Dear Maseratisti,

I understand that emails purporting to have an association with my site have been sent to a number of Maserati Specialists that I have listed in my pages.

Nice face, but nothing to do with me. I'M BETTER LOOKING !!!!

Some very interesting and important Maseratis, including a very significant one, will be coming under the hammer at Artcurial's Retromobile Sale, on the 6th February 2015.

They include; a 1956 Maserati A6G 2000 by Frua, a Ghibli SS Spyder, a Mistral Spyder and two 3500 GT Spyder Vignales, both with hardtops.

For further details on this magnificent sale, please visit the Artcurial website at www.artcurial.com.

Lot 58

1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport Berlinetta Frua

Chassis No. 2140 - Engine No. 2140
French title

•  One of just 4 produced; refined, stylish coachwork by Frua
•  Matching numbers
•  Exceptional history - in same family for 55 years
•  Superb condition
•  1956 Paris Motor Show

Maserati delivered the chassis to the Frua workshops on 9 February 1956, and it left Frua on 6 July to receive its engine and finishing. It appears in the factory archives as 'internal engine number 76, 2 Marelli ignition coils, Frua 2-4 seater berlinetta, black paintwork and ivory upholstery, Veglia instruments.' It was then delivered to France, complete with import licence, passing its "Service des Mines" homologation test on 2 August 1956. It was registered the same day in the name of Jacques Fildier of Rue St-Dominique, Paris, with number-plates 1007 FH 75. Fildier was an architect and connoisseur of British and Italian sports cars, who owned several Aston Martins. He had ordered the Maserati from Garage Mirabeau on Avenue de Versailles in Paris, who obtained it through Maserati's official French importers, Etablissements Thépenier in nearby Saint-Cloud. Maserati's invoice to Jean Thépenier, dated 2 August 1956, refers to a vettura Frua, verniciata in colore nero, 3 carburatori Weber 36DO4 n. 836, 843, 850. The relatively modest price of 2,500,000 lire probably refers to the chassis, with the bill from Frua sent separately.

Although it had already been delivered to its new owner, the car was exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in the Grand Palais in October 1956. Such practice was not uncommon at a time when firms like Maserati produced their touring models one at a time, with importers only buying them after receiving definitive orders. An article by Giovani Lurani in Auto Italiana, dated 30 October 1956, talks of a '2,000cm3 six-cylinder Maserati GT, colour black with de luxe finish.'

Between 1956-59 the radiator grill was modified, perhaps after a collision, and the car acquired the grill it has today - less bulky and more elegant than the original. On 12 July 1957 the car was sold to Marcel Chalas of Avenue de Versailles in Paris. After appearing in a Rue de la Pink advertisement in May 1959, the Maserati was again sold on 17 December 1959, this time to Roger Baillon, a garage-owner in the 19th arrondissement. The number-plates were later changed to 267 CMP 92, probably when the car was registered in the name of Jacques Baillon. It has remained in the Baillon family since 1959: some 55 years in the same hands! The Maserati archives contain a letter from Jacques Baillon written in 2000, requesting technical information about the car.

Our model was one of the very first Maserati tourers - the first being the A6 1500 of 1946. Production was slow, with just 61 cars completed by the time the 2000 version was launched in 1950. Distribution was even more limited, and the single-camshaft engine was somewhat lacking in power. For the new A6G/54 - A for Alfieri, 6 for six cylinders, G for Ghisa (cast iron block), 54 for 1954 - Maserati improved things, with an overhead twin-camshaft engine (albeit with the same capacity) and dual spark plugs. Power was increased to 150hp and the car was light enough to reach 125mph. The coachwork was assigned to Frua, Allemano and Zagato; Pinin Farina had stopped working for Maserati in 1952, and was now 'busy' at rivals Ferrari. Between 1954-57 sixty cars emerged from the Maserati factory, including four Frua berlinettas in the same style as the car offered here, and two later coupés with a longer bonnet. Frua also produced a very limited number of Spider versions.

The Maserati A6G/54 and A6G/2000 were radical sports cars for the time, inspired directly by competition and reserved for committed racing aficionados. But they would also enhance the transition between the worlds of racing and touring. The 3500 GT, launched in 1957, was Maserati's first comfortable Gran Turismo, on which all the following series that established the firm's success would be based. The A6G 2000 thus represents a key episode in Maserati's history.

