Makes and Models: Indy

The Maserati Indy 4900 was more than just a car – it was a masterpiece of engineering and design, crafted for those who demanded nothing less than the very best. With its sleek lines, powerful engine, and unparalleled performance, this automobile was a true icon of automotive excellence. 

Source: Classic Trader

As the engine roared to life and the sleek body of the Maserati Indy 4900 glided down the road, it was impossible not to feel a rush of excitement. This iconic Italian sports vehicle had been turning heads and setting hearts racing since its debut in the early 1970s. With its powerful V8 engine, stunning design, and nimble handling, this beautiful automobile was a true testament to the art and engineering of automotive craftsmanship.

The origins

Source: Auto Storica

In 1961, Maserati started working on a new model that would combine luxury, performance, and style. The project was led by Giulio Alfieri, the company’s chief engineer at the time, and a team of talented designers and engineers. The team began by developing a new V8 engine that would power the automobile. It was based on the successful V6 used in the brand’s 250F Formula One race vehicle, but with two additional cylinders. The result was a power unit that produced 260 horsepower and could propel the automobile to a top speed of 150 mph. With the engine in place, the team turned their attention to the design of the vehicle. The task was given to Giovanni Michelotti, an Italian designer known for his work with Ferrari, BMW, and other prestigious automobile makers. Michelotti created a stunning design that combined sleek lines, elegant curves, and a powerful stance that exuded confidence and style. The automobile that resulted from Maserati’s efforts was christened the Indy 4900, in honor of the famous Indianapolis 500 race. The vehicle was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 1969, where it was highly acclaimed and revered by car enthusiasts worldwide. The Maserati Indy 4900 was a true masterpiece of Italian automotive engineering, embodying luxury, refinement, and elegance. It was a vehicle that offered unparalleled performance, boasting responsive handling, precise steering, and a smooth ride that made every journey a pleasurable experience. Today, the Maserati Indy 4900 is still highly coveted by collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. Its timeless design, exceptional performance, and unmatched style continue to captivate and inspire car enthusiasts around the world, serving as a testament to the vision, creativity, and passion of the skilled team that crafted it over five decades ago.

The 1971 model year

Source: Bring a Trailer

The 1971 version was an upgrade from the previous year’s model, with several significant changes both in terms of technical specifications and interior design. Under the hood, the 1971 edition received a 4.9-liter V8 engine that was capable of producing up to 340 horsepower. This engine was a significant improvement over the previous year’s model, which had a smaller 4.2-liter engine with only 260 horsepower. The 1971 release also featured a 5-speed manual transmission, power-assisted brakes, and power steering as standard features. The exterior of the 1971 version was similar to the previous year’s model, with a sleek and stylish body that was designed by Carrozzeria Vignale. However, the 1971 edition featured a new grille and revised tail lights that gave it a more modern look. Inside, the 1971 release was a luxurious sports vehicle that featured leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a state-of-the-art stereo system as standard features. The dashboard was redesigned, and the instrument cluster was updated with new gauges that were easier to read. The seats were also more comfortable than the previous year’s model, making long drives more enjoyable. A notable distinction between the 1971 Maserati Indy 4900 and its preceding model was the incorporation of fuel injection. This innovative technology enhanced the vehicle’s efficiency and output, surpassing the previous year’s carbureted engine. As a result of these technical advancements, the 1971 Maserati Indy 4900 demonstrated substantial improvement in terms of power, handling, and interior luxury compared to its predecessor. These enhancements have contributed to its status as a cherished classic sports car, treasured by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Did you know?

Source: Speedart Motorsport

In 1971, Maserati collaborated with the Italian fashion house Gucci to produce a special edition of this model. The collaboration resulted in a limited production run of only 100 vehicles, which featured unique design elements and interior touches. The Gucci edition featured a distinctive two-tone paint scheme of green and black, with a red stripe running along the lower body. The automobile also featured the signature Gucci stripes on the hood, roof, and trunk and the Gucci logo on the C-pillars. Today, the Gucci edition Indy 4900 is a highly sought-after collector’s item, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 or more depending on the condition and mileage of the vehicle.

