1961 Maserati 5000 GT Indianapolis Coupe

A mere 34 examples of the Maserati 5000 GT were built between 1960 and 1965, with eight Italian coachbuilders creating unique designs for the chassis. Befitting a vehicle of this technical prowess and favored by the affluent in society, it demanded a staggering $14,000 when new. Based on the 3500 GT and powered by a version of the V8 engine that powered the 450S sports cars, it was one of the most potent vehicles on the market with a top speed in excess of 165.

This particular example was one of the first twenty-two examples to receive Coupe coachwork by Torino-based Carrozzeria Allemano to a design by Giovanni Michelotti. It was given the name 'Indianapolis' and unlike the Allemano Coupes that followed, it received unique features that included the unique script on the rear quarter panel, a different grille design, and dashboard arrangement. When it was completed in October of 1961, it wore Grigio Montebello with red leather upholstery. The Indianapolis Coupe was the only 5000 GT illustrated in Maserati's official brochure for the model and was featured on the cover of Auto Italiana magazine.

This Maserati was originally owned by William H. Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who collected the Indianapolis Coupe in Modena and drove it throughout Europe. Before returning to the United States, Mr. Brown returned to the Maserati factory where he requested the car be tested and tuned to ensure it was fully capable of reaching its advertised 168 mph top speed.

On October 19, 1961, Maserati loaded the 5000 GT on the Pia Costa, and, when it arrived in the US that November, Mr. Brown took delivery in New York and drove it to his home in El Mirado, in Sasabe, Arizona. In April 1962, Mr. Brown drove the car to meet his daughter in Beverly Hills, California and then shipped it to Italy for general servicing.

Jimmy Castle of Tucson, Arizona became the car's next owner in September of 1967. By 1975, it was owned by Richard Kreischer, who rescued the neglected car after it had been left sitting in the Arizona sun. Oliver Kuttner, of Charlottesville, Virginia purchased it in the late 1980s, and by March 1988 it was advertised by English dealer Griffon Motor Cars. It later joined Lord Charles Brocket's collection. When Randy Simon acquired the Maserati in the mid-1990s, its engine had been removed and hidden during Lord Brocket's infamous insurance scam. Mr. Simon was able to locate the car's original engine and reunited it with the car.

John F. Bookout purchased the Maserati in 1996 and in 2001 he shipped it to Italy, where it was dismantled for restoration and the coachwork stripped to bare metal. The upholstery was re-trimmed in red leather and the body was refinished in its original color. The work was completed in May of 2006 and made its restoration debut at the Keels & Wheels Concours d'Elegance in Houston.

In August of 2016, the current caretaker acquired the Maserati at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auction.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2022