The Mistral, named after the cold northerly wind of southern France, was introduced by Maserati as the replacement for the successful 3500 GT. New styling, thanks to Giovanni Michelotti at Frua, was placed upon the updated and shortened Tipo 109 chassis, and the Mistral was first shown at the Turin Auto Show in November 1963. To many, it is considered one of Frua’s prettiest designs, and it has certainly retained its charm over 50 years after its premiere.

Over the course of the Mistral’s production, its inline-six was gradually enlarged in size, from 3.5 litres to 3.7 litres and then, finally, to a 4.0-litre model. Offering the most horsepower of the series, with 265 horsepower, the Mistral 4.0 Coupé could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, leading to a top speed of 255 km/h. Sadly, the Mistral would be the last Maserati model with an inline-six engine, ending a grand tradition that could trace its roots to Maserati’s grand prix racers. Just 868 of the 3.7- and 4.0-litre examples were produced by the time production concluded in 1970.

The Mistral offered here is the most sought-after version, with its 4.0-litre engine, aluminium body, and factory left-hand drive, and importantly, it still has its original fuel-injection system. It was supplied new in Caracas, Venezuela, to famous Italian racing driver Umberto Maglioli, who is legendary as a grand prix and sports car maestro for Maserati and Ferrari. He was also a three-time winner of the Targa Florio, as well as a winner of the Imola Grand Prix, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Carrera Panamericana, throughout his illustrious career. Maglioli’s ownership is documented by paperwork supplied by the Maserati factory, copies of which are on file.

According to the owner, the car subsequently spent many years in the United States before moving to Australia in the mid-1990s. In 2011, it was imported to the United Kingdom, where it currently resides. The owner notes that the car was originally finished in Argento Auteuil (silver) before being repainted in its present metallic blue hue. The interior is trimmed with dark red leather, which was installed in the 1990s, although it still retains its period Becker Mexico radio. Much recent mechanical work has been undertaken, with the gearbox being rebuilt by a renowned expert, the fuel injection reconditioned and properly set up, the brakes reconditioned, a new stainless steel exhaust installed, and Michelin X tyres fitted to its Borrani wire wheels. Whilst the body would benefit from some work and a refinish, as would the brightwork and wheels, the car remains remarkably sound throughout.

This Mistral, an ideal basis for restoration, benefits from documented ownership by a legendary driver, well-preserved originality, and the most desirable powerplant. Offered here is a truly rare opportunity to revive such an important Maserati.