The Indy, named after the Indianapolis racetrack where Maserati triumphed in both 1939 and 1940, was envisaged to provide a roomier and more practical grand touring alternative to the sporty Ghibli. As such, it replaced the Sebring on the production line receiving a 4.2 litre 90° V8 in place of the earlier model’s straight six. In a road test from the time, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport confirmed the Indy 4.2’s top speed at 246.7 kph (154 mph).
The Indy’s styling was the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti, working for Turin’s Vignale coachworks, and was especially pleasing due to a smooth front nose incorporating pop-up headlights and ample windows providing an airy feeling to the cabin. Besides ensuring a low drag factor and superior stability at high speeds, the aerodynamic fastback rear also provided the benefit of a tailgate, making access to the spacious loading area all the more convenient.
The Indy prototype was introduced at the 1968 Turin Motor Show, where it competed with another proposal by Ghia, the Simùn (see under One-offs and Concept Cars). Although penned by Ghibli designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Simùn was rejected in favour of Vignale’s creation which made its debut in production trim at the following Geneva motor show, in March 1969.
The most powerful version of the Indy boasted 320 hp which pushed its top speed to 265 kph (165 mph). Power steering became standard on this version, as did the air conditioning system. Customers could choose between two different settings for the gearbox, with the shorter geared version intended for maximum usability in traffic.
Overall, the Indy’s tempting looks and efficient package in terms of comfort, performance and aerodynamics attracted 1,104 customers, including Walt Disney junior, gentleman driver/journalist Giovanni Lurani and German soccer ace Paul Breitner. Just 300 cars were sold with the new 4.9 engine, of which the last 200 received a new hydraulic brake system courtesy of parent company Citroën.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1969 – 1975 |
| built at | Italy |
| production | 740 |
| engine | 90° V8 |
| ignition | Bosch Electronic |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 4 Weber 42 DCNF carburettors |
| displacement | 4930 cc / 300.8 in³ |
| bore | 93.9 mm / 3.7 in |
| stroke | 89 mm / 3.5 in |
| compression | 8.05:1 |
| power | 238.6 kw / 320 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 64.91 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 190.48 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 481.32 nm / 355 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Tub |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Aluminum Alloy |
| front tires | 215 VR 15 HS |
| rear tires | 215 VR 15 HS |
| front brakes | Girling 3C Ventilated Discs |
| rear brakes | Girling 12/3/HP Ventilated Discs |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15 x 7.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15 x 7.5 in |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1680 kg / 3704 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
| front track | 1480 mm / 58.3 in |
| rear track | 1430 mm / 56.3 in |
| length | 4740 mm / 186.6 in |
| width | 1760 mm / 69.3 in |
| height | 1220 mm / 48.0 in |
| transmission | ZF 5-Speed Manual or Borg-Warner 3-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 2.99:1, 1.90:1, 1.32:1, 0.89:1 |
| top speed | ~265.49 kph / 165 mph |
| fuel capacity | 100 litres or 26.40 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1969 Maserati Indy 4,2L AM116.086 – sold for €33,376 According to the factory, this car was rolled out of the factory in September 1969, and was sold new in Italy. The car is still faithful to the original in its current configuration, apart from its color which was not red but Argento Auteuil (silver grey). The car was found at the bottom of a garden where it was covered with a makeshift tarpaulin that did not quite stop time ravaging the body. The car needs to be restored if one wants to take it back on the road. The black leather interior though has been preserved quite well, so the restorer can retain the upholstery after treating the leather. This Indy is a full-ledged restoration project, but it would be worth restoring these magnificent Maserati from the 1970s as prices are soaring.
Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars
1972 MASERATI INDY 4,7L TYPE AM110 – sold for €35,382 Our car is an Indy 4.7 from 1972, with power steering, manual five-speed gear-box, air-conditioning, sun-roof (rare), tinted windows, Becker radio and ‘America’ dashboard. It is of Swiss origin, with red bodywork and beige leather interior, in excellent overall condition, and comes with Belgian registration papers.
Auction Source: 2010 Artcurial Sport & GTs au Mans Classic
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