Maserati Mistral Spyder (1963-70)
Production Total: The Maserati Mistral had a total production of **953 units**. This included **828 coupés** and 125 Spyders.
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Price New: The Maserati Mistral was priced at around **£5,000** in the UK when it was first introduced in 1963. This was quite a significant amount at the time, reflecting its status as a luxury sports car.
£5,000 in 1963 is equivalent to approximately **£58,000** today.
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Rivals: In 1963, the main rivals of the Maserati Mistral Spyder in the UK were the **AC 428** and the **Ferrari 250 GT**.
- **AC 428**: The cost of a new AC 428 in 1963 was around **£2,500**.
- **Ferrari 250 GT**: The cost of a new Ferrari 250 GT in 1963 was approximately **£3,000**.
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Recorded in UK 2025
The exact number of Maserati Mistrals currently registered in the UK isn't readily available. However, classic car registries and enthusiasts' clubs often keep track of these rare vehicles.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1963, the road tax for a Maserati Mistral Spyder in the UK would have been based on its engine size and horsepower. Given that the Maserati Mistral had an engine capacity of around 3.5 liters, the road tax would have been approximately **£10 per year**.
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Petrol:
In 1963, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **57 pence per gallon**. This translates to about **12.5 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: While exact historical data on insurance premiums for specific vehicles like the Maserati Mistral Spyder is scarce, we can estimate based on available information:
In 1963, annual insurance premiums for average vehicles ranged between £15 and £25.
High-performance or luxury vehicles often incurred premiums two to three times higher than standard vehicles due to their increased risk profile.
Given these considerations, it is reasonable to estimate that insuring a Maserati Mistral Spyder in 1963 would have cost approximately £50–£75 annually. This figure reflects its status as a rare, high-performance sports car with significant value and desirability.
£75 in 1963 is equivalent to £2,007.05 in 2025 terms based on purchasing power adjusted for inflation.
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1963/COST OF LIVING
In 1963, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£800**.
In 1963, £800 is equivalent to approximately **£17,430** in today's currency.
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In 1963, the average cost of a house in the UK was approximately **£2,500**.
In 1963, £2,500 is equivalent to approximately **£54,000** in today's currency.
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In 1963, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£675**.
In 1963, £675 is equivalent to approximately **£14,700** in today's currency.
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In 1963, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **5 pence**.
In 1963, 5 pence is equivalent to approximately **£1.07** in today's currency.
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In 1963, the average bus fare per mile in the UK was around **3 pence**.
3 pence in 1963 is equivalent to approximately **£0.55** today.
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In 1963, the average taxi cab fare per mile in the UK was around **3 pence**.
3 pence in 1963 is equivalent to approximately **£0.55** today.
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In 1963, there were approximately **10 million vehicles** on UK roads.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles
Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
COMMON FAULTS
The Maserati Mistral, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are some issues that owners have reported:
1. **Electrical Problems**: The Mistral is known for having electrical issues, which can be challenging to diagnose and fix due to the car's age and the complexity of its wiring.
2. **Rust**: Rust is a common problem in older cars, and the Mistral is no exception. Pay special attention to the chassis and body panels.
3. **Engine Issues**: The inline-six engine, while powerful, can suffer from wear and tear over time. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running smoothly.
4. **Transmission Problems**: Some owners have reported issues with the manual transmission, including difficulty shifting gears and transmission noise.
5. **Cooling System**: The cooling system can be prone to leaks and overheating, especially in older models that haven't been well-maintained.
If you're considering purchasing a Maserati Mistral, it's essential to have a thorough inspection done by a specialist who is familiar with classic Maserati's. This can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
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Engines
The Maserati Mistral came with three different inline-six engines:
1. **3.5 L (3485 cc)**: This engine produced around 235 bhp (175 kW) at 5500 rpm.
2. **3.7 L (3692 cc)**: This engine produced around 245 bhp (183 kW) at 5500 rpm.
3. **4.0 L (4014 cc)**: This engine produced around 265 bhp (198 kW) at 5200 rpm.
These engines were known for their performance and reliability, making the Mistral a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Maserati Mistral offers impressive performance for a classic car. Here are some key performance specifications:
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 235 km/h (146 mph).
- **Acceleration (0-60 mph)**: Around 8.3 seconds.
- **Engine Power**: The 4.0 L engine produces about 265 bhp (198 kW) at 5200 rpm.
- **Torque**: 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm.
These figures made the Mistral a formidable sports car in its time and still make it a desirable classic today.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Maserati Mistral was designed by the renowned Italian car designer **Pietro Frua**. Frua was one of the most prominent car designers in Italy during the 1960s, and his work on the Mistral is considered one of his masterpieces. The bodywork for the Mistral was crafted by Maggiora of Turin.
The Maserati Mistral had the following dimensions:
- **Wheelbase**: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
- **Length**: 4,500 mm (177.2 in)
- **Width**: 1,675 mm (65.9 in)
- **Height**: 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
- **Kerb Weight**: 1,430 kg (3,153 lb) (dry)
It's a beautifully proportioned classic car with a sleek and elegant design.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For locating spare parts for the Maserati Mistral in the UK and Ireland, you can check out the following sources:
1. [Eurospares](https://www.eurospares.co.uk/Maserati/Mistral): They offer a wide range of genuine and OEM parts for the Maserati Mistral.
2. [McGrath Maserati](https://parts.mcgrathmaserati.co.uk/category-mistral): They provide new and used parts for various Maserati models, including the Mistral.
As for garage services in Northern Ireland, there are several options available:
1. [ClickMechanic](https://www.clickmechanic.com/locations/northern-ireland/maserati): They have a network of vetted and qualified mechanics who can service Maserati vehicles in Northern Ireland. You can get an instant quote and book a service online.
2. [Approved Garages](https://www.approvedgarages.co.uk/mot-servicing-and-repairs/car-brands/maserati/): They offer a network of garages that specialize in Maserati repairs, including servicing, MOTs, and diagnostics.
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Racing
The Maserati Mistral itself did not have a significant racing history. However, it was powered by the same inline-six engine that was used in the Maserati 250F Grand Prix cars, which had a successful racing career. The 250F won eight Grand Prix races between 1954 and 1960 and helped Juan Manuel Fangio secure the Formula One World Championship in 1957.
The Mistral was more of a grand tourer designed for luxury and performance on the road rather than the racetrack. Its design and engineering were influenced by Maserati's racing heritage, but it was not a dedicated racing car.
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Valuation
The value of a Maserati Mistral Spyder in the UK can vary depending on its condition, history, and originality. Recent listings show prices ranging from **£130,000 to £200,000**. Exceptional examples with well-documented histories and in pristine condition can fetch even higher prices.
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Clubs
Maserati owners clubs in Northern Ireland, you can join the **Maserati Club UK**, which organizes events, rallies, and social gatherings for Maserati enthusiasts. They offer a packed calendar of activities and a thriving online community.
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