Beschreibung:

‘We do not suppose there are many cars whose names conjure up an aura of exotic glamour to the same extent as that of Maserati. Even now, many years after the company has withdrawn from any form of competition, past glories linger on.’ - Sporting Motorist. Maserati’s survival strategy for the 1960s centred on establishing the company - which hitherto had mainly concentrated on its Grand Prix and sports car racing activities - as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque’s new era began in 1957 with the launch at the Geneva Salon of the Touring-bodied 3500GT. A luxury ‘2+2’, the 3500GT drew heavily on Maserati’s competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sportscar unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by means of wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The 3500GT’s designer was none other than Giulio Alfieri, creator of the immortal Tipo 60/61 ‘Birdcage’ sports-racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F and developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500GT was progressively updated, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking. Last of these classic six-cylinder Maseratis, the Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The 3.7-litre version of the Bolognese manufacturer’s long-stroke engine was fitted to most cars, other options being the 3.5-litre or, from 1966, the 4.0-litre unit. A handsome two-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the Mistral was built in coupé and spyder versions, the former’s opening rear window hatch making it an unusually practical car. A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential the options. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 828 coupés and 120 spyders had been built. Manufactured on 1st January 1966, this rare Mistral Spyder was supplied new to Agence Maserati in Saint-Cloud, the French importer, and has the 3.7-litre engine breathing via triple Weber carburettors. Chassis number ‘AM109S605’ was delivered finished in blue metallic with matching full Connolly leather interior, dashboard included, and with the convertible hood trimmed in a special fabric to personal order of the original lady owner, Mme Muriel Yvonne Joly (see accompanying Maserati factory build details and correspondence). An expired French Carte Grise on file records that Mme Joly remained the car’s owner as late as February 2002. Sold in May 2003, the Maserati is understood to have had only three owners from new. Restored in Holland where it is currently registered, the Mistral retains its beautiful original interior and colour scheme, and is described as in good condition in every respect and running well, having been serviced earlier this year. Offered with the aforementioned documentation, tool kit, Netherlands registration papers and valid roadworthiness certificate, this pretty Mistral represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of Maserati’s most stylish and sought after soft-top models.