1966→1970 Maserati Mistral Spyder

The Mistral’s supremely elegant design was further enhanced by convertible offered in 1966. The coupé’s styling, came courtesy of Giovanni Michelotti pen, and Vignale was the coachbuilder. It was offered with a choice of either the 3.5 litre engine from the 3500 GT or the 3.7 litre variant, to which a further enhanced 4 litre unit was added a couple years later.

In the first year of coupé production the car was still called simply “2 Posti” spyder before it was christened the more poetic Mistral. Even in 3.5 litre guise, performance was much more than simply poetic, as a healthy 235 hp was on tap. Mistral roadsters were predominately steel-bodied, with the bonnet, doors and boot lid in alloy. A very rare optional hardtop was designed for the car and was also produced in light alloy.

Already available in the coupé and in the Sebring, it became a somewhat less popular choice, when, in 1966 the new 4 litre unit was introduced. However, more than half of the Mistral Spyders assembled were produced with the 3.7 litre engine. A customer could specify an automatic gearbox on both the 3.7 and 4.0 litre versions.

Wire wheels came as standard, but from 1967 light alloy wheels similar to those on the Ghibli became available. Maximum speed was around 250 kph (156 mph). Italian actors Alberto Sordi and Ugo Tognazzi figured amongst Mistral Spyder owners. Overall, 125 Mistral Spyders were assembled between 1964 and 1970, 20 of them were right hand drive models. In 1968 the Mistral Spyder became the most modern car ever to win the Best in Show award at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance.

Story by Maserati S.p.A.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1966 – 1970
built at	Italy
body stylist	Giovanni Michelotti
production	125
engine	Inline-6
ignition	Twin-Plug
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed	Lucas Indirect Fuel Injection
displacement	4014 cc / 245 in³
bore	88 mm / 3.5 in
stroke	110 mm / 4.3 in
compression	8.5:1
power	197.6 kw / 265 bhp @ 5200 rpm
specific output	66.02 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	185.31 bhp per tonne
torque	353.87 nm / 261.0 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm
body / frame	‘frame platform chassis’
driven wheels	Front Engine
wheel type	Wire Wheels
front tires	205 VR x 15 Cinturato HS Pirelli
rear tires	205 VR x 15 Cinturato HS Pirelli
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Discs
steering	Worm & Sector
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Live Axle w/Leaf Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	1430 kg / 3153 lbs
wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
front track	1390 mm / 54.7 in
rear track	1360 mm / 53.5 in
length	4500 mm / 177.2 in
width	1675 mm / 65.9 in
height	1300 mm / 51.2 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
tran clutch	Single Dry Plate
gear ratios	3.00:1, 1.705:1, 1.24:1, 1.00:1, 0.85:1
top speed	~249.40 kph / 155 mph
0 – 60 mph	~6.2 seconds
fuel capacity	70 litres or 18.48 gal.

Auction Sales History

1968 Maserati Mistral 4,0 L Spider AM109SA1.661 – sold for €476,800
As the copy of the factory Avviso Spedizione indicates, this stunning Mistral Spider was delivered new to the importer in New York, Foreign Car City Inc., presented in Bianco Polo Park with red leather interior, automatic gearbox and air-conditioning. This same document states that the car was destined to be exhibited at the 1967 New York Motor Show. The Mistral sold at the show and was registered in 1968, remaining in the US until June 2007 when it was imported by Michaël Boertien, the Dutch Maserati collector. The car was acquired by the present owner in 2008, who had it registered in France and then undertook a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration. Work to the body was carried out by ODS, the well-known workshop near Paris, and we have all the related invoices and photographs that show the Mistral stripped back to bare metal. It changed colour at this point at the owner’s request. The mechanical work was undertaken by Fernand Maria, the talented mechanic who has looked after Italian cars for some of the biggest French collections. The top end was completely rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, rods, timing chain and valve guides with adjustment and re-surfacing of the cylinder head and refurbishment of the valve seats. In short, extensive work was carried out to enable this sublime cabriolet to drive perfectly today. The original, beautifully patinated, leather interior has been conserved and the carpets also appear to be original. It will be delivered to its new owner with the original manual and a large file of invoices and photographs documenting its restoration.
Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars

1965 Maserati Mistral Spider – sold for $130,750
This 4-liter Mistral, the last Spyder built in 1970, is a right-hand drive model with English-unit instrumentation by Lucas and Smiths. A largely original car, it has covered fewer than 62,000 miles, although the interior shows considerable wear. The black leather seats are cracking and worn in places, but the car is otherwise clean. The instrument panel is clean and unmarked, and needs only modest detailing. The exterior white paint is in very good condition, and gives the car a stunning appearance. The engine compartment is clean, but not detailed, and the car runs and drives well.
Auction Source: 2009 Bonhams Exceptional Motorcars at Quail Lodge Resort

1967 Maserati Mistral Spyder – sold for €136,125

Of those 120 Spyders, the number of right-hand drive cars was only 20, and they remain quite rare in today’s collector car market. The Mistral Spyder presented here is one such right-hand drive example, fitted with a 3.7-litre engine mated to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox. The car comes equipped with Borrani wire wheels and a rare optional factory hardtop as well. This numbers-matching example currently shows 49,460 miles which, however, cannot be authenticated as genuine. It was restored in the early 1990s by renowned Maserati specialist Bill McGrath and has very recently received a full check over and a detailed engineer’s report. As such, it is offered with a new MOT and a full, clean bill of health with an accompanying RTR from BG to verify its status and condition.

The Maserati Mistral is a true delight to drive, combining so many of the desirable elements that collectors desire: Italian styling, a powerful drive train, a fantastic exhaust note, low production numbers and, of course, a convertible body. Having formed part of an important collection and seeing very little use since restoration, this particular example has been properly stored and maintained and is read to be enjoyed on rallies, events or simply a leisurely Sunday drive.

It is rare that a Mistral Spyder comes to the market and even rarer to find a right-hand drive version in such excellent condition. This is a great alternative to the more prolific Ferrari 275 or 330 GTS, but at a fraction of a price.