Maserati Sebring

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with the Chrysler Sebring.

Maserati Sebring
Maserati Sebring Series I
Manufacturer	Maserati
Also called	Maserati 3500 GTiS
Production	1962–1969 591 produced
Predecessor	Maserati 3500
Class	Grand Tourer
Body style(s)	2+2 coupé, 2-seat spyder
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	3485.3 cc Inline-Six, Lucas direct fuel injection 1964–1966: 3694.4cc 1967–1969: 4012.2cc)
Transmission(s)	ZF 5-speed optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic, Rear wheel drive
Wheelbase	2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4470 mm (176 in)
Width	1650 mm (65 in)
Height	1300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb weight	1200 kg (2646 lb) (dry)
Related	Maserati 3500
Designer	Alfredo Vignale

Maserati Sebring is a 2-door coupé and convertible made by Maserati of Italy, based on the Maserati 3500, aimed at the American Gran Turismo market the car was named 3500 GTiS, «S» named after the 12 Hours of Sebring racing victory (1957).

The Series I (Tipo 101.01, 348 made 1962–65) was shown at Salon International de l'Auto 1962 and Salone dell'automobile di Torino 1963. Contemporary tests revealed 137 mph (220 km/h) and 8.5 seconds 0–60 mph. Except a different body (not Superleggera from Carrozzeria Touring), the Maserati 3500 technical setup was used. A notable feature was the availability as an option of automatic transmission by Borg-Warner. Although automatic transmissions were by this time par for the course in America and well-established in Britain, the Sebring was the first Italian car offered with an automatic gearbox.

In 1965, a lengthened stroke gave the Tipo 101.S10 (or 3700 GTiS) featuring a 3694.4 cc (245 cubic inch) engine. The same year also offered the Series II (Tipo 101.10, 243 made 1965–69), which had minor visual changes resemblant of the Quattroporte. It increased the 185x15 to 205x15 Pirelli tyres.

In 1966 started the Tipo 101.A10 series (called 4000 GTiS) using a 4012.2 cc engine that gave 255 bhp (190 kW) at 5200 rpm. This model continued in production until the end of the decade, when Maserati were forced by financial constraints to rationalise their range and dropped their older models from production.

Jeremy Clarkson named the Sebring as #77 on his Top 100 Cars list.

Maserati Sebring Series II

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Maserati Sebring

• maserati-alfieri.co.uk on the Sebring.
• deutschemaseraticlub.de offers a chassis number analysis
• [1] offers a Maserati Sebring database