1967 | Maserati Mistral 4000 Spyder

1967 Maserati Mistral 4.0 Liter Spider Coachwork by Pietro Frua Chassis no. 109SA1679

• Rare Open Maserati; One of Only 120 Mistral Spiders Built
• One of 37 Examples Equipped with the Ultimate 4-Liter Engine
• Aluminium coachwork & five-speed ZF manual gearbox
• Offered from long-term private ownership

**History of Maserati Mistral **

Maserati's survival strategy for the 1960s focused on establishing the company - which had previously been primarily focused on its Grand Prix and sports car racing endeavors - as a manufacturer of road cars. The new era for the Modena-based marque began in 1957 with the introduction of the Touring-bodied 3500 GT at the Geneva Salon. A luxurious aluminum '2+2', the 3500 GT drew heavily from Maserati's racing experience and utilized a tubular frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car of 1956. The suspension featured independent front with wishbones and coil springs, while at the rear, a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement was present. The DOHC inline-six engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F, initially developing around 220 horsepower, with later examples equipped with Lucas mechanical fuel injection producing 235 horsepower. Initially fitted with drum brakes and a four-speed gearbox, the 3500 GT was gradually updated to receive five gears, front disc brakes, and ultimately a full disc brake system.

The next development of this theme came in 1962. Built on the short chassis of the Vignale-bodied 3500 GT Spyder, the Sebring coupe featured a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, and fuel injection as standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential as options.

Sportier in character than the Sebring, production of the last of these classic Maseratis with a six-cylinder engine, the Mistral designed by Pietro Frua, began in 1964. The 3.7-liter version of the famous long-lived Tipo 109 engine was fitted in most cars, other options being the 3.5-liter or, from 1966, the 4.0-liter engine, all with Lucas fuel injection. An attractive two-seater on a shortened, square-section tubular frame, the aluminum-skinned Mistral was built as a coupe and spyder, the former's hatchback unusually practical for a sports car model. A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, and fuel injection were standard; automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential were the options. Equipped with the 4.0-liter engine, the Mistral Spyder offered impressive performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just over six seconds and a top speed of over 240 km/h. Production ended in 1970, by which time a total of 828 coupes and 120 spyders had been built, with only 37 produced to the ultimate 4.0-liter specification.

Our Maserati 4.0 Liter offered

The Maserati we are offering is one of only 37 produced Spyders with a 4.0-liter engine. It was commissioned on 27.04.1967 by the Maserati importer ABC MOTORS INC from Washington and was scheduled to be delivered by the end of May or early June 1967. The Spyder was ordered in "Rosso Rubino" with a "pelle nera" Connolly leather interior, along with safety belts, a hardtop, and a grab handle on the dashboard. Prior to delivery, the Maserati underwent a road test by a Maserati mechanic, during which all installed components and values were noted. This document, along with the original order and delivery documents, are included with the vehicle.

Finally, the Maserati was shipped to America on 07.06.1967. To this day, the ultimate recipient of the vehicle remains unknown. The Maserati Spider was likely imported to Germany in the early 90s. In 1994, the car underwent extensive restoration in Italy until the late 90s. For this restoration, an elegant dark gray with a red leather interior was chosen. The complete "nut-and-bolt" restoration was carried out by the renowned Maserati specialist Franco Tralli from Bomporto, Modena, Italy.

The Maserati Spider was completed in 2001 and has been regularly maintained since. Due to frequent issues with the Lucas fuel injection system, Dralli opted for the classic Weber carburetors, also used in the Mistral. The original injection system is still present and can be reinstalled at any time. The vehicle is ready for immediate use and is extremely well-documented with invoices and restoration photos. The color combination is very elegant and immediately catches the eye. The roof, located behind the leather seat, is in black. It is the perfect vehicle for the upcoming summer and is ready for immediate use.