The Maserati Mistral, introduced in 1963 and produced from 1964 through the end of the 1960s, was one of the last great Italian grand touring cars powered by a competition-derived straight-six engine. Combining elegant Pietro Frua styling, sophisticated mechanical fuel injection and a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Mistral represented the culmination of Maserati’s celebrated six-cylinder road-car lineage before the company shifted its emphasis toward V8-powered grand tourers.
Available as a two-seat fastback coupe and a rare open-top Spyder, the Mistral was offered with 3.5-liter, 3.7-liter and 4.0-liter versions of Maserati’s twin-cam straight-six. The engine traced its ancestry to the company’s successful sports-racing and Formula One programs, giving the Mistral a direct connection to the period when Maserati competed at the highest levels of international motorsport.
The Mistral also introduced a naming tradition that would become central to Maserati’s identity. Named after the strong, cold wind that blows through southern France, it was the first Maserati grand tourer to carry the name of a wind, preceding the Ghibli, Bora, Khamsin and numerous later models.
Only 968 Mistrals were built, comprising 844 coupes and 124 Spyders. The combination of limited production, distinctive coachwork and Maserati’s final road-going development of its classic twin-cam straight-six has made the Mistral an increasingly significant collector car, particularly in the rare Spyder and larger-displacement 4.0-liter configurations.
Maserati’s Grand Touring Evolution
During the 1950s, Maserati was best known for its competition cars, including the 250F Formula One racer and the 300S and 350S sports-racing machines. Although the company had produced a small number of exclusive road cars, its financial stability depended increasingly on developing a commercially successful grand touring automobile.
The Maserati 3500 GT, introduced in 1957, transformed the company. Its combination of an elegant Touring-designed body, powerful straight-six engine and comfortable interior established Maserati as a serious competitor to Ferrari, Aston Martin and other prestigious European manufacturers.
The 3500 GT was followed by the Sebring in 1962, which used similar mechanical components beneath more compact Vignale coachwork. By the early 1960s, however, Maserati wanted a more modern and sporting two-seat grand tourer that would distinguish itself from the larger 3500 GT and the more conventional Sebring.
The Mistral fulfilled that role. Its relatively short wheelbase, fastback body and powerful six-cylinder engine created a car with a more focused sporting character while retaining the refinement expected of a Maserati.
1963 Maserati Mistral Prototype coupe, from an auction on December 2nd, 2003
The 1963 Turin Motor Show Debut
The Mistral made its public debut as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show in November 1963. Initially identified as the 3500 GTI 2 Posti, it was subsequently given the Mistral name before regular production began in 1964.
The new model used a shortened version of Maserati’s established grand-touring chassis architecture and retained the familiar front-mounted straight-six engine. Its most dramatic departure from earlier Maseratis was the sleek two-seat fastback body designed by Pietro Frua.
The Mistral’s low hood, long front fenders and distinctive rear glazing gave it a thoroughly modern appearance. Compared with the 3500 GT, the car was more compact and visually aggressive, reflecting the increasing influence of aerodynamic design during the early 1960s.
Pietro Frua’s Design
The Mistral was designed by Pietro Frua, one of Italy’s most accomplished automotive stylists. Frua had previously created bodies for Maserati and other prestigious manufacturers, developing a reputation for elegant proportions and restrained detailing.
The Mistral’s design is characterized by a long, low hood, compact passenger compartment and sharply sloping fastback roof. The front features a relatively narrow grille with the Maserati trident, flanked by headlights integrated into the fenders.
The side profile is particularly distinctive. The long hood and short rear deck create classic grand-touring proportions, while the gently curved roofline flows into a large rear window. The car’s relatively narrow body and low height give it a more delicate appearance than the larger V8-powered Maseratis that followed. The entire rear glass hatch assembly on the Frua Coupe was framed in aluminum and featured a unique top-hinged lifting mechanism, which is notoriously difficult to align or replace during modern restorations.
