Maserati Sebring

Not to be confused with the Chrysler Sebring.
Maserati Sebring

Maserati Sebring Series I
Overview
Manufacturer Maserati
Also called Maserati 3500 GTiS
Production 1962–1969
593 produced
Designer Giovanni Michelotti of Vignale
Body and chassis
Class Grand tourer (S)
Body style 2+2 coupé
Layout FR layout
Chassis tubular
Related Maserati 3500
Powertrain
Engine 3485 cc Tipo AM101, 101/10 I6, Lucas fuel injection
1965–1968: 3,694 cc Tipo AM106
1965–1968: 4,012 cc Tipo AM106/1
Transmission ZF 5-speed
optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,550 mm (100 in)
Length 4,470 mm (176 in)
Width 1,665 mm (65.6 in)
Height 1,300 mm (51 in)
Curb weight 1,520 kg (3,350 lb) (dry)
Chronology
Predecessor Maserati 3500

Maserati Sebring was a two-door 2+2 coupé made by Maserati from 1962 until 1968. Based on the Maserati 3500, the Sebring was aimed at the American Gran Turismo market and named after Maserati's 1957 racing victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring. A single two-seat spyder was built by Vignale in 1963 but did not enter production.[1]

History

Series I

The Series I (Tipo AM 101/S) was shown at Salon International de l'Auto 1962 and again at the Salone dell'automobile di Torino in 1963. Employing all but the Maserati 3500's coachwork, it could reach 137 mph (220 km/h) and 0–60 mph in 8.5 seconds on 185x15 Pirelli Cinturato tyres. A Borg-Warner automatic transmission was available, a first for Italian automobiles. When leaving the factory it originally fitted Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72). A total of 348 Series I Sebrings were built between 1962 and 1965. The engine was updated in 1963, gaining 15PS for a total of 235 PS (173 kW). The 3700 engine first appeared in 1964, although only a handful of Series I cars were thus equipped.[1]

Series II

Maserati Sebring Series II

In 1965, the modified Series II (Tipo AM 101/10) was introduced. It had lightly redesigned headlamps, modernized bumpers, new turn signals in front, and new side grilles replacing the lower extraction vents used hitherto.[2] It took minor design cues from the contemporary Quattroporte. At the rear, aside from the squared off bumpers, the taillights were now mounted horizontally rather than vertically and the bootlid opening was narrowed somewhat. The Series II rode on larger 205x15 Pirelli Cinturatos. A run of 247 units were made from 1964 until 1968. Along with the 3500 engine, the 3700 (lengthened stroke which enlarged it to 3,694 cc (245 cubic inches)) and the even larger 4000 were added.

The 4000 GTiS has a 4,012 cc engine producing 255 PS (188 kW) at 5,200 rpm. It remained in production until 1968, when financial constraints forced Maserati to drop its older models from production. No major updates took place over the last three years of production, except for a slight power gain for the 4000, now up to 265 PS (195 kW).[2] 348 units of Sebring 3.5 and 245 of 3.7 and 4.0 (combined) were made, for a total of 593 units from 1962 to 1969.

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

References

  1. 1 2 Tabucchi, Maurizio (2003). Maserati: The Grand Prix, Sports and GT cars model by model, 1926-2003. Milano: Giorgio Nada Editore s.r.l. p. 249. ISBN 8879112600.
  2. 1 2 Tabucchi, p. 248
Maserati road car timeline, 1947–1970s — next »
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s
789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789
Ownership Orsi family Citroën De Tomaso
GEPI
Luxury saloon Quattroporte Quattroporte II QP III
GT 4-seat Coupé Mexico Kyalami
Indy
2+2 Coupé 5000 GT Ghibli Khamsin
A6 1500 A6G A6G/54 3500 GT Sebring
2-seat Coupé Mistral
Spyder Mistral Spyder
3500 GT Convertibile Ghibli Spyder
Mid-engine 2+2 Merak
2-seat Bora
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