The choice power plant that propelled the Maserati brothers to victory since their presence was known in 1914 has predominantly been the Twin-Cam, Twin Plug, straight 6-cylinder engine. A combination of torque, balance, power and lightness, it was a durable engine that was predominately the basis for much of their success. This engine found its way into the Grand-Prix winning 250F as well as road cars alike, such as the A6 Series, and of course Maserati’s first mass-produced sports car, the 3500GT. Unfortunately the quintessential Maserati power plant was not immortal. By 1963 the demand for power was ever pressing amongst the exotic/supercar manufacturers and an all-new twin-cam V8 would replace the 6-cyldiner, first debuting in the Quattroporte. Thus the last car to carry the fabled 6-cylinder, twin cam, twin plug race bred power plant was the Maserati Mistral. Penned by Frua, clothed in aluminum, and designed, as a GT car to be rivaled by only the best the Mistral was the end of an era for Maserati but a true masterpiece in many ways.

The example on offer, chassis # AM109296IGM was recently discovered out of long-term ownership in Long Island, NY. It appears that time has taken its toll on the exterior finish of the car, but inside it remains well preserved and worth saving. Unfortunately, there is no detailed historical information known about the car at this time. The key fob on the car suggests a Rascal Imported Automobile Service Corp. of Glen Head, NY serviced the car from time-to-time. By 1979 the car was indeed off the road and put into long-term storage. Through our inspection it has been determined that it is indeed a numbers-matching example and was likely Silver with a Red interior, from new. This Mistral still carries correct Carello headlights as well as its original Borrani wire wheels. Additionally, the odometer states 20,941 KM, which is assumed to be 120,941 KM as there is no supporting documentation to prove otherwise.

Cosmetically, this car appears to have been painted twice. Once at the factory in a shade of silver and later it was painted black, over top of the silver. Otherwise the body is straight and appears to have never been hit beyond a minor issue on the nose, which appears to be a light bump, enough to slightly distort the metal. Otherwise the car has good gaps and fitment throughout and is an ideal candidate for restoration. The trim pieces, original chrome items etc… are all present but are all consistently weathered, but savable. The glass is all there and original but the windshield is obviously in need of replacement.

The interior is one of the more intriguing items about this Mistral. The interior is the original for certain and is in good enough of a condition that deems it worth saving. While the exterior and mechanicals will require restoration, the interior will be a highlight if preserved and presented as such. All of the cars knobs, pulls, chrome accents and trim pieces are present, as such this example is complete throughout and is 99% complete with nothing obvious missing. The photographs define the interior well and show-case the current condition.

The major issues these cars suffer from is corrosion where the chassis meets the body. The substructure of the body/chassis is steel and the body is aluminum, as a result electrolysis occurs and corrosion is often evident. This car will likely require some rust repair somewhere, but the usual locations appear to be solid overall. The trunk floor as some surface corrosion but is solid as is the chassis throughout. There is surface rust here and there but the forward corner of both floors appear to have the worst rust which is not totally through, but there is more rust there than anywhere. It should be noted as a possible concern.

The engine bay is much like the interior in that it is well preserved, complete, and offers a glimpse into previous care. Many of the clamps are the original and the entirety of the engine bay is complete with nothing missing. The intake plenum is with the car, but not currently attached. We have confirmed that the engine turns and is not seized. Therefore making a rebuild less costly, if needed.

Maserati Mistrals have been under-valued in the market place for some time. As values have risen across the board, the Mistral gives way to the very fact that it is the last genuine 6-cylinder Maserati to be produced and it is this fact that absolutely qualifies it as a worthwhile and investment-grade marque and model. This is a fantastic base for anyone who is ready to restore one to perfection. Excellent original colors, options, and complete for total refurbishment, this is an opportunity worth much consideration.