All-out Maserati vintage racing cars are pretty rare on the ground, so it didn’t take me long to figure out where I thought I remembered this pretty green one from. Jeff L. previously wrote up this car here back in February 2018. It’s listed for sale again here on craigslist, with the price still at $99,000. The car is located in Grass Valley, California.
The car is a conversion of a 1961 Maserati 3500 into something similar to but not identical to an early 1960’s Type 151 as shown here. I’m not sure why it wasn’t made closer to the original since the effort was made to completely rebody the car. Additionally, although the car looks completed and running in this picture, it has been taken apart again to some extent and the seller reports some issues with the rear axles and wire wheel offsets.
As you can see, the rocker panels have been removed and the car has been stored for a while. The seller tells us that it “is a project car which I know very little about.” Someone put a lot of time into this project and it was even shown at Amelia Island in 2002 which is presumably where the second picture was taken–there has to be some history out there somewhere!
The body appears to have been made to a high standard. One of the contacts of the seller things Drogo might have been involved but that would surprise me considering the time frame.
It’s not clear whether the engine is currently out of the car or not although I believe it is. The seller has a rebuilt water pump for it but other than that we don’t know the condition of the engine. Given enough time, I think this project could result in a fantastic car, and here’s an article about when a “real” Type 151 sold for $1.5 million in 200 ! And here is an article where a reproduction of that very car sold for $284,221 back in 2006. So what do you think of this price? Are you interested in taking on this project?
Nice, but will it do 185?
You’ll lose your license, then you won’t drive.
Then get a limo, ride in the back….
Keep the doors locked.
I love this. It looks like it would be fun as hell to drive and a real head turner. Sadly, I don’t have that kind of disposable income.
If anyone would like me to take a look at this thing, it’s only about 45 mins. up the road. While I am not well versed in the Maserati badge, I am a car guy (currently have a 70 Buick Stage 1, 69 Corvette, and a 70 Lotus Europa). I can probably get a rough idea how much work it would take to get this thing on the road.
@James – You are obviously a man of discernment and taste. Your offer might be a wonderful resource for a potential buyer.
As usual; @Jamie Palmer – is correct. If you are going to copy… then COPY.
Make it as exact as reasonably possible.
There is no better example than the kit Cobra market. The closer to the way it was, the higher the resale value.
Little details like the front oil-cooler and reversed speedometer, and real knock-off wheels make a big difference in potential buyer’s perceptions. The aluminum-bodied replicas bring the highest price.
The farther the kit deviates from the Carroll Shelby original, the price just jumps off a cliff.
Thumbs up to you, sir.
Please I am interested, willing to.pay for your service
Thank you
Alex
Alex@borla.com
^^^There’s a guy who can afford the car…
Hi Alex,
No payment necessary! If you happen to know anyone near Lebanon TN, there’s a Jag that I wouldn’t mind someone taking a peek at for me! :)
I’ll contact the guy and see about setting up a meet; will keep you posted!
Whoa, the Alex Borla!
Hmmm. Still for sale on same condition & price. And has been for years now. And no progress in state of the car
If I were the seller, I would likely draw some conclusions…
Yep, but Grass Valley folk are a breed apart! :)
No replica should ever be worth as much as it costs to make another. Some people forget or can’t recognize this basic economic principal. Here we’ve got some Maserati pieces and a body of unknown quality. How can we intelligently comment on value without more facts??
Value is relative to what a person will pay. And if there’s history of these replicas selling for north of a quarter million, then that says A LOT.
Not my cup of tea.
I would buy it, but I have to admit that I bought the 356 the other day that everyone was trashing and sceptical about the 60,000 dollar price tag! LMAO, I bought it just to show all you young pups how to make some real money! I am going to keep a video log to share with all you nay sayers! I am a sneaky ol’man! Haaaahaaaa!
Greetings All,
To me, it looks like it started out as a Lotus Europa, look at the doors.
Not sure what is underneath but I doubt the Lotus donated its chassis with that engine.
To me, ugly as sin and yet I like the Europa
Yay!! My car made it onto your website!!
thanks!
bill
99k no 10 k maybe 1000.00 would be more like it.