The car we are offering is therefore exceptional, for several reasons. First, in terms of the model - rare, historically significant and technically sophisticated; secondly, for its stylish and highly refined coachwork; and lastly for its individual history, having belonged to the same family for 55 years while retaining its original appearance. It constitutes the finest example of this model available on the market. Our Maserati has been parked next to a Ferrari 250 California ever since the latter entered the Baillon Collection in 1971. Four years ago Jacques Baillon began work on replacing the clutch; he removed the transmission tunnel, but did not have time to complete the job. This sublime, historic Maserati, still with its original engine, therefore remains in its purest, never-restored state. Its proportions are perfect; its balance is thrilling. It worked its magic on us on our first encounter on 30 September 2014. We are sure you will be equally enchanted when you discover it at Retromobile !

Estimate: 800,000 - 1,200,000 EURO

SOLD FOR 2,000,000 EURO / GB £1,500,000 / US $2,200,000

Lot 108

1988 Maserati Quattroporte III

Chassis Number: AM 330/49A*003500*
UK registration
FFVE certificate

•  Formerly the property of HRH Hassan II of Morocco
•  Particularly efficient sedan
•  Beautiful colour combination
•  No reserve

In the sixties, when Enzo Ferrari definitely refused to produce any sedans, Maserati made the big leap. The first generation Quattroporte from Maserati was designed by Pietro Frua in 1963, followed ten years later by the Quattroporte II from the Citroën period, knowing limited motorization and success. Back on the tracks in 1979, the third series Quattroporte was unveiled with design by Giugiaro. The car once again had the historical V8 engine and a finish in line the expectations of the traditional customers of the brand. Sure enough many crowned heads of state were once again interested in the brand.

This particular car has a prestigious history. It was the personal car of the King of Morocco, Hassan II. A written document signed by Mr. Mohamed Guermoudi, the Director of the Automotive and Electrical Services of the Royal Palace, confirms that this car is the property of the king. It features a beautiful color combination, the body is painted in metallic green - matching with the colors of the flag of Morocco - with tan leather upholstery inside. The car has covered some 124,000 km and comes with its maintenance book, as well as old bills and English MOT.

Estimate: 10,000 - 14,000 EURO

SOLD FOR 22,648 EURO / US $30,563

Lot 114

1969 Maserati Indy 4200

Chassis Number: AM 116*086*
Unregistered

•  Barnfind
•  Beautiful interior
•  Nice restoration project
•  No reserve

With the Mexico and the Quattroporte aging, Maserati needed to develop its range of four-seater cars. Maserati unveiled the Indy by late 1968, with a 4.2-liter V8 engine and a steel body provided by coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, and designed by in-house designer Virginio Vairo, who had already designed the handsome Mexico. The Maserati Indy was a good looking and very welcoming car to travel in comfort for four people and their luggage, given a good sized boot. Series production began in 1969 and Maserati sold 300 Indys in 1970, which can be seen as a success. The Indy was a very refined car - the absence of any wind noise is apparent - and the car has a relatively reasonable consumption.

According to the factory, this car was rolled out of the factory in September 1969, and was sold new in Italy. The car is still faithful to the original in its current configuration, apart from its color which was not red but Argento Auteuil (silver grey). The car was found at the bottom of a garden where it was covered with a makeshift tarpaulin that did not quite stop time ravaging the body. The car needs to be restored if one wants to take it back on the road. The black leather interior though has been preserved quite well, so the restorer can retain the upholstery after treating the leather. This Indy is a fully-fledged restoration project, but it would be worth restoring these magnificent Maserati from the 1970s as prices are soaring.

Estimate: 8,000 - 14,000 EURO

Lot 143

1975 Maserati Khamsin

Chassis Number: AM120*190*
Temporary registration
To be registered

•  In storage since 1981
•  Very original, never dismantled
•  Low original mileage
•  Same family ownership from 1975 to 2013

Presented to the public in 1972 at the Turin Motor Show, and in 1973 at the Paris Show, the Maserati Khamsin (the name of an Egyptian desert wind) was not put on sale until 1974. This coupé in steel Tipo 120 is supposed to be a 2 + 2, but legroom in the rear is rather tight. However, the body, designed by Bertone's ace designer Marcello Gandini, is indeed very successful and supremely elegant. The interior is pleasant and comfortable. The doors are wide and allow easy access. Maserati was owned by Citroën at the time, at the origine of the hydraulic steering system and braking. The engine of the Khamsin had its lineage going back to Tipo 54, the legendary racing sports car engine of the marque.

