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Simply labelled “2 Posti” (or even “Berlina 2 Posti” as Road & Track still stated in 1964), it took the Mistral name following the suggestion of the French Maserati importer Colonel John Simone. Mistral is the name of a French wind blowing from the Mediterranean coast, and from this point onwards Maserati two-seater sports cars would be named after winds. 2+2 coupés would take the names of race tracks, the Sebring started this trend earlier that year.

The 1964 Maserati range was the most comprehensive yet, with the Mistral and Quattroporte joining the Sebring, 3500 GT and 3500 GT Spyder. The Mistral’s styling was an enormous success courtesy of Pietro Frua of Turin. The car was exceptionally innovative, with its air intake mounted underneath the front bumper, thus abandoning the traditional grille. Its high tail featured another interesting first: the tailgate. Large windows made the cabin very airy. Bodies were manufactured by Maggiora in Turin and finished at Officine Padane in Modena. The majority of Mistrals were constructed in alloy, but from 1967 thy were replaced with a steel construction, with just the bonnet and doors remaining in alloy. The chassis – made of square-section tubes – was new, with a wheelbase of just 2.4 metres, 10 cm shorter than the Sebring and the Vignale Spyder.

The engine was increased to 3.7 litres, the same unit that would later be fitted to the Sebring, whilst the Mistral Spyder would initially be fitted with the 3.5 version, deemed sufficient for drop-top motoring. According to the original brochure, “twin ignition and indirect fuel injection offered exceptional power, smoothness and economy”. All Mistrals were fitted with disc brakes, whilst air conditioning, the 3-speed automatic transmission and a radio were optional.

Story by Maserati S.p.A.

Chassis & Sales

1967 Maserati Mistral Coupé - sold for €71,456 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-commissi... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

1968 Maserati Mistral 4000 - sold for €50,037 The owner of the Mistral that we offer has had this car since 1987. It was acquired from a lady living in Marseille, who had bought the car from a friend who had owned the car since 1976. This one is the more desirable 4.0-litre version. The car has undergone regular maintenance and restoration, including the overhauling of the Lucas injection system (pump and injectors), the installation of a stainless steel exhaust (invoice included), the ov... more
Gallery: 2012 Artcurial Motorcars à Rétromobile

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