The 3500GT was an important car for Maserati as it was the first road car to be built in large numbers. In 1957, Maserati had officially withdrawn from motor racing and full attention was now on the production of Gran Turismo road cars. The elegantly shaped body of the 3500GT was a creation from Carrozzeria Touring and was made from aluminium which was attached to a tubular steel frame (Superleggera patent). The 6-cylinder engine came from the 350S racing car of 1956 and was characterised by excellent torque output at low engine speed. In 1961, the triple Weber carburettors were replaced by a mechanical fuel injection system from Lucas, boosting the power to 235hp (3500GTI). ZF supplied the four-speed gearbox (five-speed from 1960 and three-speed automatic on request), whilst other elements were sourced from the best suppliers of the day. Front disc brakes became available as an option from 1959. This model became a big commercial success and contributed importantly in resolving the economic difficulties of the Maserati company at the time.