1970 Maserati Indy

Coupe
Chassis number: AM116/47 706
Engine number: AM107/49 1320

The Maserati Indy was first seen in 1968 at the Turin Motor Show on the Vignale stand as a prototype. A year later, at the Geneva Auto Show, the production version was unveiled. The Indy received its name in celebration of the 8C TF's victory at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1939.

The Maserati Indy, the replacement to the Mexico, offered 2+2 seating and was powered by an eight cylinder engine. In comparison to the Mexico, the Indy had a shorter wheelbase and the front and rear track were increased. It also rested closer to the ground than its predecessor.

The 4.1-liter V8 engine was later replaced with a 4.7-liter engine and finally the 4.9-liter engine from the Ghibli SS.

Produced through 1975, a total of 1,104 examples were built. The Indy was also the first Maserati to be built under the ownership of Citroen, as they had acquired the Italian marque in January of 1968.

This particular example is a 4.7-liter example fitted with a five-speed manual transmission and Girling four-wheel disc brakes. It left the factory finished in Azzurro Hyperion over a black leather interior. It was completed on October 8th of 1970 and delivered to Mexico City.

At some point in the car's history, it was upgraded with a 4.9-liter engine from a later Indy.

The Indy was purchased in 1998 by Doug Magnon and later joined the Collection of the Riverside International Automotive Museum after it was founded in 2006. While in the museum's care, the Indy was refinished in its original exterior color, the front seats were reupholstered, and the cooling systems was upgraded.

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