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 Even now, many years after the company has withdrawn from any form of competition, past glories linger on.’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 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. This particular Mistral Spyder has the 4.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox, and thus represents this iconic model in its ultimate and most desirable form. The car underwent a major mechanical refurbishment eight years ago, when the engine and transmission were overhauled, and more recently has benefited from a bare metal repaint, new carpets and overhaul of the fuel injection system, the latter being done by recognised Lucas injection specialist, Harm Klijn (see invoice on file). In addition, the brakes, suspension and cooling system have been serviced. Finished in black with nicely patinated original beige leather interior, this most handsome soft-top Maserati is offered with cancelled State of Nevada title. Ce Spyder Maserati Mistral est équipé du moteur 4 litres et de la boîte de vitesses à cinq rapports, représentant ainsi la version ultime et la plus désirable de ce classique italien. La voiture a connu il y a huit ans une rénovation mécanique majeure, quand le moteur et la transmission ont été révisés. Plus récemment, elle a bénéficié d'une peinture sur carrosserie mise à nu, de moquettes neuves et d'une remise en état du système d'injection par Harm Klijn, spécialiste reconnu de l'injection Lucas (voir facture dans le dossier). Par ailleurs, les freins, la suspension et le système de refroidissement ont été révisés. De peinture noire avec une sellerie cuir beige d'origine, dotée d'une belle patine, ce splendide cabriolet Maserati est accompagné d'un certificat de circulation annulé du Nevada.