One of only 454 Mistrals produced with the 4.0-litre engine
Comprehensive "nut & bolt" bare metal restoration completed July 2025
Full rebuild of all mechanical components undertaken
Fully rebuilt Lucas fuel injection system calibrated by specialists, Power Props of Holland
Matching numbers example with Maserati Classiche certification
Original factory specification with correct Azzuro Vinncenes paint and Connolly leather
The Appeal
The 1960s were undeniably a golden age for Casa del Tridente. In 1964, the company was offering one of its most impressive lineups ever, boasting a wide variety of cars for its performance-oriented customer base. For this model year alone, they were offering the Sebring, the 3500 GT, the 3500 GT Spyder, the Quattroporte...
But one car really ruled the roost. The Mistral. Named after a stiff wind that travelled on the Mediterranean coast - a name suggested by French Maserati importer Colonel John Simone - this impeccable beauty was penned by Pietro Frua, who created a highly evocative, long-nosed sports car with an airy cabin and a characterful front that shared a lot of character with Frua's Legendary.
For its time, this was one of the most innovative supercars on the market, with an under-bumper air intake, giving the car an exceptionally clean set of lines, an impressively cavernous tailgate and a square-section tubular chassis that kept it lightweight while carrying an upgraded engine.
Speaking of, of course, the core of the Mistral's appeal is undeniably what's under the bonnet. Powered by the now-legendary twin-spark, double overhead cam straight six engine - which carved through eight Grand Prix between 1954 and 1960 and the F1 World Championship in 1957 - it's a simply incredible piece of kit. Lucas Indirect Fuel Injection and hemispherical combustion chambers made this one of the most advanced blocks in Italy at the time, and if it wasn't for the world's thirst for bigger, more powerful engines, it's not inconceivable that this engine would still be under manufacture today. It's just that good.
Only 454 of the 4.0-litre Mistrals were built from introduction at the 1963 Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile di Torino - they're vanishingly rare, and easily amongst the finest Italian cars of their era, perhaps even amongst the finest Maseratis ever built. Performance, touring ability, comfort and tech: this was a beautifully styled car that had it all.
A good example of a Mistral commands plenty of attention - but a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restored example like this one is worthy of international attention. The vendor notes...
"Due to high costs and time needed, most classic car restorations are frequently partial or superficial. Unremoved rust hidden under layers of paint corrodes and destroys a car further. Neglected mechanics go bad sooner rather than later and damage parts that have already been restored. A partial restoration is a never-ending problem, expensive and frustrating in the long run.
"Suffer only once when spending your money, avoid multiple costs, breakdowns, and frustrations. All our cars were dismantled to a single “nut & bolt”; all components are verified, restored, or replaced, then assembled together to the original factory specification. The final result is a totally rebuilt, like brand-new car!"
Bodywork completely soda blasted, with corroded elements replaced and chassis measurements aligned
Finished in original Maserati Azzuro Vinncenes colour using PPG paints
Complete new chrome work throughout
All new rubber gaskets fitted
External and internal lights restored or replaced
Factory restored Borrani Disc wheels with period Pirelli tyres
Corrosion protection with active primers, PPG epoxy coats and final wax coat
Interior retrimmed with classic Connolly blue leather to original specification PAC 1545
Dashboard and roof lining retrimmed with correct period materials
New Wilton wool carpets to original specification
Bonnet and trunk insulation recreated to original patterns
Bringing a car like this one to concours order is no small task. The vendor notes that when the car arrived, it was very much complete but down on its luck, peppered in discolouration and spots of corrosion. It was still handsome - we do recommend looking through the pre-resto photographs - but badly needed some TLC.
The transformation since has been nothing short of incredible. Soda blasted, repaired and aligned, with a fresh coat of Maserati Azzuro Vinncenes, while the brightwork has been brought up to a fabulous, bright polish that contrasts nicely against the bodywork. Similarly, the distinctive Borrani wheels have been brought up to an excellent standard, and the underside has been left in fabulous order.
Everything underneath the car has been stripped, restored and repainted, with corrosion protection and a final wax coat, leaving it practically spotless. A truly exceptional car - perhaps the best example of a Mistral out there.
The original upholstery was looking rather tired upon arrival with the vendor, but that's well and truly in the past now. This Mistral's cabin is simply exceptional, with each base rebuilt, every seat reupholstered and every instrument perfectly refreshed. It's all in a fine Connolly Blue leather that matches the paintwork nicely and creates a highly evocative space for driver and passenger alike.
All of the Wilton wool carpets are brand new, cut and coloured to original factory spec, which also runs true for the bonnet and trunk insulation, headlining and the handsome, curvaceous dash pad.
The wood-trimmed elements - steering wheel and gearstick - are also polished up to a very high standard, and from what we understand, everything is working perfectly with no reported technical issues across the board.
Complete engine disassembly with cylinder liners bored to next over measure
New pistons with rings, replacement of all bearings and seals
New camshaft timing chains and tensioners
New valves, seats, springs and guides
Custom-made cylinder head gaskets
Transmission completely disassembled with new bearings, seals, gaskets and washers
Worn transmission parts, cogs and synchromesh supplied by ZF replaced
Lucas Injection system overhauled with new injectors and calibrated by specialist Power Props of Holland
New fuel pump and filter fitted
Fuel tank cleaned and resin-coated inside
Radiator and heater reconditioned
Complete new wiring harness installed
Contact breakers replaced with digital ignition
Suspension fully rebuilt with new poly bushes and spring leaf liners
New adjustable Spax shock absorbers
Steering gear reconditioned
Brake system completely overhauled with new piping, fittings and pads
Test driven for approximately 300 km since restoration completion
Opening the bonnet of this Mistral should bring a sense of reverence to any enthusiast. The six-cylinder engine stowed away there is the stuff of legend, and as you'll no doubt notice from the above, it's been pampered and brought up to true concours order. Everything is either fully restored or replaced to factory standard, and we understand that it's driving very well with no issues.
No stone, bolt or spark plug has been left unturned under here, and the vendor notes that the car is really closer to a brand-new Mistral in most respects. The engine bay is a simply exceptional bit of restoration work, and will no doubt garner plenty of admiration at your local car show when you open the bonnet.
This Mistral is, by all accounts, ready and raring to go - and we think it'll become the pride of your fleet the moment you first cast eyes on it.
The vendor adds: "Experts now know that concourse restoration costs typically exceed €250,000. This is well beyond the prices for partial restorations, which most cars usually undergo. We're of the opinion that this car is worth at least €300,000 - anything below €250,000 would be a bargain!"8 Restored.JPG5.09 MB
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