1967 Maserati Mistral 4.0L: The Final Roar of the Inline-Six

Maserati’s evolution from race-bred thoroughbred to luxury GT builder was a subtle yet pivotal shift. In the early Sixties, the Modena firm, with a rich Grand Prix heritage, began crafting exclusive touring cars for a discerning clientele. The Mistral, named after the powerful Mediterranean wind, was a key player in this transition, blending competition DNA with everyday elegance.

The 4.0-liter version, introduced later in the Mistral’s life, represented the pinnacle of the model’s inline-six engine. This engine, a direct descendant of the legendary 350S race unit, delivered a thrilling blend of smoothness and power. The 1967 model, with its larger displacement, offered a more urgent performance, making it a true driver’s car rather than just a stylish coupe.

Today, the Mistral 4.0L stands as a symbol of an era coming to an end. It was the last Maserati to use a straight-six engine, as the company soon moved to V8s for its grand tourers. With its elegant body by Frua and its raw mechanical character, this car is a prized collector’s item, embodying a moment when Maserati was still a small, race-minded manufacturer in transition.