MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
Maserati MistralThe long bonnet, blue glass and black-roof versions
The Mistral is a quieter-looking Redline than the hot rods and fantasy cars around it. Its long bonnet and broad rear window do most of the work. Pick one up to examine it and the first thing to remember is that the hood opens forward.
Start at the front
The original Mistral joined Hot Wheels in 1969 and was made in Hong Kong. It has blue-tinted windows, bearing-style wheels and either a white or brown interior. Silver headlights and red rear lights add small touches of paint to the ends of the body.
That forward-opening bonnet is worth a close look. Ask for a picture with it closed as well as open, so you can see the fit and the hinge area. If it resists, leave it alone. A damaged hinge is a much bigger problem than a missing engine-bay photo.
The roof changes the look
Black-roof versions are documented alongside cars with body-colored roofs. The contrast gives the Mistral a different character, but a black roof on its own doesn’t tell you whether a particular example is original.
Look along the roof edges and around the window openings. Take note of uneven coverage, chips and any touch-up the seller has disclosed. Keep those observations separate from the name of the variation you hope it might be.
Color names need some care too. The On Line Redline Guide questions whether a very light-looking blue example is a separate shade or simply a light application of blue. A pale photograph isn’t enough to settle that question.
What makes a good loose example?
The rear window occupies a lot of the car, so cracks and cloudy plastic are hard to ignore on display. Look through it to judge the cabin, then check the long sides for paint wear. Blue-tinted glass can make a brown interior difficult to read in a dark photo.
Choose the condition you actually enjoy. A worn original and a restored car can both look good in a cabinet, but they belong in different price comparisons. If you collect sealed cars, the card and blister need their own inspection.
The Mistral makes an interesting companion to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow: two European subjects with very different shapes. For current stock, browse loose Hot Wheels.
