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This is a tale of one of the rarest gems in the world of automobiles, the 1962 Vignale Spyder, with only about 240 units ever produced.
Our story begins in the year 1992, here in Colorado. I had the good fortune of becoming friends with a local Italian car repair specialist. Our shared passion for cars led to a business relationship, and I fondly remember buying a 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider from him. This classic beauty was in need of restoration, a project we embarked on in the 1990s.
During one of our many conversations about sports cars, the topic veered towards Maserati. He casually mentioned that he had been the proud owner of a Vignale Spyder since the early 1980s. Despite my growing curiosity and interest, he remained tight-lipped about its whereabouts and whether he would ever consider selling it.
Fast forward to 2013, during a casual lunch meeting, I brought up the subject of the elusive Maserati. He finally revealed that it was tucked away in a semi-trailer, hidden beneath a mountain of Rover and Alfa Romeo parts. The car was so deeply buried that it was almost impossible to see.
After a year of gentle persuasion, he finally agreed to reveal the car, which he himself hadn’t laid eyes on for about three decades. We met at an outdoor storage facility in a quaint rural town north of Denver. After several weekends of dedicated effort, we managed to photograph and catalogue all the parts in the three trailers, finally unearthing the hidden gem.
The Vignale Spyder was a sight to behold, with its body and chassis impeccably preserved and free of any corrosion. We meticulously documented all parts and were thrilled to find that 98% of the original components were still intact. We eagerly sought verification from the Maserati factory regarding its originality and were overjoyed to learn that it still housed its original engine.
The car was then moved to our shop, where it resided for over a year. The owner contemplated having us restore it, but eventually decided against it. He sold it to me nearly five years ago. He had originally acquired it for a mere $5,000 back in 1983 and had been its custodian for an impressive 36 years.
In 2019, our team at Classic Investments rolled up our sleeves and began the painstaking process of restoring the car. We stripped the paint and frame down to bare metal, preparing it for metalwork, gapping, and most importantly, lead work. We then epoxy primed and sealed the frame.
However, our project hit a temporary roadblock when a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance eligible car came into our possession. The Concours d’Elegance is a prestigious event that showcases the world’s most beautiful and rare automobiles. When we received an invitation to participate, we knew we had a unique opportunity that we simply couldn’t pass up.
Fast forward to 2022, Classic Investments resumed the restoration process with renewed vigor. The car currently sits with all the major, most expensive work having been completed:
The body, metal, and paint have all been meticulously restored.
The suspension is completely new, restored, and ready for assembly.
The engine and transmission have been fully rebuilt by our in-house master specialist builder and are mostly detailed. The engine has been test run and oil pressure has been checked.
The Borrani Rims are currently undergoing a show-quality restoration.
A custom-made windshield has been procured.
We have purchased premium Connolly hides for the interior.
As we move forward in 2024, our team at Classic Investments is more committed than ever to complete the restoration of this rare 1962 Vignale Spyder. We understand that the journey of restoration is just as important as the destination. Each step we take brings us closer to the moment when this classic car will once again hit the road, showcasing its timeless elegance and unmatched performance.
At Classic Investments, we are not just restoring a car; we are preserving a piece of automotive history. We believe that every classic car has a unique story to tell, and our mission is to ensure that these stories continue to be told. We are committed to restoring these classic beauties to their former glory, so they can continue to captivate and inspire car enthusiasts for generations to come.
We look forward to the day when this 1962 Vignale Spyder, a true testament to Maserati’s legacy, will once again grace the roads with its presence. Until then, we will continue to work tirelessly, fueled by our passion for classic cars and our commitment to excellence.
