1967 Maserati Mistral 4000 Spyder

From its beginnings, Maserati’s road cars have been characterized by their thoroughbred engineering and contemporary styling. The Mistral Spyder is a particularly successful example of this approach to building sports cars, as it combines the competition-derived twin-plug DOHC straight six with a masterful Pietro Frua design, executed by Carrozzeria Maggiora of Turin. The successor to the popular 3500 GT, the Maserati Mistral was produced in relatively limited numbers, with 828 examples of the two-seater coupe built. Far more exclusive was the Spyder model, of which just 120 were built during the model’s eight-year run.

This Mistral 4000 Spyder was completed on March 17, 1967, finished in Bianco Polo Park (Polo Park White) over a red Connolly leather interior, according to a copy of the car’s factory order sheet on file. Additional factory options included a removable hardtop, ZF five-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, Borrani wire wheels, and air-conditioning.

This Spyder is believed to have been sold new through Maserati dealer Martinelli & Sonvico of Lugano, Switzerland, to noted Swiss-American architect Otto Kolb of Chiasso. Little is known about Mr. Kolb’s ownership, but by the late 1960s the Mistral Spyder was acquired by Swiss Maserati enthusiast and author Rob de la Rive Box. Mr. Box later featured the white Spyder in his 1984 book Illustrated Maserati Buyers Guide. A decal from Mr. Box’s ownership can still be found on the car’s windshield.

In the mid-1970s, Mr. Box sold the Spyder to British Maserati enthusiast Michael Miles, who drove the Mistral, along with his 5000 GT, extensively throughout England and Europe. The Spyder made its way to America circa 1978, when it was purchased by famed car dealer Bob Grossman of West Nyack, New York. A copy of a photo on file shows the white Spider with a hardtop and a metal “CH” badge at Grossman’s facility.

After briefly entering the ownership of Stephen Frair of Atlanta, the Spyder was acquired by Bill Lemasters of California who, upon purchasing the car, flew to Atlanta in October 1979, and drove the Mistral all the way back to California. It was during Mr. Lemaster’s ownership that the current black paint was applied. In August 1988, the Maserati was acquired by the noted car collector Ron Tonkin of Portland, Oregon. By this time, the interior had been retrimmed in tan leather. Mr. Tonkin and his family retained the Maserati as part of his impressive collection of Italian sports and grand touring cars – which included a Ferrari F50, Miura SV, and Ferrari Daytona Spyder – for the next 33 years.

The consignor, a lifelong Maserati enthusiast and owner of multiple Mistrals, acquired the car from Tonkin’s estate and entrusted Norbert Hofer of Gran Touring Classics in Long Beach, California, to recondition the car’s fuel and braking systems at a reported cost of $35,000.

At some point in the car’s history, its original engine, no. AM109.SA1.665, was replaced by another 4.0-liter engine, no. AM109.A1.1140, which is currently installed. The consignor located the car’s matching-numbers engine block in Germany, and it accompanies the sale. This Spyder retains important original details, including its factory-installed air-conditioning, removable hardtop, and original data tags.

The Mistral Spyder is certainly one of the most desirable open sports cars of the late 1960s. This nicely optioned four-liter example, in the hands of renowned collector Ron Tonkin for over half its existence, presents an exciting opportunity to be enjoyed as presented or subject to an exacting restoration in its factory colors, after which it would surely be a serious contender at top concours events worldwide.