Professional Spyder conversion by renowned specialist Eddie Noone of Vale Cottage Motors
Extensive 154-page history file with photographic documentation of the conversion and ongoing maintenance
Single ownership for over 30 years prior to the current vendor
Several documented engine rebuilds and thorough maintenance throughout
The Appeal
Named at the suggestion of France's Maserati importer Colonel Simone, the Mistral takes its name from the fierce Provençal north-westerly wind. There's lots to celebrate in the Mistral. This was the last of the classic straight-six Maseratis, retaining a derivative of the sports-racing 250F's renowned Tipo 109 engine, which earned Maserati eight Grand Prix victories and a world championship. The Pietro Frua-styled car was a sumptuous looker too, quickly attracting admiring glances when it was introduced at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, and remained in production until 1970.
Replacing the 3500 GT, it was bodied by Maggiora of Turin and offered in both coupé and spyder forms, with a five-speed ZF gearbox and disc brakes as standard. Only 120 open-top cars were built, and of those, just 37 left the factory with the potent 4.0-litre engine. It's the most desirable specification out there, and while this car wasn't a Spyder from the factory, it's every bit worthy of the title.
Chassis #1776 was supplied new as a left-hand-drive 4.0-litre coupé for the American market. In 1988, it was purchased from a Florida-based dealer and imported to the UK, where it was entrusted to Eddie Noone of Vale Cottage Motors - widely regarded as the foremost specialist in Mistral and Ghibli open-top conversions - for a comprehensive transformation to Spyder spec. The conversion was carried out over 18 months, and the work is extensively documented with photographs in the car's 154-page history file.
Finished in dark blue over tan leather with a matching dark blue soft top, this handsome car covered just 33,000 kilometres from new, and has formed part of a discerning enthusiast's collection for over three decades. The vendor tells us that it drives as beautifully as it looks, which we'd translate to: it's going to be a very rewarding driver. image.png1.25 MB
History and Paperwork
Originally supplied new as a left-hand-drive 4.0-litre Coupé to the American market
Imported from the USA to the UK in 1988
Converted to Spyder specification by Eddie Noone of Vale Cottage Motors over an 18-month period prior to UK registration
In single ownership from 1988 until approximately 2024
Current vendor acquired the car approximately two years ago
154-page history file documenting the Spyder conversion, engine rebuilds, and routine maintenance
Faint copy of a previous New York title present in the file
Finished in dark blue with a matching dark blue soft top
Professionally converted to a high standard
Impressive Composite Alloy wheels
Tan leather interior
Wood-trimmed steering wheel and Maserati floor mats
Sleek, curvaceous and oh-so-Italian, it's little wonder the Mistral has gained a reputation for glamour and sophistication. Agreeable and sonorous, these are sports cars that sit amongst the upper echelons, and continue to be clamoured for. The Spyder is arguably the most handsome of them all, and we can't say we're surprised that this one was converted into the spec.
Professionally converted by Eddie Noone of Vale Cottage Motors, it's a convincing job, and makes for a very, very attractive classic. It's clearly been well-kept, too, with an attractive dark blue livery, matching dark blue soft top and nicely contrasting brightwork. Inside, the tan leather carries an evocative patina with a wood-trimmed steering wheel rounding out the handsome setup.
4.0-litre straight-6 engine producing 265 hp, derived from the Tipo 109 unit
5-speed ZF manual gearbox
Disc brakes
Several engine rebuilds documented in the history file
Extensive routine maintenance recorded throughout the car's life
Popping open the bonnet reveals the much-loved 4.0-litre straight-six, the engine that became a Grand Prix legend between 1954 and 1960. This twin-spark, double-overhead-cam engine is a real work of art and remains highly prized. Judging from the impressive condition of the engine bay and the highly extensive history file, we expect this example has been very well cared for.
The vendor reports that the car drives very well indeed, and that block will offer plenty of performance. This is a classic that ticks every box.
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