255 bhp, 4,014 cc aluminium block-and-head DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, Lucas mechanical fuel injection, five-speed ZF manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm

• The successor to the 3500 GT; Grand Prix-derived DOHC ‘six’ with F.I.

• Recently refinished and re-trimmed in original colours

Following the successful 3500 GT, Maserati commissioned Pietro Frua to design a new body for the updated Tipo 109 chassis. The new two-seat coupé was named “Mistral,” after the cold northerly wind of Southern France, and it was Maserati’s last car powered by the straight-six engine descended from the 350S sports racer of the 1950s, itself a close relation of the engine that powered Fangio’s 250F.

First shown at Turin in November 1963, the Mistral remained in production until 1970 with only slight updates. During production, the engine was enlarged from 3.5 to 3.7, and later, 4.0 litres, and Lucas fuel injection was also eventually used. A Salisbury rear axle was driven via a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, a typically Maserati drivetrain combination. A pure two-seater, the Mistral offered an excellent driving position and leather seats. Top speed approached 160 mph, with zero-to-60 coming up in just 6.2 seconds. In total, just 828 coupés and 125 open Spiders were built.

This particular Mistral left the factory in July 1967, delivered to its first owner Dr. A. Balbo of Florence. It was then exported to the United States in 1969 into the ownership of Mr. M. Stelhorn of Bishop, California, who retained it until 1997—nearly three decades of ownership. He sold the car that year to another American collector, a Mr. Shacklette of Baltimore, Maryland.

Whilst in Baltimore, the Mistral received a through re-commissioning and service by the noted specialists at Treasured Motorcars. Mr. Shacklette then used his refurbished Mistral extensively, including an appearance at the 2007 “Le Bella Macchine d’Italia,” which included an 800-mile tour around Italy. Its current owner acquired the Mistral in 2008, and several upgrades were made to enhance reliability. The car was also cosmetically refreshed with new Ivory paint and a re-trim in black, its factory-original colour scheme. This is an outstanding example of the later four-litre, fuel-injected Mistral.