Unlike the more dramatic styling of contemporary Lamborghini models, the Mistral relies on carefully balanced proportions rather than exaggerated features. Its understated elegance has contributed significantly to its enduring collector appeal.
Coupe Body Construction
The Mistral coupe, produced from 1964 through 1969, was built using steel body construction with aluminum panels employed in selected areas to reduce weight. The hood, doors and rear window frame were among the components commonly made from aluminum.
Bodies were manufactured by Maggiora of Turin, reflecting the traditional Italian coachbuilding system in which specialized firms constructed bodies for low-volume manufacturers.
The combination of steel and aluminum creates particular restoration challenges. Corrosion can develop in steel panels and structural sections, while aluminum components are vulnerable to damage and electrolytic corrosion where they contact dissimilar metals.
Because the Mistral was built in small numbers, replacement panels are scarce. Accurate restoration often requires skilled metal fabrication rather than simply installing reproduction components.
1965 Maserati Mistral 3500 Spyder, from an auction at Pebble Beach on August 13th, 2021
The Mistral Spyder
The Mistral Spyder debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1964, providing an open-top alternative to the fastback coupe. Its design was developed from the coupe’s basic styling, with bodies constructed by Vignale in Turin.
The Spyder retained the Mistral’s long hood and distinctive front-end design but replaced the fastback roof with a folding convertible top. Its open body gave the car a more traditional Italian roadster appearance while preserving the same six-cylinder performance.
The Spyder used predominantly steel body construction, with aluminum employed for the hood, doors and trunk lid. Additional structural reinforcement was necessary to compensate for the absence of the fixed roof.
Only 124 Mistral Spyders were produced, making them exceptionally rare. Their combination of Frua styling, open-air driving and Maserati’s competition-derived straight-six places them among the most desirable Italian grand touring convertibles of the 1960s.
1964 Maserati Mistral 3.5 Spyder roadster, with rare color-matched removable hardtop, from an auction in Monterey on August 13th, 2025
The Factory Hardtop
Maserati offered an optional removable aluminum hardtop for the Mistral Spyder. The hardtop provided improved weather protection and transformed the appearance of the car into a compact, elegant coupe-like roadster.
Original hardtops are extremely rare because relatively few were ordered and many became separated from their cars over the decades. Complete examples with correct glass, seals, trim and mounting hardware are particularly desirable.
For collectors, a documented original hardtop can add significant appeal to a Mistral Spyder, especially when it has remained with the car since new.
The Maserati Twin-Cam Straight-Six
All Mistrals used developments of Maserati’s celebrated double-overhead-camshaft inline six-cylinder engine. The design traced its ancestry to the company’s postwar racing program, including the engines used in the 3500 GT and earlier competition machinery.
The engine featured an aluminum cylinder head, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin overhead camshafts. Its relatively sophisticated design reflected Maserati’s experience building high-performance racing engines during the 1950s. The straight-six was renowned for its smoothness, distinctive mechanical sound and strong high-rpm performance. In the Mistral, it was tuned to provide the flexibility required for road use while retaining much of its sporting character.
The Mistral was the final production Maserati to use this classic straight-six architecture. Later grand tourers increasingly relied on V8 engines, making the Mistral an important mechanical endpoint in the company’s history.
Twin-Spark Ignition
The Mistral’s straight-six used twin-spark ignition, with two spark plugs per cylinder. This arrangement originated in Maserati’s competition-engine development and was intended to improve combustion efficiency in the engine’s relatively large hemispherical combustion chambers. Twin-spark ignition helped promote more complete combustion and supported the engine’s performance characteristics. It also contributed to the engine’s distinctive technical identity.
The system requires careful maintenance because it incorporates more ignition components than a conventional single-plug engine. Distributor condition, ignition timing, plug selection and wiring are all important to smooth operation.
A properly adjusted twin-spark Maserati engine should idle smoothly, accelerate cleanly and deliver strong power throughout its operating range.
Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection
All regular-production Mistrals used Lucas mechanical fuel injection, a relatively advanced system for a mid-1960s Italian grand tourer. The injection system replaced the multiple carburetors traditionally associated with high-performance Italian engines.
The Lucas system used a mechanically controlled fuel-metering unit to deliver fuel to the six cylinders. It was intended to provide precise fuel delivery, strong throttle response and improved efficiency. When correctly maintained, the system works effectively and contributes to the Mistral’s smooth, responsive engine character. However, it is more specialized than conventional carburetion and requires technicians familiar with its operating principles.
Common problems include deteriorated seals, worn metering components, fuel-pressure irregularities and injector faults. Some Mistrals were converted to Weber carburetors during periods when Lucas injection parts and expertise were difficult to obtain.
For collectors, retaining or correctly restoring the original Lucas injection system is generally preferable because it preserves an important element of the car’s factory specification.
1964 Maserati Mistral coupe, from an auction on August 20th, 2005
The Mistral 3500: 1964–66
The earliest Mistrals used the 3,485cc straight-six, producing approximately 235 horsepower. This engine was closely related to the unit fitted to the Maserati 3500 GTI and Sebring.
The 3.5-liter Mistral provided strong performance for its era, with a top speed in the region of 140 mph depending upon specification and conditions. Its relatively compact body and five-speed transmission made it an effective high-speed grand tourer.
The 3.5-liter engine was used primarily during the earliest production period, with the larger 3.7-liter and 4.0-liter versions gradually replacing it.
Only three 3.5-liter coupes are included in Maserati’s commonly published production breakdown, making this configuration exceptionally rare. The 3.5-liter Spyder, produced from approximately 1964 through 1966, accounted for 27 examples.
1965 Maserati Mistral 3.7 coupe, from an auction in Paris on February 3rd, 2016
The Mistral 3700: 1964–69
The Mistral 3700 used an enlarged 3,694cc straight-six, producing approximately 245 horsepower. It became the principal early production version of the Mistral and was available in both coupe and Spyder form. The additional displacement improved torque and flexibility compared with the 3.5-liter engine. This was particularly useful in a grand touring car intended for long-distance travel, where effortless acceleration was often more important than maximum engine speed.
The 3.7-liter engine retained the same basic twin-cam, twin-spark architecture and Lucas mechanical fuel injection. It delivered strong performance while remaining relatively smooth and tractable.
Maserati’s production figures identify 387 Mistral 3700 coupes and 46 Mistral 3700 Spyders. The coupe is therefore one of the more common Mistral configurations, although production remained extremely limited by broader sports-car standards.
1967 Maserati Mistral 4.0 Spyder, from an auction in Paris on February 7th, 2018
The Mistral 4000: 1965–69
The Mistral 4000, introduced during 1965, represented the most powerful regular-production version. Its engine displaced 4,014cc and produced approximately 265 horsepower, giving the car stronger acceleration and greater flexibility. The larger engine retained the twin-cam, twin-spark straight-six architecture and Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Its increased displacement provided more torque at moderate engine speeds, making the car particularly effective for high-speed touring.
The Mistral 4000 was capable of approximately 150 mph or more, depending upon body style, gearing and test conditions. Its combination of strong performance and elegant coachwork made it a serious competitor to contemporary Ferrari and Aston Martin grand tourers.
The 4.0-liter engine is generally regarded as the most desirable standard Mistral powerplant because it represents the final and most developed version of Maserati’s classic six-cylinder road engine.
Production totaled 454 Mistral 4000 coupes and 51 Mistral 4000 Spyders, making the 4.0-liter coupe the most numerous Mistral variant and the 4.0-liter Spyder one of the most desirable.
The Five-Speed ZF Transmission
The Mistral was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission supplied by ZF, an advanced feature at a time when many grand touring cars still used four-speed gearboxes. The five-speed transmission allowed Maserati to combine strong acceleration with relatively relaxed highway cruising. Its ratios were well suited to the straight-six engine’s broad power band, while the tall upper gear helped make sustained high-speed travel more comfortable.
