255 bhp, 3,694 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, five-speed ZF manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm
Maserati was building upon the success of the 3500 GT and Sebring when it commissioned Pietro Frua to design a new body to be placed upon an updated Tipo 109 chassis. The new two-seat coupé was named ‘Mistral’, after the strong winds blowing from the Mediterranean coast in the south of France.
This was to be Maserati’s last car powered by its famed Grand Prix–derived straight-six engine. Typical of Italian sports car construction at the time, the body was constructed in steel whilst the doors, bonnet, and boot lid were fashioned out of aluminium. When unveiled, it was considered by many to be one of Frua’s finest designs.
The Mistral was an instant success, and a steady flow of orders ensured that the car remained in production until 1970, with only slight updates and an increase in the engine’s displacement from 3.5 to 3.7 to, finally, 4.0 litres.
The car offered here was delivered in October 1965 to its first owner in Chiasso, on the Swiss/Italian border, with the desirable manual gearbox. Despite its commercial success, as with many Italian sports cars of the era, build numbers were small. In fact, this Mistral is one of just 383 coupés with the 3.7-litre engine, ensuring it is an uncommon sight both on the road and at classic events.
This Mistral is presented in very good condition and is a fine example of a model which was often overlooked by enthusiasts in the past, yet it boasts a loyal following from those who appreciate its level of sophistication and character.
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