1968 | Maserati Mistral 3700 Spyder

Transmission: 5 gears, Manual gearbox
Empty weight: 1.350 kg
GVW: 1.350 kg
Top speed: 245 km/h

THE MASERATI MISTRAL
The Maserati Mistral was the last of the classic six-cylinder Maseratis, starting production in 1963 with a sleek design by Pietro Frua. This attractive two-seater was built on a shortened version of the square tube chassis used for the Sebring and 3500GT. Maserati offered both a Coupe and an open Spyder; the Coupe featured a rear hatch that opened, making it a surprisingly practical sports GT. Standard equipment included a five-speed gearbox and disc brakes, with options for an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential. The Mistral was equipped with three versions of its robust twin-cam six-cylinder engine, tracing its lineage back to the legendary 250F Formula 1 car. Most production Mistrals came with the 3.7-liter version, while options included a 3.5-liter or, from 1966, the ultimate 4.0-liter unit, all equipped with Lucas mechanical fuel injection and dual-plug ignition. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 827 Coupes and 124 Spiders had been built.

THE OFFERED CAR
Of the approximately 950 Maserati Mistrals produced, only 124 were delivered in open Spyder form. Like the Coupe, the Spyder was available with any of the three six-cylinder engines. According to respected marque historian Adolfo Orsi, the Spyder offered here left the factory equipped with a 3.7-liter inline-six paired with a manual five-speed gearbox. Originally finished in Rosso Cordova over beige Connolly leather and fitted with wire wheels, it was delivered to Umberto Nuvoli, believed to be a prominent radiologist from Rome. The car's history is unclear until around 2000, when it was sold at auction in Monaco, described as coming from an Austrian Maserati enthusiast. By that time, it had been restored and refinished in its current Italian Rosso Corsa, with beige leather upholstery.

In its current ownership, it was used during the 2014 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance and appears to have been well maintained in the years since. The restoration has aged gracefully, and the car seems ready for enjoyable drives. It retains its factory-fitted Lucas mechanical fuel injection, ensuring the original guttural character of the brilliant twin-cam, 12-plug inline-six remains intact. Reported by the owner to be a capable, dependable, and enjoyable machine, it is a rare vintage car that offers ample cabin space for taller drivers and a spacious trunk for items like golf clubs.

In traditional Maserati fashion, the Mistral 3700 is a comfortable and capable grand tourer, with race-bred engineering lurking beneath its gorgeous bodywork. Extremely rare and highly collectible, this example would make a welcome addition to any Maserati enthusiast's collection.