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The Indy, named after the Indianapolis racetrack where Maserati triumphed in both 1939 and 1940, was envisaged to provide a roomier and more practical grand touring alternative to the sporty Ghibli. As such, it replaced the Sebring on the production line receiving a 4.2 litre 90° V8 in place of the earlier model’s straight six. In a road test from the time, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport confirmed the Indy 4.2’s top speed at 246.7 kph (154 mph).

The Indy’s styling was the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti, working for Turin’s Vignale coachworks, and was especially pleasing due to a smooth front nose incorporating pop-up headlights and ample windows providing an airy feeling to the cabin. Besides ensuring a low drag factor and superior stability at high speeds, the aerodynamic fastback rear also provided the benefit of a tailgate, making access to the spacious loading area all the more convenient.

The Indy prototype was introduced at the 1968 Turin Motor Show, where it competed with another proposal by Ghia, the Simùn (see under One-offs and Concept Cars). Although penned by Ghibli designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Simùn was rejected in favour of Vignale’s creation which made its debut in production trim at the following Geneva motor show, in March 1969.

The most powerful version of the Indy boasted 320 hp which pushed its top speed to 265 kph (165 mph). Power steering became standard on this version, as did the air conditioning system. Customers could choose between two different settings for the gearbox, with the shorter geared version intended for maximum usability in traffic.

Overall, the Indy’s tempting looks and efficient package in terms of comfort, performance and aerodynamics attracted 1,104 customers, including Walt Disney junior, gentleman driver/journalist Giovanni Lurani and German soccer ace Paul Breitner. Just 300 cars were sold with the new 4.9 engine, of which the last 200 received a new hydraulic brake system courtesy of parent company Citroën.

Chassis & Sales

1972 MASERATI INDY 4,7L TYPE AM110 - sold for €35,382 Our car is an Indy 4.7 from 1972, with power steering, manual five-speed gear-box, air-conditioning, sun-roof (rare), tinted windows, Becker radio and 'America' dashboard. It is of Swiss origin, with red bodywork and beige leather interior, in excellent overall condition, and comes with Belgian registration papers.
Gallery: 2010 Artcurial Sport & GTs au Mans Classic

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