Though the early history of this car is not currently known, this Maserati Mistral is known to have been titled and registered in Utah in 1981, signed off to the next owner in 1982, and subsequently delivered to a body and paint shop to be refinished in red. By the 1990s this Maserati had languished as unfinished project in long term storage at the auto repair establishment. Eventually the car was sold to Fantasy Junction who obtained parts to bring it to running order and offered it for sale. The current owner purchased this car in 1995 from Fantasy Junction. After his purchase, he began acquiring components and unique Mistral trim parts to begin restoration while concurrently engaging Epifani Restorations to refine the mechanicals. The owner, having restored other Italian cars with Epifani, was familiar with the process as work spanned 2000-2010 recording progress on the numerous invoices supplied by the Epifani team and included with this car. During this period, the owner held a clean California title while maintained annual license and registration with CA plate 3MNN921 spanning 1995-2013. Throughout this period the car was titled, licensed, and registered as AM109056, with the same number also referenced on the Epifani Restorations invoices. 

 In 2014, the current owner recounts that he did not receive his annual CA registration card and thus inquired with the DMV regarding the delay. The CA DMV notified the current owner that his car had been sold in 2012. Explaining that the car was still in his possession and much of a now costly restoration was nearing completion, the DMV assigned an inspector to research the situation. During the investigation, the inspector revealed that another car had been recorded with the DMV as VIN #AM109056. Upon examination of this car, the inspector was unable to locate a confirming VIN stamp on the car in order to conclusively indicate it was AM109056. There had been no reports of theft, no insurance claims with the number, and no irregularities associated with the VIN, so the investigation continued. Referencing the Maserati engine number, the engine number was subsequently correlated and confirmed to have been built at the factory as AM109054. The inspector authorized an original stamped VIN plate, verified the proper installation of the plate and submitted the car for title and registration as AM109054 in 2014. This title and registration have since been retained under the same ownership for the past eleven years. Today this Maserati, the VIN AM109054, DMV authorized VIN plate, the matching engine with factory number, and the CA title remain consistent with Maserati records now documented and verified by the CA DMV. During the period spanning 2000-2011 Epifani restorations performed extensive work on this car including engine work, machining, electrical wiring and switch repair work, brake booster, servo, clutch system work including new slave and master cylinders, new axle hubs and bearings with new brackets and fittings, new front and rear brake calipers, new brake lines, new emergency brake components, fuel system refurbishment including new fuel lines, fuel pump and regulator, electrical window motor rebuild, new wiring, new radiator hoses, new breather tubes, new coil wires, new distributor rotor, new spark plug wires and plugs, seat belts installed, dash removed for wiring repairs and gauge services, to name just a few of the many detailed items serviced, repaired, or replaced on this car. Epifani Restorations receipts total more than $50k not including the cost of specialized parts procured by the owner. Condition Overview Today, this Maserati presents as a handsome example ideal for further restoration or to enjoy as is. An excellent candidate for local shows and tours, the finishes and mechanical performance are appropriate for enthusiasts who enjoy driving and taking on various mechanical tasks as needed or gradually improving cosmetics to suit their tastes. Finished in vivid red, the paint is glossy and smooth though shows signs of age consistent with application in the 1990s. There are several small circular “fisheyes” in the paint (approx. 1/6” diameter) on the front surfaces which are visible when viewed closely. The panel fit and closures are generally very good, including the doors which open and close properly, though the rear hatch opens and latches, but the panel gaps are not symmetrical. Unlike many Mistrals, the front and rear bumpers are in excellent condition and fit properly to the front and rear of the car. The glass is in excellent condition as are the delicate chrome trim window surrounds, door handles, rocker trim, and amber side marker lights. The car sits on beautifully polished Borrani wire wheels with triple-ear knockoffs wearing a set of 205/70 VR15 Michelin tires. The dramatically sloped rear glass hatchback is a unique design feature to this model, accented by characteristically Frua side glass and sweeping body lines. 

 The interior was sensitively restored some years ago and remains well balanced including a very nicely maintained dashboard, longitudinally pleated headliner, carpeted rear storage area, and matching floor carpeting. The leather seats are comfortable with just the right give to the seat bolstering indicating gentle use over the past 30 years of current ownership. The door panels, armrests, and center console are in very good to excellent condition. The dash and gauges are in excellent condition with well-defined dial faces, correct switches and various knobs, and a finely finished wood rim steering wheel. Raising the rear glass hatch, the rear storage compartment is finished with matching tan carpet, concealing an easily accessible Borrani (millimeter sized) wheel located under the floorboard.

The engine and engine compartment are reflective of the care and detailing performed over the years with refinishing to original specifications and modest age to the various finishes. The fuel-injection unit has been removed and retained as spares with the car, while triple DCOE 151 Weber carburetors are in place with individually matched rectangular air filters. The engine displays generally correct rebuilt original components, proper hardware, factory type fasteners, and the correct satin black cam cover finish. When the car is parked, the engine drips oil on the ground which grows larger over a week or two. Although the car is operational, the shift lever requires some finesse when shifting, indicating the gearbox syncros will require attention in the future. The underside of the car is straight, and solid, though not restored. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points. The exhaust system is correct and the various engine and transmission castings are in very good condition. Included with the car This Maserati comes with the original fuel-injection unit, air cleaner, other injection-based parts, a Blaupunkt radio, a spare Michelin tire and inner tube , a spare ignition tumbler and key, a Weber carburetor manual, and Maserati spare parts book.