Description
Named after the cold wind from the north of southern France, the Maserati Mistral was the first of many iconic models in Maserati's wind-inspired heritage - soon followed by the Ghibli, Bora, Khamsin, Karif, Shamal and Levante. The Mistral's design comes from the brilliant mind of Pietro Frua, a renowned car designer who, at the age of 22, was already Style Director at Stabilimenti Farina. With the Mistral, Frua had a clear vision: to create a car that would leave an indelible mark. Although it lacks the flowing lines typical of Frua, the Mistral is a perfect blend of understated elegance and restrained aggression. It doesn't scream for attention, but believe me, once you're behind the wheel, it speaks volumes. The Mistral was offered with two engine options: a 3. 7-litre in-line six-cylinder and a 4. 0-litre, delivering 245bhp and 265bhp respectively. Although it was a commercial success, production remained limited, making each one even more coveted today. What really sets the Mistral apart, however, is its engine - the last Maserati to feature the legendary six-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts and twin spark plugs. It's the same engine that propelled the Maserati 250F to eight Grand Prix victories between 1954 and 1960, including a Formula 1 World Championship win in 1957 with none other than Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel. With hemispherical combustion chambers and the innovative Lucas indirect fuel injection system, the Mistral represents a perfect balance between Maserati's racing heritage and forward-looking engineering. This beautiful Maserati Mistral rolled off the production line on 6 May 1964, equipped with the much sought-after 3. 7-litre engine and a five-speed ZF manual gearbox. With chassis number 044, this was one of the first Mistrals ever built. What makes this Mistral truly unique is its suspension configuration. Whereas later models were fitted with leaf springs, this early version features coil springs. In 1985, the car was registered by Mr Michel Leroy, residing at 44 Avenue Général de Gaulle in Mordelles. In 2016, it was purchased by a Belgian collector, who carried out a restoration and engine reassembly. Since then, the car has remained in the hands of Belgian owners. At the heart of the Mistral is a 3. 7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, recognised as the most powerful GT in the Maserati range for seven years. With an impressive 250 horsepower and 283 Nm of torque, this engine was well ahead of its time. Make no mistake, this car also handles exceptionally well, thanks to the prototype suspension it received. The exterior of this Mistral is painted in the fantastic colour "Oro Kelso" and of course the original "Borani" chrome wire wheels couldn't be missed to complete this wonderful car. Inside, the Maserati Mistral is a veritable time capsule. The black leather interior boasts a rich original patina that reinforces its classic appeal. The layout is pleasantly intuitive, with a delicate gear lever and slim steering wheel that feels perfectly balanced in your hands. Whether you're navigating tight bends at a lively rally or taking a leisurely stroll down the boulevard on a Sunday drive, this car has all the aspects a true collector seeks, but it can also capture the heart of a true driver. Discover this Maserati Mistral now at Rock 'N Roll Classics.