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The 1960s and 1970s were the most challenging period for the Maserati brand, marked by repeated ownership changes and product updates. However, in this period, the brand created one of the most beautiful lines: a series of luxury coupes with a front-mounted V8, including a four-seater Indy.

Source: Conceptcarz

When the time for replacing the outdated Sebring came, Maserati management had to choose between two designs presented at the 1968 Turin Motor Show: the Simun and the Indy. The first concept car belonged to Giorgetto Giugiaro from Ghia, and the second was by Giovanni Michelotti of Vignale. Both vehicles were 2 + 2 seaters with a sloping roof and pop-up headlights. However, Michelotti’s prototype had a decisive advantage: a large trunk with a glazed hatch won the race, and the vehicle was chosen as the next to-be-released model. Thus, the Maserati Indy went into production. In 1969, the brand line, which previously consisted of the Ghibli, Mexico, Mistral, Quattroporte, and Sebring models, was completed with another legendary sports vehicle – Indy. 

The origins

Source: LotSearch

In 1968, the Orsi family, who had owned the brand since the 1950s, sold its stake to the French  Citroen company. Adolfo Orsi retained the post of honorary president of the brand, but the French replaced the management. During this turbulent period, which coincided with the global economic crisis, Maserati was incredibly creative, introducing genuinely iconic vehicles. In 1966, the brand released the four-seater version of the Sebring – the Mexico coupe and the Ghibli, named after the Libyan desert wind. This model’s body, designed by Giugiaro studio, became a benchmark of the brand’s sports cars in subsequent years and, until today, remains one of the most beautiful sports vehicles from the workshops of this automaker. Two years later, Citroen and Carrozzeria Vignale, one of the most famous Italian coachbuilders of the time, collaborated with Maserati, presenting at the Turin Motor Show the prototype of an elegant four-seater Ghibli-based 4.2-liter V8 front-engined coupe. By then, Vignale had already built Sebring and Mexico models for the brand and was engaged in producing Quattroporte, developed, like Mistra. The Vignale approach was accepted by the brand, whereas Mexico and Sebring were considered outdated in terms of design. The prototype from the Turin Motor Show turned into a production vehicle, which was subsequently presented at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show.

The 1969 model year

Source: Hagerty

The new roadster was more practical than the Ghibli and sportier than Mexico, at the same time, sharing most of the parts with these automobiles: independent front and dependent rear suspension, power disc brakes, power steering, and a ZF 5-speed manual transmission (also a 3- step automatic Borg Warner) were borrowed from them. The body of the Indy was load-bearing, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm. It was equipped with an aluminum V8 DOHC engine with a wet sump and four Weber carburetors, with a volume of 4136 cm3 and a power of 260 hp. As for the exterior design, it shared a lot of elements with Ghibli. Still, it was less proportioned, as it was a four-seat car that could comfortably accommodate four adults, compared with the classic 2+2 with rear seats reserved for little passengers only. The traditional radiator grille was replaced by an air intake under the bumper, making its front very elegant. 

The logo of the brand was fixed on the stamping on the hood. Also, retractable headlights were located on both sides of it, which was typical for Italian sports coupes of major brands of that time. The hood turned out long, the windshield received a substantial slope, and the roof was flat. Starting from 1970, it was possible to order a 4.7-liter version with 290 hp, and from 1971 a 4.9-liter version with 320 hp. These engines were mainly used on modifications for the American market (Indy America). From 1969 to 1974, 1136 automobiles were sold.

Did you know?

Source: AutoData

The car got its name in memory of the 30th anniversary of the first of two consecutive victories of the Maserati single-seat car in the Indianapolis 500 in 1939.    

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