1967 Maserati Mistral by: Hot Wheels
SPECIFICATIONS First Produced: 1969 Exterior: mt. brown Interior: ivory Manufacturer: Hot Wheels Features: hood opens Scale: 1:64 Produced in: Hong Kong Collector Number/Name: #6227 Maserati Mistral Original Price: $.99 Value 1998: loose, n/mint: $30.00
DESCRIPTION There must be a story behind this early Hot Wheel car. Why would Mattel choose such an obscure car for their Hot Wheels line-up in the late 1960's? Several British and European cars were added to the line-up including the Mercedes 230SL, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and Porsche 911. The Mistral was not well known in the US. The Ferrari Daytona, Maserati Ghibli or Lamborghini Miura were far more exotic Italian offerings. Did someone at Mattel own a Mistral and lobby for it to be done as part of the Hot Wheels line? Regardless, collectors can be happy it was included as it is the only example of this rare car in small-scale. Like most Hot Wheels, the proportions are less than realistic but it does have a DOHC inline 6 under the hood.