The car on offer was sold new in 1975 in Paris by Thépenier to its first owner, Dr Peron of Neuilly who registered the car on 23rd February 1976. He kept the car to his death in 1981. At that date the car went into storage until last year, when it was purchased by the current owner from Dr Peron's widow. This Khamsin is in an exceptionally original condition and still has its paper labels on the Campagnolo wheels and the chassis numbers in chalk on the interior of the doors! A mouse seems to have damaged one of the two rear seats. The car is straight out of the 1970s with its four long-range headlamps and its distinctive design. The engine was not restarted, but is not fronzen. Between 1975 and 1980, the car covered 22,377 km, and it has only a few thousand more today! This is a great opportunity to experience an almost untouched Khamsin, one that has hardly seen any use and was sold new in France.

Estimate: 120,000 - 150,000 EURO

SOLD FOR 140,000 EURO / GB £104,650 / US $156,898

Lot 144

1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale with Hardtop

Chassis Number: AM 101*1221*
Engine No: 101*1221*
French title

•  Sold new in Paris
•  Matching numbers
•  Completely original
•  Same owner between 1979 and 2013
•  One of 245 examples built

Manufactured between 1957 and 1964, it could be said that the 3500 GT saved Maserati from financial ruin. The previous model, the extraordinary A6G 2000, had been produced on too small a scale. The costs incurred by the competition department were extremely high, and despite winning the World Championship in 1957, the Trident marque was in poor financial shape when, for the first time, a Maserati production model finally appeared that was a commercial success.

The prototype, a coupé by Touring, was presented in Geneva on 20 March 1957 and the orders started to flow in from the Turin Motor Show in the same year. The superb engine was derived directly from the racing machines and the car had great road handling. It was perhaps only the drum brakes on the early models that had room for improvement. The coachbuilder Allemano built four coupés betwen 1958-59 and during this last year, Bertone built one coupé and Pietro Frua one spider. Apart from these exceptions, Touring was responsible for the manufacture of all coupés. Disc brakes were fitted as an option in 1959 and became standard in 1960. The factory produced seven coupés a week during 1960, and more than eighty-eight short chassis models were given spider bodies by Vignale. While almost two thousand coupés rolled off the production line, a little under two hundred and fifty spiders saw the light of day. This was a magnificent car, with superb proportions and a rare elegance.

This extremely original Vignale Spider was delivered on 20 March 1961 to the Thepenier Garage, on the Quai Carnot in Saint-Cloud (the Parisian marque importer). The first owner, Monsieur Fabrice Virgilio, took delivery of the car on 19 April 1961, not registering it until 13 June 1962, presumably for homologation purposes. On 23 March 1967 it was sold to its second owner in Var on the Côte d'Azur, who kept it until 1972. A certain Salvatore Starace, from Nice, registered the car in his name on 24 November 1972, with the number '3617 SA 06'. It changed hands again on 29 April 1979, selling to the previous owner, a Parisian bookseller, who kept it until last year. He drove the car infrequently for several years before storing it in his lock-up from 1991 onwards, with the hard top stored above the car, suspended from the ceiling. The current owner, a Lamborghini owner, entrusted the car to the renowned business Automobiles T.S. where Monsieur Sisinni undertook a meticulous recommissioning, leaving the totally original coachwork untouched. Only the windscreen was changed as the old one was damaged. This is an incredibly sound car in every respect. In Toni Sisinni's view, it has never been dismantled and is thus in very well conserved and completely original condition. The leather upholstery, hood and carpets are all original.

The current owner, who had planned to keep this automobile, has finally made progress with the purchase of an important Lamborghini that he has been monitoring for some time. Not being in a position to keep both, he has opted to go for his preferred marque and is selling the Vignale.

This Maserati 3500 Vignale Spider evidently presents an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire an untouched automobile that was sold new in Paris, has spent all its life in France and has been in the hands of one owner for 35 years ! The Maserati Vignale Spider shares the podium with the Ferrari 250 California and the Mercedes Benz 300 SL roadster for the most beautiful cabriolets of the second half of the 20th century.

