Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 140
1968 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua Chassis no. AM109S.711
Sold for US$335,000 inc. premium
Lot 140
1968 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder
1968 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Chassis no. AM109S.711
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua
Chassis no. AM109S.711
3,694cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder engine
Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection, twin-plug ignition
245bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of just 124 Spyders built
*The last of Maserati's prestigious six-cylinder GT cars
*Crisp and elegant Pietro Frua styling
*Desirable 5-speed manual gearbox
*Lovely and iconic red over natural tan leather trim
*Equipped with Borrani wheels and electric windows
*Veteran of the 2014 Pebble Beach Tour and Concours d'Elegance
*A capable, comfortable, and exciting Italian grand tourer
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 open Spyder 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 robust 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 124 Spiders had been built.
THE CAR OFFERED
Of the approximately 950 Maserati Mistrals produced, just 124 were delivered in open-air Spyder form. Like the coupe, the Spyder was offered with any of the three six-cylinder engines. According to the respected marque historian Adolfo Orsi, the Spyder featured here left the works equipped with the 3.7-liter inline-six paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Originally finished in Rosso Cordova over beige Connolly hides and equipped with wire wheels, it was delivered to Umberto Nuvoli, believed to be a prominent radiologist from Rome. The car's history is unclear until approximately 2000, when it was sold at auction in Monaco, described as coming from an Austrian Maserati enthusiast. By that point, it had been restored and refinished in its current Italian Rosso Corsa, over beige leather upholstery.
In current ownership, it was used on the 2014 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance, and looks to have been very nicely maintained in the ensuing years. The restoration has mellowed gently, and the car appears prime for enjoyment. It retains its factory-fitted Lucas mechanical fuel injection, ensuring the original guttural character of the brilliant twin-cam, 12-plug inline-six remains intact. Reported by the owner to be a capable, dependable, and enjoyable machine, it is a rare vintage machine that combines copious cabin space for taller drivers and a cavernous truck with room for golf clubs.
In traditional Maserati fashion, the Mistral 3700 is a comfortable and capable grand tourer, with race-bred engineering lurking beneath gorgeous bodywork. Exceedingly rare and highly collectible, this example will be a welcome addition to any Maserati enthusiast's collection.
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