The gearbox is generally robust but requires careful maintenance. Worn synchronizers, bearings and shift components can produce difficult engagement or excessive noise, particularly when cold.
A properly maintained Mistral should shift positively and smoothly, although the transmission has a deliberate mechanical feel rather than the light action of a modern sports-car gearbox.
Chassis and Suspension
The Mistral used a steel platform chassis derived from Maserati’s established grand-touring architecture. The front-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive layout were conventional, but the chassis was carefully developed to provide stability at the high speeds the car could achieve.
The front suspension used independent wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers. At the rear, a live axle located by semi-elliptic leaf springs provided a relatively simple and durable arrangement.
Although a live rear axle was becoming old-fashioned among expensive European grand tourers, Maserati’s suspension tuning provided a useful balance between handling and ride comfort. The car was intended primarily for fast road use rather than competition driving.
Worn suspension bushings, dampers and steering components can significantly affect handling. Correct alignment and ride height are important to preserving the Mistral’s stable, predictable character.
Steering and Brakes
The Mistral used a conventional steering system suited to its front-engine grand-touring layout. Steering effort is relatively substantial at low speeds, particularly with wider modern tires, but becomes more manageable as speed increases.
The car’s relatively short wheelbase gives it responsive handling, while the long hood and low seating position create a distinctly sporting driving experience.
All Mistrals used four-wheel disc brakes, an important feature for a car capable of sustained high-speed operation. The system provided strong braking performance by mid-1960s standards, although repeated hard use could produce fade.
Brake calipers, master cylinders, hydraulic hoses and other components require careful inspection because deterioration during long periods of storage can create serious safety concerns.
Wheels and Tires
Many Mistrals were fitted with Borrani wire wheels, one of the most recognizable features of Italian grand touring cars during the 1960s. The polished wire wheels complemented the Frua bodywork and contributed to the car’s elegant appearance.
Wheel and tire specifications varied during production, with changes in diameter and tire dimensions accompanying the development of the larger-engine versions.
Original Borrani wheels are desirable, but they require careful inspection for spoke tension, corrosion and damage. Properly restored wheels and correctly sized period-style tires help preserve the car’s intended appearance and handling.
Modern tires with inappropriate dimensions can alter steering effort and suspension behavior, making careful selection important.
Body Corrosion and Restoration
The Mistral’s steel body and chassis are vulnerable to corrosion, particularly in rocker panels, floors, wheel arches, lower fenders and areas where moisture can accumulate.
The combination of steel and aluminum panels introduces additional complications. Electrolytic corrosion can occur where dissimilar metals contact each other, while aluminum components may develop cracking or distortion from previous repairs.
Because production numbers were low, replacement body panels are scarce. Accurate restoration often requires extensive hand fabrication, making body condition one of the most important factors in determining whether a Mistral is economically viable to restore.
The coupe’s rear glazing and specialized trim components are particularly difficult to replace. On Spyders, the folding top mechanism, windshield frame and optional hardtop components require equally careful inspection.
Engine Reliability and Maintenance
The Maserati straight-six is fundamentally robust when maintained correctly, but it is a sophisticated engine requiring specialist attention. The twin-cam cylinder head, twin-spark ignition and mechanical fuel injection all demand careful adjustment.
Oil pressure, cooling-system condition and evidence of previous engine rebuilding should be evaluated during a pre-purchase inspection. Worn bearings, deteriorated seals and neglected cooling systems can lead to expensive repairs.
The Lucas fuel-injection system is particularly important. Cars converted to carburetors may be easier to maintain in some circumstances, but such modifications reduce originality and can affect collector value.
A properly maintained Mistral should start reliably, idle smoothly and accelerate without hesitation. Persistent misfiring, fuel-delivery problems or low oil pressure should not be dismissed as normal characteristics of an older Italian engine.
