1966 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder

What is it? It’s the ultra-rare open version of the Mistral, the final Maserati Gran Turismo to be powered by the marque’s enduring twin-spark six-cylinder engine and the first to be christened after a famous wind. Pietro Frua’s contemporary coupé design was given to a young Giovanni Michelotti to be ‘enhanced’ in convertible form. The resulting Spyder, coach-built by Maggiora of Turin, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1964 – just a few months after its closed counterpart. A mere 124 examples were built over the course of six years, fitted with either 3.5-litre, 3.7-litre or 4.0-litre fuel-injected engines. Distinguishing itself with a mix of genuinely sporty driving characteristics and excellent Grand Touring credentials, the Mistral Spyder is a wonderfully versatile and undisputedly elegant classic car for the discerning collector. Can you tell us about the history of this particular Maserati Mistral Spyder? One of just 20 Mistral Spyders ordered in right-hand-drive configuration, chassis number 067 is a 3.7-litre model fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, Borrani wire wheels and the incredibly rare optional factory hardtop. The car – originally finished in Rosso Arcoveggio over a magnolia hide interior – was delivered new to one Elias George Hourly, a banker based in London, and registered with the number ‘HUJ 310D’. In the decades since, chassis number 067 has passed through the hands of a number of custodians and has remained in the United Kingdom. This Maserati tells a story of diligent and no-expense-spared care and maintenance, as evidenced by the generous history file which comprises tens of invoices dating back to the 1980s and even the original green UK V5 document. The documentation also confirms the 88,630 miles currently showing on the odometer to be correct. The aforementioned invoices and accompanying photos also document a major bodywork restoration carried out by Vale Cottage Motors in 2012. Marque specialist Bill McGrath Maserati has, in recent years, been entrusted with servicing this Mistral. Unsurprisingly, the Spyder, which is now finished in an elegant shade of grey with a beautifully trimmed contrasting tan leather interior, presents exquisitely. What’s the Mistral Spyder like to drive? As referenced above, the Mistral boasts an impressive breadth of ability. Its tubular chassis is both shorter and stiffer than that of the preceding 3500GT, its disc brakes are powerful and the 3.7-litre straight-six engine, in this case fed by three beautiful and more reliable double-barrel Weber carburetors, oozes torque. On a twisting B-road, you’re never left wanting for power and the handling is surprisingly dynamic. Yet thanks to its five-speed gearbox, large twin fuel tanks and spacious boot, the Mistral is every bit as suited to effortlessly traversing continents, mile after mile, hour after hour. Sell it to me in a sentence… For today’s discerning collectors, this Maserati Mistral Spyder is appealing for a number of compelling reasons: it’s elegant, remarkably versatile, rare as hens’ teeth, and hails from an exciting turning point in the Trident Marque’s fabled history – not to mention it’s been cherished and enjoyed for its entire life.