Estimate: 600,000 - 700,000 EURO

SOLD FOR 834,400 EURO / GB £619,208 / US $944,054

Lot 145

1965 Maserati Mistral 3700

Chassis Number: AM 109*608*
French registration

•  Well documented history
•  Ex-Slavic Collection, Geneva
•  Restored in 2007
•  Elegant and sporty

This Maserati Mistral was sold new in Italy to Sig. Albino Buticchi, of La Spezia, the President of the Football Club of Milan. Factory records state that the car was delivered in 'Argento Auteuil' (metallic grey), with blue leather upholstery, a radio and a luggage cover. This car, chassis number 608, then moved to France in 2006. In 2007 it became part of the collection of Jean-Pierre Slavic, near Geneva, known for his good taste in fine automobiles. He restored the car in Italy by the best specialists. Sold at auction in 2009 to the previous owner and some time later to the current one, the Mistral is today in good condition. One can note the quality of the restoration work in 2007, as the car's paint, interior and mechanicals remain at a very high level of quality. Its interior is in beige leather, the carpets are in the same colour. Maintenance work was carried out by Toni Sisinni, specialist of Italian cars from this period. Sitting behind the wheel is a real invitation to travel in style, comfort and sportiness.

Estimate: 110,000 - 130,000 EURO

SOLD FOR 18,200 EURO / GB £134,000 / US $204,000

Lot 150

1968 Maserati Mistral Spyder 4000

Chassis Number: AM 109S/A1*661*
Engine number: AM 109S/A1*661*
Belgium title

•  1967 New York Motor Show car
•  Last straight-six Maserati
•  Matching engine/chassis numbers
•  One of only 40 examples built

At the start of the 1950s, Maserati was still producing cars on a small scale. It built high performance sports cars that were a little too demanding for the wealthy clientèle just starting to appear after the war. They were looking for models that kept the same allure and were fast, but which had improved levels of comfort and security. The task of developing such a car was given to Giulio Alfieri, the brilliant engineer who joined Maserati in 1953. Four years later, the Maserati stand at the Geneva Motor Show displayed a stunning prototype of the 3500GT, with a coupé body designed by Touring. In 1963, following the Sebring presented the year before, Maserati unveiled the car that would unequivocally replace the 3500 GT. It was the Mistral, elegantly designed by Frua. A curved rear window serving as the tailgate was cleverly and discreetly incorporated into the flowing shape of the car, an original concept at that time. It was available in 3.7 and 4-litre versions, with just 40 examples of the 3.7-litre produced, making it an extremely rare car. It sold in France for 74 000 FF, and was more expensive than an Aston DB4GT, a Ferrari 250 GT SWB and twice the price of an E-Type Jaguar !

As the copy of the factory Avviso Spedizione indicates, this stunning Mistral Spider was delivered new to the importer in New York, Foreign Car City Inc., presented in Bianco Polo Park with red leather interior, automatic gearbox and air-conditioning. This same document states that the car was destined to be exhibited at the 1967 New York Motor Show. The Mistral sold at the show and was registered in 1968, remaining in the US until June 2007 when it was imported by Michaël Boertien, the Dutch Maserati collector. The car was acquired by the present owner in 2008, who had it registered in France and then undertook a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration. Work to the body was carried out by ODS, the well-known workshop near Paris, and we have all the related invoices and photographs that show the Mistral stripped back to bare metal. It changed colour at this point at the owner's request. The mechanical work was undertaken by Fernand Maria, the talented mechanic who has looked after Italian cars for some of the biggest French collections. The top end was completely rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, rods, timing chain and valve guides with adjustment and re-surfacing of the cylinder head and refurbishment of the valve seats. In short, extensive work was carried out to enable this sublime cabriolet to drive perfectly today. The original, beautifully patinated, leather interior has been conserved and the carpets also appear to be original. It will be delivered to its new owner with the original manual and a large file of invoices and photographs documenting its restoration.

The driveability, unique sound and beautiful styling of the Maserati Mistral Spider boosted the image of the marque from Modena. Sensibly fitted today with a five-speed ZF manual gearbox, it provides enormous pleasure to drive. Moreover, being one of just 40 examples in this 4-litre Spyder version, this is an extremely rare car.