Transmission, Suspension and Electrical Maintenance
The ZF five-speed gearbox is generally durable, but worn synchronizers, bearings and seals can require expensive rebuilding. Clutch condition should also be evaluated because replacement involves substantial labor.
Suspension components, steering joints and brake hydraulics may deteriorate during long periods of storage. The live rear axle is relatively straightforward, but worn springs, bushings and dampers can compromise handling.
The electrical system is comparatively simple by modern standards, yet age-related problems involving wiring, connectors, grounds and switches are common. Original instruments and specialized electrical components can be difficult to replace.
A comprehensive maintenance history from a specialist familiar with classic Maseratis is particularly valuable because many repairs require knowledge and parts unavailable through ordinary automotive workshops.
Understanding the Major Maserati Mistral Variants
- Mistral 3500 Coupe (1964): Earliest 3,485cc coupe, producing approximately 235 horsepower. Only three examples are included in Maserati’s published production figures.
- Mistral 3700 Coupe (1964–69): 3,694cc straight-six producing approximately 245 horsepower. A total of 387 examples were built.
- Mistral 4000 Coupe (1965–69): 4,014cc straight-six producing approximately 265 horsepower. The most numerous coupe variant, with 454 examples built.
- Mistral 3500 Spyder (1964–66): Early open-top version with 3,485cc engine. Only 27 examples were produced.
- Mistral 3700 Spyder (1964–69): Open-top version with 3,694cc engine and approximately 245 horsepower. Production totaled 46 examples.
- Mistral 4000 Spyder (1965–69): Final and most powerful Spyder configuration, with 4,014cc engine and approximately 265 horsepower. Only 51 examples were built.
The production years above describe the principal manufacturing periods; individual cars may have later registration dates, and some sources include final completion or delivery activity into 1970.
What Matters to Collectors
For any Mistral, body condition, originality and documentation are among the most important considerations. The car’s low production volume makes accurate restoration expensive, particularly when specialized aluminum panels, glass or trim components are missing.
The 4.0-liter engine is generally preferred because it provides the strongest performance and represents the final development of Maserati’s classic straight-six. However, a well-preserved 3.7-liter car may be more desirable than a poorly restored 4.0-liter example.
The Spyder occupies a special position because only 124 were built. Its open body, elegant proportions and rarity make it significantly more collectible than the coupe in comparable condition.
Original Lucas fuel injection is an important authenticity consideration. Cars converted to Weber carburetors may be easier to maintain, but collectors generally favor examples retaining their factory mechanical specification.
Important Sales Reviewed by SCM Experts
In each month’s issue for the past 38 years, SCM’s analysts have reviewed 5 to 7 significant cars sold at auction, and discuss what options, history, or details made that particular more or less valuable. They give their expert opinion on the market for these cars, and whether this car was well bought or well sold. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Maserati Mistral, you’ll likely find these profiles critical in helping you make the right decision. Each of the following is an article from our print magazine on a Maserati Mistral sold at auction.
