With this car Maserati started the tradition of naming its Gran Turismo cars after famous winds (the Ghibli, Bora, Khamsin, Karif, Shamal, and Levante would follow). The Mistral shared its mechanical base with the Sebring but, thanks to its 2-seater fastback body from Pietro Frua, had a much more modern appearance compared to the more traditionally styled 2+2 Sebring. A first prototype of the Mistral was presented at the Turin Motor Show in the autumn of 1963, but production did not start before 1964. The Mistral received model code AM109 and was tasked to replace the successful 3500GT/3500GTI model. Available with Maserati's race-bred straight-six engine in 3.5, 3.7 or 4.0-litre form, all cars were fitted with mechanical fuel injection from Lucas. The body was steel but the doors, bonnet and rear window frame were made from aluminium to reduce weight.
| Data sheet | Mistral 3.5 | Mistral 3.7 | Mistral 4.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model code | Tipo AM109.A1 | Tipo AM109.S1 | Tipo AM109.SA1 |
| Body type | 2-door, 2-seater fastback | 2-door, 2-seater fastback | 2-door, 2-seater fastback |
| Design | Frua | Frua | Frua |
| Production years | 1964 | 1964 - 1969 | 1965 - 1969 |
| Maserati era | Orsi family | Orsi family | Orsi family |
| Numbers produced | 3 | 387 | 454 |
| Chassis | Tubular steel or aluminium ladder-frame platform chassis | Tubular steel or aluminium ladder-frame platform chassis | Tubular steel or aluminium ladder-frame platform chassis |
| Dry weight | 1,430kg | 1,430kg | 1,430kg |
| Engine configuration | Straight 6, double overhead camshaft | Straight 6, double overhead camshaft | Straight 6, double overhead camshaft |
| Displacement | 3,485cc | 3,694cc | 4,014cc |
| Maximum power | 235hp @ 5,800rpm | 245hp @ 5,800rpm | 265hp @ 5,200rpm |
| Top speed | 255km/h | 255km/h | 255km/h |
