Lot 036: 1967 Maserati Mistral

First seen at the 1963 Turin Motor Show as a prototype, the Mistral (or Tipo 109 in Maserati parlance) was styled by Pietro Frua. A radical departure from its somewhat conservative 3500GT / GTi / Sebring forebears, the lines engendered by its delicate boat-like prow and fastback rear (complete with wraparound windscreen) were fantastically a la mode. Following established Maserati practice, its chassis frame was equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle, anti-roll bars and four-wheel disc brakes (though, the adoption of square-section tubing and a shortened wheelbase contributed to its fine handling too). Entering production the following year, the Mistral Coupe was initially powered by a 3694cc DOHC straight-six (a distant relative of the unit fitted to the illustrious 250F Grand Prix car) mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Already a seriously quick car, the arrival of a 4014cc engine option in 1966 brought yet more performance. Rated at 255bhp and 268lbft of torque, this potent powerplant reputedly yielded a top speed of 159mph. Only 298 4-litre coupes are thought to have been built by the time manufacture ceased in 1969. Finished in silver with black leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to have had "much restoration work done over the past five years" with particular attention being paid to its "suspension, brakes and wheels", the same time period has also apparently seen 'PWP 239E' benefit from "a bodywork refurbishment and repaint". Rare and stylish in equal measure, this stunning Maserati is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until January 2009.