1972 Maserati Indy

On the heels of the successful two-seat Ghibli, introduced in 1967 and wearing coachwork from Ghia, Maserati introduced a 2+2 fastback grand tourer in November 1968 at Salone dell'automobile di Torino. Dubbed the Indy (Tipo AM116), its name referenced the marque's back-to-back victories at the Indianapolis 500 races in 1939 and 1940. The styling was courtesy of Carrozzeria Vignale, who tasked Giovanni Michelotti with drafting the wind-splitting wedge design. It was the company's first unit-body construction vehicle and features an independent front suspension with rear-wheel drive and leaf springs. The mechanical configuration was conventional in many ways, but it had a modern appearance, benefitted from the latest in body assembly techniques, and had seating for four occupants. The list of standard amenities included air-conditioning and power steering on the '4900' (4.9 liters) model and four-wheel disc brakes. The engine was initially the Modena firm's tried-and-true 4,136cc, four-cam V8, with 4.7- and 4.9-litre versions following. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a three-speed Borg Warner automatic available to special order.

Dimensions and Mechanical Specifications

The Maserati Indy had a 102.4-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 186.6 inches, a width of 69.3 inches, and a width of 48 inches.

Maserati sourced many mechanical components from the Ghibli, including the suspension layout with the front using double wishbones, coil springs, an anti-roll bar, and coaxial hydraulic dampers. The rear relied on a live axle with semi-elliptic springs, hydraulic dampers, a single longitudinal torque arm, and an anti-roll bar. The four-wheel disc brakes were vented and servo-assisted.

The all-aluminum Maserati (Tipo 107) V8 engine had four overhead cams, four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburetors, and wet sump lubrication. The Tipo 115 units powering the Ghibli had dry sump lubrication. The 4.1 liter V8 powering the Indy produced 260 horsepower at 5,500 PRM and 268 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,000 RPM.

The 4,719cc V8 engine boosted output to 290 horsepower, and the 4,930cc version produced 320 horsepower at 5,500 RPM.

Maserati Indy Production

Maserati began accepting orders for the Indy in March 1969 at the Geneva Motor Show, and production continued through 1975. A total of 1,104 examples were built, including 440 examples of the 4200 (4.2 liter), 364 of the Indy 4700 (4.7 liter), and 300 of the Indy 4900 (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