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1962 Maserati Sebring



Maserati’s hand-built Sixties grand tourers exude an understated quality, typified by this example

This Sebring has had only three owners from new, the first for 31 years, and today remains in very tidy, gently patinated condition. The well preserved interior is original, but the body and engine underwent a complete rebuild in the early Nineties, the body being repainted twice by different workshops within two years.

The paintwork and panels look to be in good overall condition, with straight sides, even shut-lines and no sign of rust. There are a few tiny chips to leading edges, such as the door edges or the side of the petrol cap, but the overall impression is first-rate. The paintwork exudes the more gentle lustre of an older restoration, but nevertheless retains a deep gloss finish.

Likewise, chrome and window rubbers are generally good, with a little cracking in the longer curves, such as the rear window rubber, and one or two pin-prick specks of pitting on the chrome bumpers. Badging is all present.

Vignale-styled panels are straight and shut-lines even

The engine bay reflects the high overall level of care. The engine looks clean and leak-free, and the car is accompanied by a sheaf of invoices and hand-written records testifying to its maintenance, including many bills from reputable specialists such as Bill McGrath. The original Lucas mechanical fuel injection system has been carefully rebuilt and set up by Cheshire Classic Cars – a nice touch as so many of these cars have been switched to Weber carburettors.

Paintwork was resprayed twice in the early Nineties and is ageing nicely

The engine, with two spark plugs per cylinder, fires up readily and settles to an even idle. One satisfying feature of this Sebring is its crisp throttle response and eagerness to pull – the fuel injection system certainly appears to be well-sorted, cruising smoothly and always ready to get back on the power. Water temperature sits around 75 degrees, and oil pressure around 85-90psi on the move.

NEED TO KNOW
Car 1962 Maserati Sebring
Price £67,995
Engine 3485cc, in-line six-cylinder, dohc
Power 220bhp@5500rpm
Performance Top speed: 129mph; 0-60mph: 7.5sec
Fuel Consumption 18mpg
Length 4780mm
Width 1750 mm

Right-hand drive 2+2 cabin is well preserved. Gear change is manual rather than the optional automatic.3485cc twin-cam straight-six retains original fuel injection rather than switching to carburettors

The steering is precise with no vagueness around the straight-ahead position and the ZF five-speed gearchange is quick and positive – well-matched to the breadth of torque of the big straight-six. Handling is sure-footed and enjoyable, and the ride is supple, with no embarrassing or worrying clunks or wallowing in bends. It’s a beautiful driver’s car.

WHICH IS WHICH
*Launched at Geneva in 1962, the Vignale- bodied Sebring (named after the Florida race circuit) is based on the 3500 Spider’s chassis and uses Maserati’s race-bred Lucas fuel- injected 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine. Available with wire or steel wheels. 348 Series 1s are built.
*The Series 2 appears in 1965, featuring the longer stroke 3692cc engine with 245bhp. A more angular tail brings it more in line with the Quattroporte saloon. 243 are built.
*A 4-litre engine is available from 1966. Production ends later that year.

In proper Italian fashion there’s a niggle in the form of a rather recalcitrant heater fan, but this will be sorted before the car goes to its new owner.

Maseratis may not be as pretty as their Ferrari rivals, with lower values reflecting this, but they often drive much better, as this car demonstrates. Its asking price reflects the Sebring’s place in the Maserati aristocracy as well as this example’s transparent history and sound condition. It’s likely to be a solid and satisfying choice.