Vehicle Description
Chassis No. AM116/49 1208
Engine No. AM107/49 1208
This exceptional 1971 Maserati Indy 4900 exemplifies Maserati's
Citroen-backed transition into the 1970s, combining the firm's
racing heritage with practical grand touring luxury. Named to
commemorate Wilbur Shaw's consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories in
1939 and 1940-the first consecutive winner in the race's
history-Maserati's Indy debuted at the 1968 Turin Motor Show to
widespread acclaim.
Carrozzeria Vignale's Virginio Vairo penned the Indy as a true
four-place fastback, combining practical features like the glass
hatchback with sophisticated unibody construction to create a car
equally suited for spirited drives and comfortable touring. Early
cars carried the 4.2- and 4.7-liter V8s, but in spring 1971,
Maserati unveiled the more potent Tipo AM 107/49 4.9-liter engine,
boosting output to 320 horsepower and raising the top speed to 165
mph. With total Indy production reaching just 1,104 units across
all variants, the 4900 remains the most exclusive and powerful
iteration with only 300 built worldwide.
Grossman Motor Cars of New York commissioned this left-hand-drive
example in April 1971, with production scheduled for September of
that year. The car was appointed with generous standard equipment
including leather upholstery, tinted electric windows, air
conditioning, and Borrani dial forged wheels, plus the optional
power steering and Blaupunkt AM/FM radio-specifications confirmed
by the accompanying Maserati Classiche documentation. Between 2016
and 2017, Gran Turismo of Los Angeles undertook a comprehensive
year-long restoration, refinishing the body and brightwork while
retrimming the interior in vibrant red leather. Following its
restoration, the previous owner showed the car at the 2022 Hilton
Head Island Concours d'Elegance as well as the 2023 Boca Raton
Concours d'Elegance. Upon passing into current California ownership
in early 2024, the Indy received an oil service and additional
tuning on the carburetors, and has since been enjoyed sparingly as
part of a collection of unique Italian sports cars.
Between 1971 and 1974, Maserati produced a mere 39 U.S.-market
Indys equipped with the highly desirable ZF five-speed manual
transaxle mated to the carbureted 4.9-liter V8, making chassis
number 1208 the most exclusive of its kind. Significantly, this
stunning example still retains its original, matching numbers Tipo
AM 107/49 V8 engine, as confirmed by its factory provided
Certificate of Origin and copies of original build documentation.
It is additionally offered with a tool kit, jack, full size spare,
and a file of restoration and maintenance invoices. Well maintained
since its acquisition by the current owner in 2024, this superb
grand tourer is undoubtedly one of the finest restored examples of
its type, and would present a unique, comfortable, and potent entry
for any number of vintage rallies or concours.
