Vehicle Description
Two prototypes for a sleek new four-seat Maserati were shown at the
1968 Turin Auto Show, one each from Carrozzerie Vignale and Ghia
who both had history with Maserati. �The Vignale prototype was
selected and shown in production form as the Maserati Indy Vignale
Coupe at the Geneva Auto Show in 1969.� Like some previous
Maseratis, the name was chosen to celebrate the marque's great
racing history - in this case, the Maserati 8C TF's dominating
victories at the Indianapolis 500 in 1939-1940. The Maserati Indy
was designed as a full four-place luxury grand touring car in spite
of the sleek two-door coupe profile.� The heart of the design was a
front-mounted all-alloy dohc 4.2-liter V-8 engine fed by four Weber
carburetors and mated to a 5-speed ZF gearbox (or 3-speed
automatic), mounted in a 102.4-inch wheelbase.� A 4.7-liter V-8 was
first offered in mid-1970, and a 315-320 hp 4.9-liter V-8 in 1973
with a claimed 170 mph top speed only slightly less than the
two-place Ghibli.� The luxurious leather interior of the Indy
provided ample room to travel long distances in comfort with an
almost horizontal lift-up hatch giving easy access to 18 cu. ft. of
luggage space. This exceptional European-spec Maserati Indy Vignale
Coupe was completed on October 8, 1970 and originated as a
4.7-liter, with Girling four-wheel disc brakes and the additional
bright rocker panel trim that identifies the larger 4.7-liter
engine.� At some point in the car's history, an upgrade was
completed to an authentic and correct 4.9-liter engine from a later
Indy. Never needing a full restoration, this car has been taken
care of by a passionate collector, who worked hard to keep it well
sorted, correctly maintained and attractive.�Presented in its
original and very attractive color scheme of Azzurro Hyperion light
metallic blue with black leather, the paint quality is very good,
with straight panels and nice chrome throughout. The interior is
beautiful and correct, including the black leather covering the
seats, door panels and console, and the original headliner and
early Indy �twin binnacle' style dashboard.� The drilled
three-spoke aluminum steering wheel with wood rim and a wood
gearshift knob are equally well preserved.� The full complement of
gauges includes a km/h speedometer.� The engine compartment is
clean and nicely detailed, and the car runs and performs great.
Original and correct Borrani alloy wheels are mounted with Pirelli
tires. A total of only 1,104 Maserati Indy Coupes were produced
between 1969 and 1975, with just 300 of those originally equipped
with the big 4.9-liter engine and updates.� This is simply a
fabulous Maserati that is begging to be let loose on a road trip.
It is well sorted and ready for touring and events, but has been
prepared to a level that makes it suitable for the occasional show
as well. .