1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupé

4,014cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Lucas Fuel Injection
255bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes


*Charming Mistral in largely original 'Barn-find' condition
*Desirable 4-Liter, 5-speed manual configuration
*Matching numbers example
*In same family ownership for more than three decades
*Elegant and powerful Frua-bodied Maserati


THE MASERATI MISTRAL

Maserati's survival strategy for the 1960s centered on establishing the company - which hitherto had mainly concentrated on its Grand Prix and sports car racing activities - as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque's new era began in 1957 with the launch at the Geneva Salon of the Touring-bodied 3500GT. A luxury '2+2', the 3500GT drew heavily on Maserati's competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The 3500GT's designer was none other than Giulio Alfieri, creator of the immortal Tipo 60/61 'Birdcage' sports-racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F and developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500GT was progressively updated, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.

The next development of the theme arrived in 1962. Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Vignale-bodied 3500GT spyder, the Sebring coupé featured a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection as standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options.

Last of the classic six-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 two-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the Mistral was built in coupé and spyder versions, the former's opening rear window hatch making it unusually practical for a sports car. A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential the options. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 coupés and 123 spyders had been built.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

First registered on 13th June 1967, this particular Mistral has the desirable manual transmission, while the sometimes troublesome Lucas fuel infection has been replaced with a trio of twin-choke Weber 40DCOE carburetors, a popular modification among owners of these later six-cylinder Maseratis. Some €10,000 was spent on re-commissioning during 2007/2008 (see invoices on file) and in September 2009 the car was offered for sale at Bonhams' Reims auction ( Lot 146) where it was purchased by the previous, French owner. While in his care, the Mistral benefited from a complete restoration (engine, bodywork, interior, etc.) costing around €60,000 (all invoices available). This work was completed between 2010 and 2012 by recognized specialists including V12 Automobiles, Saint Brice (full engine rebuild); Carrosserie Axial, Tinqueux (repainting); Sellerie Chempenoise, St Brice Courcelles (complete interior re-trim); and JMW Racing, Gueux (dismantling and re-assembly). The odometer reading at time of restoration was 41,500 kilometers and nearly 46,500 kilometer are indicated at current.

Acquired by the current owner at Bonhams' February 2014 Grand Palais auction ( Lot 342), 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 lovey condition. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned invoices, a detailed appraisal carried out in July 2012 by Cerede Bonoron Expertises, Paris, and stateside records including import paperwork and current registration. 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.