MASERATI CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC

Back to Maserati cars

  

Mistral

 
 

 
 

   
 

   
 

   
 

In 1963, the 3500 was redesigned again, this time by Frua. Introduced as the Mistral Coupe and first shown at the 1963 Turin Auto Show, the Mistral utilised the 3.5 litre motor initially in 1963.

Following the presentation of the spyder at Geneva in 1964, the 3.5 litre motor was dropped and the 3.7 litre was adopted as standard.

Initially, a 2 seat coupe with a 2 seat spyder, was offered.  The 2+2 option was introduced in 1966 along with the 4.0 litre motor option.  The car was also offered with an automatic transmission.

The Mistral was a very handsome design, incorporating one of the industry's first fastback designs with a rear hatch that lifts up. That feature became extremely popular in the '70s and '80s.

The Mistral was produced in first and second series over a seven-year period, ending in 1970, and came equipped as follows:
   
  Mistral First Series Mistral Second Series
 
  • 3.5-litre DOHC six-cylinder engine
  • ZF S5-17 five-speed transmission
  • 16" Borrani wheels
  • No centre console
  • Crank-up windows
  • Jaeger instruments
  • Battery behind passenger seat
  • Large black plastic steering wheel
  • 3.7 and 4-litre engines
  • ZF S5-20 heavy-duty five-speed transmission
  • 15" Borrani wheels
  • Centre console with ash tray
  • Power windows
  • Air conditioning a common option
  • Smaller wood steering wheel
  • Smith instruments
  • Battery located in boot
  The Mistral is well balanced with excellent road manners. It's equipped with a superb in-line-six that Maserati has been perfecting since the days of the A6GCS. The fuel injection can be temperamental, however, if you long for simplicity, the injected engine can be easily converted back to the original Weber carburettor. A number of the coupes were equipped with alloy bodies that make them more collectible.
   

Specifications:
 

Production Period:

 1963 - 1970
 

Designed By:

 Frua
 

Body Built By:

 Maggiora
 

Number Built:

 828
 

Dry Weight:

 1300 kg
 

Top Speed:

 245 kph (3.7 litre)
255 kph (4.0 litre from 1966)
 

Engine Type:

 Front in-line 6 cylinder
 

Bore and Stroke:

 86x106 mm  (3.7 litre)
88x110 mm  (4.0 litre)
 

Displacement:

 3694.4 cc
4014.2 cc from 1966
 

Compression:

 8.8:1
 

Engine Output:

 245 bhp @ 5500 rpm (3.7 litre)
255 bhp @ 5500 rpm (4.0 litre from 1966)
 

Valves & Actuation:

 Two OHV per cylinder with dual overhead camshafts
 

Carburettion:

 Free induction Lucas indirect fuel injection
 

Ignition:

 Double by distributor
 

Lubrication:

 Forced with pressure pump
 

Drive:

 Rear wheel drive
 

Clutch:

 Dry single disc
 

Gearbox:

 5-speeds plus reverse
 

Frame:

 Tubular
 

Suspension - Front:

 Independent coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
 

Suspension - Rear:

 Rigid axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers
 

Brakes:

 Hydraulically operated power assisted four wheel discs
 

Wheelbase:

 2400 mm
 

Front & Rear Track:

 1390 mm front; 1340 mm rear
 

Wheels:

 Spoked, 6.50 x 15
 

Tyres:

Pirelli 205x15 front and rear