Makes and Models: Indy

In 1969, at the Geneva Motor Show, the Indy made its debut as a way to honor the impressive triumphs of the racing 8CTF at the Indianapolis circuit in 1939 and 1940. A sports coupe created by Vignale, aimed to fill the space between the Ghibli and Mexico models.

Source: Hemmings

When the Maserati Indy’s engine roared to life, it was impossible not to feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. This stylish sports vehicle wasn’t just any ordinary vehicle; it embodied power and sophistication, crafted to make a lasting impression wherever it went. The sports coupe first made its appearance at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, where it paid tribute to the impressive victories of the brand’s 8CTF racing automobile at the Indianapolis circuit during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Thanks to its remarkable design and exceptional performance, this sports coupe quickly became a beloved favorite among enthusiasts and racing aficionados alike. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the captivating history and standout features of this iconic automobile, exploring what makes it such a timeless classic.

The origins

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The model’s origin story combines the vision of two legendary names in automotive design: Vignale and Frua. In the mid-1960s, the brand was looking to add a new model to its lineup that would bridge the gap between the luxurious Ghibli and the more modest Mexico. They turned to Carrozzeria Vignale, a coachbuilding company founded by Alfredo Vignale in 1946, to bring their vision to life. Vignale had previously worked with this automaker on other models, so the collaboration between the two companies was a natural fit. Vignale, along with designer Giovanni Michelotti, began work on the new sports vehicle, which they named in honor of the famous Indianapolis 500 race. The sleek and stylish coupe was revealed to the public at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show. It became an instant hit, with its impressive performance and stunning design winning over fans and critics alike. However, the brand was not content to rest on its laurels and continued to improve upon Indy’s design. In 1971, the legendary brand enlisted the help of Pietro Frua, a celebrated Italian designer, to update the car’s look. Frua’s modifications included a revised front grille, new bumpers, and a redesigned interior. The result was a more refined and modern-looking sports vehicle. Despite the changes, the Maserati Indy remained true to its original vision of power and elegance. Its V8 engine and impressive handling continued to make it a favorite among enthusiasts and racing fans throughout the 1970s.

Sadly, the production of the car came to an end in 1975, but its legacy as a beloved classic sports vehicle lives on to this day. The collaboration between Vignale and Frua resulted in a true icon of automotive design that still turns heads and leaves a lasting impression over 50 years after its debut.

The 1975 model year

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1975 was the final production year for the beloved sports coupe, and it featured several updates and improvements from previous iterations. Under the hood, the final edition was powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine that produced 320 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. This impressive engine was paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission, which helped the automobile achieve a top speed of 158 mph. On the exterior, the 1975 release boasted a more streamlined and aerodynamic design than its predecessors. The automobile’s body was crafted from hand-formed steel and featured a distinctive hood scoop, which helped to cool the powerful V8 engine. The front grille was also updated for the 1975 model year, giving the car a more modern and aggressive look. Inside, the Indy 4900 offered a luxurious and spacious cabin that was fitted with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. The car featured power windows and air conditioning, as well as a premium audio system that was ahead of its time. Compared to previous model years, the 1975 edition was a significant improvement in terms of performance and handling. The car’s suspension was updated, and it featured larger brakes, which helped to improve its handling and overall driving experience. Despite its many improvements, the 1975 version, unfortunately, became the last of its kind. Production of the iconic sports car came to an end that year, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most stylish and powerful automobiles of its era.

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In 1975, an Italian entrepreneur named Alejandro de Tomaso purchased Maserati, marking the end of its ownership by Citroën, which had acquired the company in 1968. The 1975 Indy was the final Maserati model to be designed during Citroën’s ownership.

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The Maserati Indy was considered a remarkable sports coupe for its elegant styling, powerful engine, and high-performance capabilities. Available in a 2+2 coupe and convertible version the automobile was notable for its advanced technology and handling capabilities, making it a popular choice among auto enthusiasts.

Source: Classic Trader

Maserati introduced the Indy as a replacement for the outdated Sebring model and Giorgetto Giugiaro selected it over the Simun concept car, considering its larger trunk and glazed hatch. Giovanni Michelotti of Vignale designed the Indy, and it made its debut at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. Production commenced in 1969, expanding the Maserati brand’s lineup, which already included models like the Ghibli, Mexico, Mistral, Quattroporte, and Sebring. The Indy garnered acclaim for its elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, advanced technology, and impressive handling capabilities during its production run from 1969 to 1970.

The origins

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In 1968, the Orsi family, longtime owners of Maserati, decided to sell their share to the French Citroen company. Despite this ownership change, Maserati remained committed to introducing fresh and innovative models like the Ghibli and the Mexico coupe. During this period, a fruitful collaboration emerged between Citroen, Maserati, and the renowned Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Vignale, leading to the creation of a sophisticated four-seater coupe based on the Ghibli. Initially showcased as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show, the design was warmly embraced by the brand. Subsequently, the prototype evolved into the production version, which was officially unveiled as the Indy at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show. This elegant and powerful grand tourer masterfully combined performance and luxury, solidifying Maserati’s reputation as a purveyor of exceptional automobiles. The first 1969 release featured a sleek and aerodynamic body design, with a long hood, short rear deck, and four seats. The automobile was designed by the famous Italian design house, Vignale, and was available in both a 2+2 coupe and a four-seater convertible version. Inside the automobile was luxurious and comfortable with leather seats and high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The dashboard was adorned with wood veneers and chrome accents. The automobile featured a variety of amenities such as power windows, air conditioning, and a radio. The large rear window was part of Vignelli’s design which was one of Indy’s defining design elements. It was designed to provide the driver and passengers with a good view of the road behind and to add to the car’s aerodynamic design. 

