1971 Maserati Indy

The Ghia-styled Ghibli two-seater was followed by the Indy 2+2, and was the Maserati company's first use of unitary construction. It was announced in 1968 and wore coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale and its first public appearance in prototype form was on Vignale's stand at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. Maserati officially launched the Indy a year later, at the 1969 Geneva Salon.

The Indy was given conventional running gear consisting of an independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and four-wheel disc brakes. The power unit was initially the tried-and-true 4136cc four-cam V8, with 4.7- and 4.9-liter versions following. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic available to special order.

The 260 horsepower engine gave the luxury four-seater a top speed in the neighborhood of 150 mph. That figure was improved with the subsequent larger-engined versions.

Maserati announced at the 1970 Turin Motor Show the arrival of the 4.7-liter version. It was virtually identical to its predecessor apart from few minor styling changes. Power rose to 290 horsepower. The examples destined for the North American market were renamed 'Indy America.'

Partway through 1971, a 4.9-liter model became available, which was powered by a slightly de-tuned version of the Ghibli SS engine. In 4.9-litre form, the Indy's claimed maximum increased to 320bhp, which pushed up its top speed to around 170mph (274km/h). From 1973 the '4900' was the only model on offer, its smaller siblings having been dropped. Power steering and air conditioning were standard on the '4900'.

By the time production ceased in 1975, a total of 1,104 examples of all types of Indys had been produced. A total of 440 examples of the 4.2-liter, 364 examples of the 4.7-liter, and 300 examples of the 4.9-liter.

by Dan Vaughan

During the 1960's, Maserati finally gave up the idea of motor racing and instead focused on road-going cars.

The Maserati Indy was introduced in 1969 and ran for six years with a total of 1136 models produced. This 2 door coupe featured four seats and used a proper unitary body-shell was designed by Carrozzeria Vignale. This vehicle is noteworthy as the first unitary construction Maserati that was still considered to be a classic touring vehicle.

With a dry weight of 1500 kg, the Indy could reach a top speed of 250 kph (155 mph). The front engine featured 8-cylinders arranged in a 90 degree V. Several V8 engines were found in Indy models ranging from 4136cc to 4930cc and included the Ghibli unit.

The Indy was designed as a replacement for the 2 door Mexico. The Indy had a brand new body designed by Vignale. Originally released with a 4.2 litre V8 in 1970, three years later it was finally offered with a 4.9 litre V8 in 1973. With servo-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels, monocoque construction, a five-speed gearbox and a 260bhp quad-cam V8 engine.

The Indy was introduced at the Turin Motor Show of 1968 and followed the main mechanical recipe of the Mexico, Ghibli and the Quattroporte. The use of a form of unitary construction for the body shell was the standard difference between the Indy and the previous vehicles.

The two-plus-two design has a very pleasing shape, and much like all Maserati models, was easy on the eye, though it wasn't as attractive as some of the more sporty two seat models.

The interior of the Indy offered luxurious and generous space, but then again, Maserati has always held the reputation for sleek, luxurious interiors.

The Indy ceased production in 1975 after six years of exceptional brakes, comfortable ride, superb stability and balanced handling. It came at a high price, but held few disappointments to the auto market.

by Jessican Donaldson