celebrating its rich transatlantic story Affectionally called the “Dodge” Maserati 3500 GT, this restoration carries a legacy of Pure Italianità embraced by America, an enduring symbol of the shared admiration for beauty, performance, and heritage.
BEFORE
AFTER

Exteriors and Mechanics

The body restoration benefited from Touring Superleggera's unparalleled expertise in aluminum craftsmanship, while the engine was brought back to life by the renowned Meccanica Candini, ensuring originality on both design beauty and performance.
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Interiors Restored to originality

The interior of the Maserati 3500 GT has been meticulously restored to honor its original 1959 design, preserving the elegance and authenticity that defined its era. This exceptional work was carried out in collaboration with Italian experts in classic car restoration, including Maieli and Lucon, carefully selected by Touring Superleggera's Head of Classic. Vintage details, such as period-correct gauges and switches, were restored or recreated with painstaking attention to detail, ensuring the car's authenticity and historical integrity.
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Restoration process

First assessment

The restoration begins with a comprehensive assessment of the car's condition, including its structural integrity, mechanics, and aesthetic features. This step defines the scope of work and ensures the restoration remains faithful to the car's heritage.

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Disassembly

The car is carefully dismantled, leaving only the chassis. Every Mechanical and electrical component is removed and scanned to ensure accuracy and precision as we prepare for the next phases of the restoration.

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Mechanics

The vehicle's mechanical components - engine, transmission, and suspension - are rebuilt to meet the original factory specifications, ensuring the car's performance is restored to its prime condition, thanks to the expertise of Candini Classiche.

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Stripping

The body undegoes sverniciatura (paint stripping ) and sabbiatura (sandblasting) to remove rust and old paint. This process ensures the surface is cleaned and prepared for restoration, allowing to inspect the car's structural integrity before moving forward.

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Dima/Panel beating

On the DIMA frame, the chasssis and body are realigned to ensure perfect symmetry. Every coordinate is verified to restore the car's original geometry, ensuring structural integruty while correcting any hidden defects accumulated over time.

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Trial fitment

Before final assembly, all mechanical and body components are trail-fitted to ensure precise alignment. Parts such as headlights, bumpers, and trims are adjusted for flawless integration.

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Painting

The body is carefully repainted with a base coat and topcoat to restore its original color and protect against environmental damage. The final glossy finish highlights the vehicle's classic lines, ensuring a perfect, durable look.

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Assembly

In this final phase, mechanical components, interiors, and finishing details are reinstalled. Wiring, insulation, glass, and other fittings are brought together to complete the car, restoring it to ist original state.

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Validation/Test

After assembly, the vehicle undergoes thorough testing to validate its mechanical and electrical systems. This ensures that the car not only looks like a masteripece but also performs to the highest standards.

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Certification

Once complete, the vehicle is certified by Maserati Classiche, authenticating its originality and guaranteeing its future value as a historically significant restoration.

Andrea Dragoni

HEAD OF CLASSIC

Andrea Dragoni is Head of Classic at Touring Superleggera, a position he has held for over 15 years. With a profound expertise in classic cars from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Andrea has become one of the most respected authorities in the field of restoring classic icons. Under Andrea's guidance, Touring Superleggera has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for classic car restorations.

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