'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 Even now, many years after the company has withdrawn from any form of competition, past glories linger on.’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 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 wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. Power output of the gorgeous twin-cam six was around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp.
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 827 coupés and 123 spyders had been built.
We are advised that this 3.7-litre Mistral Spyder was delivered new in Italy on the 12th February 1969 and first owned by one Hami Hamouda. By 1978 the car was in the ownership of Mr Farag Owad Bessituni and, reputedly, was later sold to the King of Morocco. The car, which has appeared on the front cover of Ruoteclassiche magazine (July 2004 issue), is offered for sale following the recent death of its owner, whose name appears in the accompanying Automotoclub Storico Italiano registration papers issued in September 1997. Finished in silver with black leather interior, the car is presented in superb condition and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of Maserati’s most stylish soft-tops.