Maserati Club International

Untitled Document

Photos -- Sebring

Text and Photos by Francis G. Mandarano or courtesy of the MIE Collection.

The Sebring was Maserati's first car to begin the tradition of 2+2 cars being named for race tracks where Maserati enjoyed success, such as the win at Sebring on March 23, 1957. Fangio and Behra co-drove the 450S factory team car, leading the entire race, and setting new track records. Other 2+2 cars would follow with names from such tracks as Mexico, Indy, Kyalami, etc. The Sebring was introduced as an up-market 3500 GTi with swoopier lines designed by Alfredo Vignale; its rakish styling caught on quickly. The four-headlight frontal area distinguishes it from the Touring-bodied car of the same period.

Sebrings were equipped with the same fuel-injected, in-line six-cylinder engine fitted to the 3500 GTi. The later version was enlarged to four liters and equipped with 15" Borrani wire wheels and Pirelli tires, transforming it into a superb high-speed, great-handling GT car.

First Series Sebring

3.5-liter in-line six-cylinder engine
Lucas fuel injection
Jaeger gauges
Round style 3500 GT tail lights
16" Borrani steel disk wheels with logo hub caps
Many cars equipped with 16" wire wheels
Five-speed ZF S5-17 transmission
No air conditioning
Early-style oil cooler with external oil pump
Early-style oil filter canister

Second Series Sebring

3.7 and 4-liter in-line six-cylinder engine
Lucas fuel injection
Late style dash
Smith gauges
Mexico/Quattroporte I-type tail lights
15" Borrani wire wheels available as an option
Electric window switches mounted in console
5-speed ZF S5-20 heavy duty aluminum transmission
Air conditioning available as an option
Heat exchanger type oil cooler/warmer

1966 Sebring II

101.A.10.583

Jun Tsuihiji
Gunma-ken, Japan

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