Estimate: 420,000 - 460,000 EURO

Lot 151

1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder

Chassis Number: AM 115/49S*1241* Engine Number: AM 115/49*1241*
US Title
EU customs cleared

•  High quality restoration by Touring
•  One of 37 4.9-litre Spyders with original manual gearbox
•  High performance, supremely elegant model
•  Delivered new with manual gearbox and Borrani wire wheels

The Ghibli design by Giugiaro at Ghia was masterful. This stylish model, presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1966, was the ultimate development of the front-engined V8 Maserati, allowing the marque to take a well-earned place in the market for Grand Touring cars. This was helped by the magnificent four-cam engine designed by Giulio Alfieri, powerful and robust, that was capable, in the 4.9-litre version, of powering the Ghibli to well over 250 km/h. Cars capable of such speeds were rare at that time. Keen to maintain their reputation for sophisticated styling, Maserati gave the car a level of finishing that was particularly elegant and polished. A pre-oil crisis baby that appeared before the widespread introduction of speed limits, the Ghibli represents the pinnacle of Italian GT cars. The Spyder version, unveiled at the 1968 Turin Motor Show, was even more striking with a hood that disappeared beneath a special panel to give the car a beautifully clean, pure line. Adding to the good looks and luxurious finishing was the outstanding engineering, as reported in the September 2013 French edition of Classic & Sportscar in an article on the Spyder Ghibli : "The Trident's history in competition is present in this splendid car, and when you hear the magnificent V8 engine start up, its relationship to the 450 S is clear."

The Maserati factory has confirmed that the car presented is a 4.9-litre Spyder sold new with manual gearbox, air conditioning and wire wheels, which is an extremely rare and highly sought after configuration. On leaving the factory, liveried in "pervinca" blue with red upholstery, the car was delivered to the United States. Between 1992 and 2008, it belonged to a collector from Virginia, and it was from him that the current owner, an important European collector, acquired the car, returning it to Europe. He entrusted it to the highly renowned workshop in Italy, Carrozzeria Touring, to carry out a total restoration that took several years. As can be seen from the photographs in the file documenting this restoration, every part of the car was attended to. Today, this Maserati is superb, presented in green with light beige upholstery that looks stunning. Moreover, this is a particularly rare car : out of 125 examples of the Spyder Ghibli built between April 1969 and May 1972, just 37 were fitted with the 4.9-litre engine mated to a manual gearbox. This Spyder Ghibli therefore presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most legendary road-going Maserati models in the history of the marque - and the story of the automobile worldwide.

WITHDRAWN.

Lot 202

1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale with Hardtop

Chassis Number: AM 101*1129*
German title

•  Superb example
•  Original engine block sold with the car
•  Very rare five-speed gearbox

The Maserati 3500 GT was probably the car that saved the sports car manufacturer from Modena from bankruptcy in the late 50s. The 3500 GT was produced in very high numbers for such an exclusive car and was indeed a huge commercial success. The convertible version however, was not a spider version of the Touring bodied 3500 GT but a special design created by Vignale on a shorter chassis than the 3500 GT.

According to Sig. Fabio Collina from the Maserati factory archives chassis number 1129 was sold to a Mrs. Teresa Mitarachi from London, U.K., Mrs. Mitarachi or Mitarakis as she really was called, was of Greek origin and ordered the car in left hand drive. It was also fitted with the optional Borrani wire wheels. Mrs. Mitarakis kept the car until 1977 when a Frank Wilbur bought the car from a dealer in the USA. After Wilbur was too old to drive the car, it went through a couple of dealers and eventually, in 1988, it landed at Frank Mandarano´s MIE Corporation. MIE then sold the car on to a Ivan Ruiz in Georgia. Ruiz bought the car in bare metal from MIE and duly sent the car away for a 5-year restoration. The restoration was completed in 1993 and the owner entered the car in many events and, amongst others, won a prize at the Amelia Island Concours d´Elegance. The current owner bought the car in 2009 and even though the car was still very good condition he decided to send it to Maserati specialist, Ital-Auto, outside Stuttgart for a further restoration. It was beautifully re-painted in black and the interior re-trimmed in its original black colour. 500-600 hours of work excluding the paintwork were carried out and about 100 hours were spent solely on cosmetic details.

The car is complete with all its tools, books and with factory hard-top. The engine mounted is not the original one. However, the car does come with the original matching number engine block as well. It was also originally fitted with a rare and very desirable 5-speed gearbox which gives the car significantly longer legs for a much more relaxed drive.

Maserati only made 242 examples of this great car and finding a better one would be very difficult. Between 40 and 45 hard-tops were made by the factory, one was added on this car in 1988, making it even rarer and, a serious competitor for prizes in any Concours d'Elegance. This very usable and lovely touring car is ideal for a warm summer day ride on the Riviera, but then, you would have to leave the hard-top at home.

Estimate: 600,000 - 800,000 EURO.

SOLD FOR 858,200 EURO / GB £636,880 / US $971,015

My sincere thanks to Artcurial for allowing me to publish these photos and text.