Lot details Registration No: ABW129E Chassis No: AM109A11396 Mot Expiry: July 2006
First seen at the 1963 Turin Motor Show as a prototype, the Mistral (or Tipo 109 in Maserati parlance) was styled by Pietro Frua. A radical departure from its somewhat conservative 3500GT / GTi / Sebring forebears, the lines engendered by its delicate boat-like prow and fastback rear (complete with wraparound windscreen) were fantastically a la mode. Following established Maserati practice, its chassis frame was equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a live rear axle, anti-roll bars and four-wheel disc brakes (though, the adoption of square section tubing and a shortened wheelbase contributed to its fine handling too). Entering production the following year, the Mistral Coupe was initially powered by a 3694cc dohc straight-six (a distant relative of the unit fitted to the illustrious 250F Grand Prix car) mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Already a seriously quick car, the arrival of a 4014cc engine option in 1966 brought yet more performance. Rated at 255bhp and 268lbft of torque, this potent powerplant reputedly yielded a top speed of 159mph. Only 298 4-litre coupes are thought to have been built by the time manufacture ceased in 1969.
Finished in Rosso Monza with tan leather upholstery this particular example is described by the vendor as being good with regard to its engine, manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and interior but excellent in terms of its chassis and electrical equipment. Though, he notes that the "chromework needs TLC". Ex California, it has been in his possession since 1990. Reportedly, the subject of an engine rebuild that year by Bob Dove, it was given a bare metal respray in 1991, had its seats rebuilt in 1997 and was fitted with a new exhaust in 2001. Offered for sale with history file (including works / parts copy manual and respray photos), it is hoped that this handsome left-hand drive Maserati will be driven to the sale.
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