1965 Maserati Mistral Convertible

Maserati commissioned Pietro Frua to design a sleek two-seat hatchback coupe as a successor to the legendary 3500GT. This was the first of the 'wind Maseratis' and the last of the straight sixes. The Mistral was first shown to the press at the Salone dell'automobile di Torin in November of 1963. It was powered by a 3485cc unit from the 3500GT, with the Lucas fuel injection and ZF five-speed. The suspension was similar o the 3500GT and rode on an eight-inch shorter wheelbase. A short time later, a two-seat Spyder version became available and the engine was enlarged to 3,694 and finally 4,014cc.

Total production through 1970 comprised 830 coupes and 120 spyders.

This Mistral Spyder was delivered new in the United Kingdom by Maserati Concession, the London dealership. It is a right-hand drive 3.5-liter Mistral that came to the United States around 1980. It was in a Missouri collection until 2007. During the 1986-1990 period, the car was treated to a restoration. The car presently shows 34,134 miles with most mechanical systems rebuilt much more recently than that. It is painted in brilliant yellow with tan leather interior.

In 2008, this Mistral Spyder was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. The lot was estimated to sell for $170,000 - 190,000 but would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008