This 1968 Maserati Mistral is a largely complete project that has been owned by its seller for 30 years and retains a 4.0-liter inline-six and 5-speed transmission. This car is number 600 of fewer than 830 coupes produced, and was originally purchased in Europe by an Iranian family who imported it to the USA and drove it rarely thereafter. It was acquired by the seller as an engine-out project from their mechanic in 1986, after which he reassembled the engine and drove it for approximately a year. Following front-end bodywork and new paint, the car was parked to begin interior work and electric window repair. Life, work, and a Ferrari proved distracting, and the car has followed the seller from shop to shop unfinished for the ensuing 25 years. Its sale includes a collection of spares and a clean Oregon title.
By 1968 the Mistral’s Frua-designed body was offered in either steel or the alloy panels on this example. A front-end accident resulted in replacement of the nose with a piece from a burnt donor car in 1990. The work was performed by Panelbeaters in Eugene, Oregon to a high standard, with the repair remaining undetectable and gaps even on the hood and door panels according to the seller. The otherwise original sheet metal appears largely straight aside from a dent in the left rear quarter due to a recent run-in with the seller’s race car.
After the repairs, the body was repainted in the dark blue seen here rather than its faded original light metallic blue. The car has reportedly spent less than two months in the sun in the 26 years since, and the finish still shines well despite a variety of minor marks, chips, and scratches from bumper fitting and long-term storage. Original Borrani knockoff wire wheels are serviceable but could use cosmetic attention and wear older, weather-checked tires.
Brightwork appears straight minus a dent in a corner of the rear bumper, and polishes nicely with some areas of light pitting and scratches as detailed in the gallery. Factory badging appears complete and presentable throughout, and an original rear European license plate remains mounted underneath the modern Oregon item. Crazing is pointed out in the left taillight, while other lenses look complete including teardrop front signals and grille-mounted aftermarket fog lights.
Interior items are alternately shabby and serviceable. Front bucket seats include tired original backrests and newer Naugahyde lower cushions, while the diminutive rear seats look nearly unused in comparison. The stitched dash is free from tears but shows a blemish up top along with a popped seam, and the passenger grab handle is covered in aging leather. A perforated headliner fits nicely and seems free of major wear, while both tired door panels are included but are not currently installed. The power window mechanisms are missing teeth at the lower reaches of window travel.
The stock wood wheel and shift knob are both in usable condition, and no switchgear appears to be missing. Factory instrumentation looks complete and relatively clear in photos, including an odometer that reads 34k kilometers (~21k miles) but is said to be inaccurate. The dash also retains faded factory metal trim and a period Blaupunkt tri-band radio. Edge cracking is visible on the plastic trim of the center console, which is covered in upholstery that is partially held on with non-stock screws.
Out back, wheel well covers have held up relatively well, though shrunken side panels will need attention. The rear cargo area retains a retractable luggage cover and carpet mat in serviceable condition. Underneath, the spare tire well shows flaking paint and superficial corrosion, but no apparent rot-through. A factory tool kit is retained along with a matching spare Borrani wheel with period Michelin rubber that appears unused.
The driveline is said to be original, including the twin-plug 4.0-liter inline-six and ZF 5-speed manual transmission. Original Lucas mechanical fuel injection was replaced with three Weber DCOE sidedraft carburetors by the previous owner. The engine features hemispherical combustion chambers, and was rated at 255 horsepower when factory fresh and running stock injection.
Aside from aftermarket heat shielding, the louvered engine bay looks otherwise stock and essentially complete. Original dual fuel tanks retain a rubber crossover hose that the seller recommends is one of the first things to be changed.
The double overhead-cam six was reportedly operational when the car was parked 25 years ago, but is not currently running. It turns freely as seen in the video above. The car is equipped with independent front suspension, a solid-axle rear, and disc brakes on all four wheels.
A recent blog post on the seller’s website details the history of his ownership and explains his reasons for selling the car. An original owner’s manual and parts catalog are included along with a collection of original parts and spares.