Vehicle Description
When Maserati unveiled the Indy at the 1968 Turin Auto Show, it
marked a bold new direction for the Modenese marque. The company
displayed two prototypes for a sleek new four-seat grand tourer-one
each from longtime collaborators Ghia and Carrozzeria Vignale. Both
designs captured the essence of Maserati's post-Ghibli evolution,
but it was Vignale's proposal, penned by Virginio Vairo, that
ultimately stole the show. The production version debuted at Geneva
in 1969, bearing the name "Indy" to commemorate Maserati's twin
victories at the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940 with the
legendary 8CTF. The Indy represented a compelling synthesis of high
performance and elegant practicality, designed to accommodate four
occupants in comfort while delivering the exhilarating performance
expected from a Maserati V8.
Unlike the more visceral Ghibli, the Indy was envisioned as a true
grand tourer-capable of fast, comfortable long-distance motoring
with room for luggage and passengers alike. Its flowing two-door
profile cloaked a robust platform powered by a front-mounted,
all-alloy, 4.2-liter DOHC V8 fed by four Weber carburetors and
mated to a ZF 5-speed gearbox. Disc brakes on all four wheels,
independent front suspension, and a fastback rear hatch with 18
cubic feet of luggage space made the Indy a refined yet capable
machine. The car was a statement of Maserati's continued confidence
at the dawn of the 1970s, combining elegance, performance, and
practicality in a distinctly Italian package.
This 1969 Maserati Indy was delivered new on October 7, 1969, to
its first owner in Palermo, Sicily, finished in the striking
factory combination of Celeste Chiaro over blue leather. From the
outset, it embodied the effortless Mediterranean flair that defined
Maserati's road cars in this golden era. In 2015, the car was
acquired by a devoted collector of Italian exotics in Bavaria. It
was soon entrusted to HC History Car of Munich, under the direction
of Bernd Werndl, where it received a comprehensive mechanical
overhaul. The car remained in the care of this collection through
2024, receiving over €21,000 in documented servicing and refinement
to ensure it remained both road-ready and true to its
character.
Today, the Indy presents beautifully in a vivid shade of red paired
with a supple black leather interior. The paintwork is glossy and
even, emphasizing the crisp body lines and subtle detailing that
define Vignale's design. The cabin is equally pleasing, featuring
well-preserved upholstery, a lovely wood-rimmed FIV steering wheel,
and original Veglia instrumentation. The interior retains the
inviting aroma and soft touch of quality hides, the hallmarks of a
car that has been used with care and maintained to high
standards.
Under the forward-hinged bonnet resides the original,
numbers-matching 4.2-liter V8 engine, neatly detailed and eager to
perform. Four-wheel disc brakes provide confident stopping power,
and the car rides on proper Borrani wheels wrapped in fresh,
Michelin radials, delivering a composed and refined ride. Recent
mechanical attention ensures the Indy performs as it should-with
smooth power delivery, a responsive gearbox, and reassuring
handling that makes it a joy on both twisting roads and open
motorways.
A superb expression of Maserati's late-1960s design and engineering
philosophy, this Indy is an appealing alternative to more commonly
seen contemporaries. Its elegant lines, charismatic V8, and
versatile layout make it a rewarding and distinctive addition to
any collection. Rare, beautifully kept, and thoughtfully restored,
this Maserati represents a golden age of Italian motoring-one where
design, performance, and comfort were not opposing forces but
beautifully balanced priorities.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
