With the introduction of the Mistral, Maserati began its tradition of naming its Gran Turismo cars after famous winds. The Mistral's two-seater fastback body was designed by Pietro Frua and the first prototype was shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1963, though production did not start until 1964. The Mistral was powered by a race-bred inline-6 cylinder engine that came in 3.5-liter, 3.7-liter and 4.0-liter displacements and fitted with Lucas mechanical fuel injection. The body was steel with aluminum doors, hood and rear window frame.

Thanks to Carobu Engineering and the generous owner for letting me review this rare piece of Italian engineering and art.