The 1970 model year

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The magnificent grand tourer from the 1970 model year embodied a potent and dynamic driving experience. Powered by a robust 4.2-liter V8 engine and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, it boasted remarkable acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, and could reach an impressive top speed of approximately 245 km/h (152 mph). Its handling prowess was equally remarkable, thanks to its finely balanced weight distribution, well-calibrated suspension, and all-wheel disc brakes. This balance allowed the vehicle to excel in tight turns and on winding roads. Additionally, the suspension struck a perfect harmony, delivering a comfortable ride while preserving a sporty and engaging driving feel. Overall, the 1970 edition offered a great blend of power, handling, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who wanted a stylish yet sporty vehicle to drive on city streets and winding roads. Inside, the 1970 edition had a luxurious cabin with leather seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The dashboard was made of wood and metal and featured gauges for speed, RPM, fuel level, and oil pressure. Standard equipment included power windows, air conditioning, and a Blaupunkt radio. The car could afford four people comfortably. The exterior of this remarkable automobile was characterized by its long hood, short deck, and sleek lines. Equipped with disc brakes all around, independent suspension, and a solid rear axle the car offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. Truly it was one of the highly sought-after luxurious sports coupes of its time.

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There was a convertible version of the model called America. It was introduced in 1970, as a four-seater convertible version of the coupe. America featured a removable hardtop, which allowed it to be driven as both a convertible and a coupe. The car was powered by the same 4.2-liter V8 engine as the coupe version and had similar performance capabilities. The interior was similar to the coupe version, with luxurious leather seats and high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The convertible was equipped with power windows, air conditioning, and a radio as standard. The production of America was halted in 1975, but it was considered one of the most elegant and refined convertibles of its time. 

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The first Maserati Indy appeared at the Geneva Motor Show in 1969 as a tribute to the two remarkable victories of the racing Maserati 8CTF, obtained in 1939 and 1940 at the Indianapolis circuit. This sports coupe was designed by Vignale to bridge the gap between Ghibli and Mexico models.

Source: Hemmings

The Indy project was a mixture of emotion and celebration: it was a tribute to the roots of the legendary brand. The new automobile received its name after the track where the brand’s cars once won 500 miles of racing. Serial production began in 1969 after the official launch at the Geneva Motor Show, which was very successful for the model. The style of the new sports coupe was very different from the already sensational Ghibli but no less impressive. The Indy was a cross between Mexico and the Ghibli and was conceived during an extremely positive period for Maserati, which set a sales record in its first year of production.

The origins

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Initially, the new sports coupe was designed as an analog of the Ghibli – accommodating four passengers, since this body type was especially well received by the public. Giovanni Michelotti from Vignale became the author of the unique Indy style. His sleek front end, with retractable headlights and wide windows, was especially admired. In addition to the spacious interior, low drag coefficient, and excellent handling, especially at high speeds, the aerodynamic fastback rear was also impressive. Thus, one of the most iconic vehicles of the Italian brand appeared, replacing Sebring and Quattroporte. Initially, two prototypes called  Indy and Simùn were introduced at the 1968 Turin Motor Show, but the first one was put into mass production,  debuting the following year at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle’s engine was a 4.9 liter V 8. In addition, Maserati borrowed Citroen’s hydraulic (much more powerful) braking system, and the air conditioning system was significantly improved compared to other models of the brand. The 4900 featured a handsome grille and a “more refined” dashboard. The most powerful version of the car had 320 hp and a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). By the way, Indy became the last model until the Maserati brand was acquired by the French Citroen.

The 1973 model year

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This four-seat sports vehicle received minor updates in 1973. Especially the release of 1973, was a real Italian rarity since only 1104 cars were built between 1969 and 1975. The engine for a standard 1973 release was 4700 ccs, with 290 horsepower compared to the 260hp engine of previous releases. However, in addition to the standard automobile, there was also a more powerful car (4900 cm3), which developed 320 hp. The 4700 ccs engine was paired with one of two types of transmissions – a five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic. It also had better performance and handling compared to the counterpart Ghibli model. In terms of dynamics, the 1973 automobile showed good results: 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The maximum speed of this sports coupe was 247 km/h. Maserati produced this automobile for seven years without significant changes to the body structure. It was one of the best-selling models of this type from the Italian brand. Everything was thought out to the smallest detail in the automobile’s interior. It combined elegance and sportiness, featuring deeper doors enveloping leather seats with a retractable headrest. The dashboard was completely redesigned compared to the first version: its shape was similar to modern amplifiers, present on both sides of the cabin, and in the center, there was a recess with two round air intakes. The glove compartment consisted of a small compartment with a handle. The center console featured a radio, as well as a heating system, and several manual controls, including power windows. An ashtray and a glove box complete with a lock were also included.

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Despite its short life, the Maserati Indy was featured in many remarkable movies. One of the last appearances of the legendary sport coupe of 1973 release was in Ridley Scott’s “The House of Gucci”, starring Lady Gaga (Patricia Reggiani), Adam Driver (Maurizio Gucci), Jared Leto (Paolo Gucci), Al Pacino (Aldo Gucci), Jeremy Irons ( Rodolfo Gucci), Salma Hayek (Pina Auriemma), Jack Huston (Domenico De Sole), Reeve Carney (Tom Ford), Camille Cotten (Paola Franchi).

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