Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Maserati Mistral 4.0 Coupe
s/n AM109A11502 engine no. AM109A11600
Red with Black Interior

With beautiful Frua coachwork and a fuel-injected twin-plug dual overhead cam inline-6 derived from Maserati’s 250F Formula 1 race car engine, the Mistral is a beautiful, technically interesting, and underappreciated classic. The Mistral was introduced in 1963 in 3.7 liter form, making it among the first fuel-injected production cars, and was equipped with a 5-speed ZF transmission and disc brakes all round. In 1966, the powerplant was upgraded to a 4.0 liter unit, creating what is now the most sought-after variant of the car.

This particular car is a 4.0 liter example that has been in California for 8 years, having been purchased from a Maserati specialist in Ontario, Canada in 2005. The car has been consistently maintained with much mechanical and cosmetic work including complete engine rebuild 15,000km ago, rebuilt starter, rebuilt differential with limited slip, new axles, new shocks, new clutch, redone brakes, new exhaust system, and rebuilt brake and clutch hydraulic systems, new carpets with insignias, redone leather. The car had a major tune up less than 100 miles ago.

The car has a nice driver level restoration and makes a strong visual impression. The body is excellent, with even, consistent gaps and straight panels. The paintwork was done to good standards and remains very presentable overall, with a few chips and stress cracks in evidence. The chrome varies from good to excellent, with some pitting on the window frames and right door handle. The chrome on the bumpers is excellent overall. The wheels are beautiful Borranis in lovely overall condition, with minimal deterioration of the finish on a couple spokes. The lights and glass are excellent.

The interior is very nice. The leather was renewed in the past and is mellowing nicely while the dashboard is unrestored and is excellent considering this. The instruments are handsome and in good cosmetic shape. All appear to work correctly. The wood rimmed steering wheel is in good shape, although there are small hairline cracks in the varnish. The switches and controls are in very good condition throughout. The carpets are excellent having been recently replaced. The correct rubber heel pads with Maserati insignias are present and excellent. The leather in the load space was also renewed and is excellent, and the hatch back provides great access to the generously-sized luggage compartment.

The engine compartment is correct throughout and the engine itself is nicely detailed. The firewall and inner fenders appear unrestored but are intact and solid. The engine was refinished externally when it was rebuilt and is attractively and correctly finished with black wrinkle paint on the head and valve covers. The Lucas fuel injection system is impressive to behold and has been recently serviced.

The car runs and drives well. The Lucas injection works as designed and the motor is strong with even compression on all six cylinders. The ZF gearbox shifts very well, with excellent syncromesh even when cold. The brakes are effective and the suspension and chassis are quiet and confidence-inspiring.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an interesting, rare, and attractive classic Italian sports car. Undervalued for many years, classic Maseratis are starting to appreciate, and the Mistral is a fine way to experience a world-class classic Italian sports car with a racing-derived motor, coachbuilt Italian bodywork (often considered Frua’s best work), and genuine rarity with about 800 examples produced. They continue to be undervalued, particularly compared to contemporary Ferraris such as the 330 GTC, examples of which are now trading for well over $500,000. This particular Mistral has been sympathetically maintained and is complete with matching Borrani spare wheel, copy of the owner’s manual, service records, and tool roll with tools.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608