Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 28
1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupe Coachwork by Frua Chassis no. AM109A1842
Sold for US$120,400 inc. premium
Lot 28
1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupe
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupe
Coachwork by Frua
Chassis no. AM109A1842
Coachwork by Frua
Chassis no. AM109A1842
4,014cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder engine
Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection
255bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Collector owned, enthusiastically enjoyed
*Desirable 4.0-liter, 5-speed manual configuration
* Air conditioning, Borrani wheels, and a rare Webasto roof
*The last of Maserati's prestigious six-cylinder GT cars
THE MASERATI MISTRAL
Last of the classic six-cylinder Maseratis, the crisp Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The handsome two-seater was built on a shortened version of the square tube chassis also used by the Sebring and 3500GT, and Maserati offered buyers the choice of Coupe and Spider versions; the former's opening rear window hatch made it a surprisingly practical sporting GT car. A five-speed gearbox and disc brakes were standard equipment, while an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential were options. Maserati fitted the Mistral with three iterations of its famous twin cam six-cylinder engine, which traced its lineage back to the legendary 250F Grand Prix car. Most production Mistrals received the 3.7-liter version, while other options being the 3.5-liter or, from 1966, the ultimate 4.0-liter unit, all of which came with Lucas mechanical fuel injection and dual-plug ignition. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 Coupes and 123 Spiders had been built.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Mistral coupe is desirably equipped for grand touring duty with the optional 4-liter engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. It is a very well-optioned car, also featuring Borrani wire wheels, a rarely seen Webasto sliding sunroof, and air conditioning. The lovely metallic aubergine paint is a fine complement to the smart and crisp Pietro Frua-penned body, while the cabin's mushroom leather and carpet display a gently broken-in character that is particularly inviting. Mistrals are renowned touring cars, and this example, with its useful options, is no exception. From the driver's seat, a thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel fronts a set of clear Smiths gauges, with Maserati's typical array of rockers and toggles at easy reach. The torque-rich inline-six is happy to amble along in high gear, yet responds eagerly when the road gets twisty, and the revs are piled on. The generously sized trunk—along with the particularly useful air conditioning—make this Mistral an outstanding all-rounder.
Having enjoyed long-term ownership by an enthusiastic driver, it has been reported by the seller that this Mistral 4.0 Liter has been consistently maintained by specialists. It has done many vintage rallies and tours and is said to be a particularly strong running example that has proven to be quick, comfortable, and reliable. The engine retains its original Lucas fuel injection, which, when properly sorted and regularly exercised, provides smooth, ample power.
Representing the last of Maserati's acclaimed range of six-cylinder grand touring cars, this 4.0-liter Mistral is a particularly fetching example, is exceptionally well-maintained, and is now ready for a new caretaker to savor its unique blend of style, sophistication, and race-bred performance.
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