Last 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 Mistral was built in coupe and spyder versions, the former’s opening rear window hatch making it unusually practical for a sports car. A 5-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential were options. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 coupes and 123 spyders had been built.
First registered on June 13, 1967, this particular Mistral has the desirable manual transmission, while the sometimes-troublesome Lucas fuel injection has been replaced with a trio of twin-choke Weber 40DCOE carburetors, a popular modification among owners of these later 6-cylinder Maseratis. Some €10,000 was spent on recommissioning during 2007 to 2008, and in September 2009, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams’ Reims auction (SCM# 142897), where it was purchased by the previous owner.
While in his care, the Mistral benefited from a complete restoration costing around €60,000. This work was completed between 2010 and 2012 by recognized specialists. The odometer reading at time of restoration was 41,500 kilometers, and nearly 46,500 kilometers are indicated at current.
Acquired by the current owner at Bonhams’ February 2014 Grand Palais auction (SCM# 232484), the Maserati has been carefully garaged and sparingly used since purchase. A recent test drive by a Bonhams specialist found the Mistral to come alive at higher revs, producing a sonorous, distinctly Italian exhaust note. Fully restored with no expense spared a decade ago, this beautiful Mistral is finished in Rosso Cordoba with butter-colored leather interior and is presented today in lovely condition. Rarely seen and in the most desirable spec with the largest motor and manual gearbox, this Mistral would be an excellent car for tours, events or local drives.
