Sometimes things are done right, two models of the Maserati Mistral 3.7 are presented for sale at the same time with the 1964 Coupé version offered during the Goodwood Member's Meeting by Bonhams (next April 16th in Chichester, England) and the Spyder, produced in 1967, is on RM Sotheby's private sales. Perfect to dive into the history of this model which is not so common on the roads, especially with its 3.7 L engine.

1964 Maserati Mistral 3 7-Litre Coupé 02.jpg

⬆️ 1964 Maserati Mistral 3 7-Litre Coupé and ⬇️ 1966 Maserati Mistral 3 7 Spyder.

1966 Maserati Mistral 3 7 Spyder 01.jpg

History of Maserati Mistral 3.7

The Maserati Mistral was introduced in 1963 at the Turin Motor Show under the name Typo 109 to replace the 3500 GT. The two-seater was named after the strong Mediterranean wind that blows in the south of France, the Mistral. Why is that? I don't know, so if you have an idea, leave a comment 🙏. But this will start a tradition at Maserati to name their GT after exotic winds.

1964 Maserati Mistral 3 7-Litre Coupé 01.jpg

Coupé version with an estimated price between £ 80,000 and £ 120,000 during Goodwood Member's Meeting the 16 April.

The body's Coupe was penned by Pietro Frua, one of the best Italian coachbuilders in the 50's and 60's. We can recognize his style with the use of large glass surface. For the Spyder, it's another designer Giovanni Michelotti, very inspired by the original Coupe. Until 1970, only 828 coupes and 125 spyders were produced and in its 3.7 version, 383 coupes and 46 spyders. The numbers may seem small but it was a commercial success for Maserati.

I wanted to put the two models side by side to see the differences in coachwork but they're really subtle. It doesn't seem to have been necessary to modify the aerodynamics of the Spyder version. The front end looks identical to me with a "smiling car". Do I think it's smiling at me or is it just me 😀. The rear looks more "square" for the Spyder because on the Coupe the rear window rounds out the final contour of the car.

Specification

The Maserati Mistral was equipped with a 3.7-liter I6 engine, the same engine as the one used in the Maserati 250F, the famous 1957 F1 world champion race car driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. And this is the last time that the mythical 6-cylinder Maserati was used. The Mistral can produce 265 hp at 5,200 rpm and reach 100 kmh (0-60 mph to be exact) in 7 seconds with a top speed of about 225 kmh.

1964 Maserati Mistral 3 7-Litre Coupé 10.jpg

The 1964 Maserati Mistral 3.7-Liter Coupe is finished in blue over leather interior. You just want to sit behind that steering wheel, it looks so comfortable. For the 1966 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder, restored not long ago and finished in Oro Longchamps with a red leather interior. Not bad either 😀.

1966 Maserati Mistral 3 7 Spyder 11.jpg

Sale


	1964 Maserati Mistral Coupé	1966 Maserati Mistral Spyder
Where :	Bonhams Goodwood Member's Meeting	RM Sotheby's Private Sale
When :	16 April 2023	Private Sale
How much :	£ 80,000 ($US 104,000)	CHF 450,000 ($US 490,000)

If you don't look at the price difference, which model would you choose? With the good days coming in Québec, I would probably take the Spyder version especially since I don't like the "sick Smurf" color of the Coupe too much 😀