On 1 July 1969 it was fifty years ago that the first customer-commissioned Maserati Indy passed the gates of the factory on the Ciro Menotti 322 in Modena. The Indy was intended for delivery to a customer in Switzerland. The car was then transported to the then Swiss Maserati importer 'Martinelli e Sonvico' in Chiasso. A few days later, he handed the Indy with brown leather interior in 'oro metalizzato' to a wealthy Swiss businessman.
The Maserati Indy was unveiled in 1968 during the Turin auto show at the Carrozzeria Vignale stand. The following year, the car officially debuted at the Maserati booth during the Geneva Motor Show. In 1968, Maserati produced such 700 cars, the best result ever since the opening of the production facility in Modena. The Maserati range that year consisted of the Ghibli, Mexico, Mistral, Quattroporte and Sebring. In the same year, Maserati recorded a market share of 43% in Italy in the 'above 3.500cc' class.
Type name as a tribute
In response to the demand from customers looking for a comfortable, stylish and sporty car, Maserati decided to develop a completely new model. That led to the start of the AM116 (Alfieri Maserati 116) project. Carrozzeria Vignale was commissioned to design a four-person coupe that guaranteed comfort, sporty performance and innovative looks. The result was the Indy, whose name paid homage to the impressive victories of the 8CTF during the Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and 1940.
Typical sports car accents
The new Indy had large windows for optimum visibility without blind spots, while at the same time the car received a slender line. In addition, the model distinguished itself by many characteristic sports car accents: a front with folding headlights - a characteristic of a real sports car icon from that time - and an air scoop under the narrow bumper. Another striking design feature was the short rear, which triggered the great focus on aerodynamic efficiency in the design phase.
From 4.1 to 4.7 engine
Originally the Indy received an 4.136cc V8 with a bore and stroke of 88 and 85 mm respectively. The Italians installed no less than four Weber 42 DCNF carburetors. The standard transmission was a manual five-speed gearbox, an automatic transmission was also available as required. The capacity was 260 hp, the top speed 250 km / h. From 1970 onwards, the Indy was also supplied with an 4.719cc V8 engine fitted with the new Bosch electronic ignition. The maximum power was increased to 290 hp, at a top speed of 280 km / h. In addition to the existing engines, an 1971 horsepower 300cc engine followed from 4.930, which from 1973 became the only drive unit for the Indy.
Rich equipment
As standard, the Maserati Indy was supplied very well-equipped. Leather upholstery, a mechanical anti-theft alarm, an adjustable steering wheel, a heated rear window, tinted electric windows, folding front seats with headrests and yellow headlights were standard. An automatic transmission, power steering and a radio were available as an option. In 1973, the ex-works equipment was further expanded with air conditioning. In total, Maserati produced between 1969 and 1975 1.102 Indy's. This made the beautiful Maserati a rarity, which today can count itself as car exotics.
The copyright of the photos rests with Maserati.