1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 SpyderFew 4-liter Spyders were built; this one was well bought This top-of-the-line 4.0-liter engine was fitted from new to Maserati Mistral chassis number 1633, as confirmed by Maserati Classiche. One of only 37 Mistral 4.0-liter Spyders produced, this example was delivered new to Rome in the summer of 1966, originally finished in silver Argento Auteuil […]Read more
1966 Maserati Mistral CoupeLast of the classic 6-cylinder Maseratis, the Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The 3.7-liter version of the famous long-stroke engine was fitted to most cars, other options being the 3.5-liter or, from 1966, the 4.0-liter unit, all of which came with Lucas fuel injection. A handsome 2-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the […]Read more- 1967 Maserati Mistral 4.0 Alloy Coupe by FruaStyled by Pietro Frua, the lithe Mistral was the first in a series of great Maserati sports cars named for fearsome winds, which went on to include the Ghibli, Bora, Shamal and Khamsin, among others. The Mistral was also the last of its kind, at least in terms of its engine. Equipped with the largest-displacement […]Read more
1968 Maserati Mistral 4000 Spyder by FruaAn original, matching-numbers example, chassis 707 boasts a totally original interior. The leather seats display a light patina commensurate with the limited mileage covered. Incredibly, all carpets, including the boot, are original to the car, as are the Maserati-embossed floor mats, and under-bonnet and boot lid quilting. There are 26,103 miles on the odometer. The […]Read more
1969 Maserati Mistral SpyderAt the start of the 1950s, Maserati was still producing cars on a small scale. It built high-performance sports cars that were a little too demanding for the wealthy clientèle just starting to appear after the war. The marque wanted to produce models that kept the same allure and were fast, but which had improved […]Read more
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Past Auction Sales – Maserati Mistral
Average Maserati Mistral Sale Price by Year from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
Maserati Mistral Sales from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
Broad Arrow Auctions
Condition: 2+
May 16, 2026
$386,631
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2
Oct 6, 2024
$393,184
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 3
Jan 31, 2024
$84,122
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 5-
Dec 4, 2023
$53,900
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Nov 4, 2023
$366,044
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2+
Sep 29, 2023
$120,400
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Sep 15, 2023
$394,627
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Sep 30, 2022
$114,800
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 3+
Sep 3, 2022
$41,600
Bonhams
Condition: 2
Apr 10, 2022
$389,591
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Oct 10, 2021
$452,348
RM Auctions
Condition: 5+
Sep 2, 2021
$62,700
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 2-
Aug 13, 2021
$522,000
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Sep 20, 2020
$473,550
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 3-
Jun 3, 2020
$116,090
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Jan 16, 2020
$302,000
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Feb 6, 2019
$595,337
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Feb 6, 2019
$113,940
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Feb 7, 2018
$908,385
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 4-
Mar 11, 2017
$478,500
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Dec 4, 2016
$675,358
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Sep 7, 2016
$990,528
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Aug 19, 2016
$412,500
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Feb 3, 2016
$241,582
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
Nov 1, 2015
$210,116
Bonhams
Condition: 2+
Feb 6, 2014
$148,995
Artcurial
Condition: 1-
Jun 10, 2013
$368,756
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
Feb 3, 2012
$65,849
Bonhams
Condition:
Sep 26, 2009
$53,986
Gooding & Co.
Condition:
Aug 16, 2009
$55,000
Bonhams
Condition:
Aug 14, 2009
$130,750
Bonhams
Condition: 4+
Aug 14, 2009
$130,750
Coys
Condition: 3-
Oct 25, 2008
$58,445
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
May 10, 2008
$369,675
Bonhams
Condition: 1-
Dec 19, 2007
$263,150
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Dec 17, 2006
$163,727
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
May 20, 2006
$102,638
Artcurial
Condition: 1-
Feb 12, 2006
$55,291
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 3+
Jan 22, 2006
$57,200
eBay
Condition: 3
Nov 1, 2005
$39,100
Russo and Steele
Condition: 3+
Aug 20, 2005
$36,300
RM Auctions
Condition: 3+
Aug 15, 2003
$25,301
RM Auctions
Condition: 3+
Aug 15, 2003
$68,200
Barrett-Jackson
Condition: 2-
Jan 16, 2003
$51,840
Bonhams
Condition: 2-
Mar 11, 2002
$46,866
Bonhams & Brooks
Condition:
May 21, 2001
$25,570
Christie's
Condition: 1-
Mar 26, 2001
$42,006
Brooks
Condition: 1-
Mar 5, 2000
$28,993
RM Auctions
Condition: 3+
Mar 19, 1999
$33,550
Brooks
Condition: 2-
May 19, 1998
$69,967
See all 51 sales of Maserati Mistral cars from SCM’s Platinum auction database.
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