Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Maserati Indy 4.2
s/n AM116644
Blue with Black Leather Interior

-Numbers Matching 4.2L Engine with 5-Speed ZF gearbox
-Vignale Coachwork with Campagnolo Wheels

As the 1960s were coming to a close, Maserati, the celebrated Italian racing and sports car builder, was at a turning point in their road car production. The successful Ghibli was enormously appealing to many enthusiasts but lacked an important feature for expanding market growth, family capacity seating. The aging Mexico, while accommodating for four, needed updating, while the Quattroporte served the executive luxury segment. Maserati needed a sporty replacement that would entice performance minded clientele and bridge both markets. Although several attempts were made at the concept, Carrozzeria Vignale was selected for the winning concept. Penned by Virginio Vairo, who had also designed the Mexico, the sleek fastback design offered expansive rear and side glass, a generously angled windshield, low roofline, and a dramatic sloping front fascia with a concealed under-bumper grille, pop up headlights, and Kamm back tail. The clean design was void of any excess trim but offered commanding presence due to the width, stance, and open greenhouse.

Revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the model was aptly named after Maserati’s famous dual victories at the Indianapolis 500. The unibody construction allowed for many production advantages with shared suspension from the Ghibli including double wishbone front suspension, live axle rear suspension with semi-elliptic springs, a torque arm, hydraulic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The front mounted quad-cam, wet-sump, alloy engine featured four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburetors, all mated to a 5-speed manual ZF gearbox. The Indy was offered from 1969-1975 with incremental improvements including retractable headrests, a revised dashboard, improved four-wheel disc brakes, and minor exterior updates. During the six-year production run a modest 1,104 units were produced. As a result, these rare and desirable cars continue to reaffirm the impressive performance value offered when new and very much appreciated in today’s collector climate.

Although documentation does not accompany this car, visual inspection reveals that his example has benefited from indoor storage, proper service, and specialist care, supported by likely original kilometers as indicated at 44,681 kms. Under prior ownership the car was repainted with a matching metallic blue consistent with the original finish and the front seats were reupholstered in matching black leather. In preparation for sale, all mechanical systems were reviewed and assessed including an April 2024 compression test taken 2 minutes after warming temperatures were achieved returning the following numbers after warming 1 – 175, 2 – 180, 3 – 190, 4 – 185, 5 – 180, 6 – 185, 7 – 195, 8 – 190. Additionally, the complex turn indicator/high low beam/wiper switch has been rebuilt and performs all functions properly.

Today this Indy presents with honest exterior finishes and respectable mechanical performance. The paint is bright and smoothly executed with very good coverage and high gloss and no stone chips of note on the front facing surfaces. The right front fender has heat blisters which resulted from carburetor backfire which ignited a brief fire affecting the paint in that area. Thankfully the car is accompanied by a spare can of paint supplied from the recent respray. Both the front and rear valence areas are in generally good condition and the body panels appear consistent throughout having benefited from selective cosmetic improvements in recent years.

The hood, passenger side door, and rear glass open and shut properly with good fit and body panel match consistent with the overall presentation considering the handmade nature of these cars. The retractable headlight doors show excellent fit to the body lines. The Campagnolo wheels are in generally good condition with some curb rash evident on two wheels. A set of contemporary brand Goodyear tires are fitted showing ample tread remaining. Chrome plating on the front and rear bumpers is in very good condition surrounded by rubber perimeter trim. The uniquely designed exterior door handles and various exterior trim are also in very good condition. The side glass and windshield, polished stainless rocker panel covers, and Maserati script are also in very good condition.

The interior remains complete and cohesively presented with generally good to very good finishes on what appears to be largely original equipment. The front seats have been recovered in black leather under prior ownership and are comfortable with good bolsters and structural support. The remaining interior including the door panels and rear seats are in rather nice condition, appearing to be original to the car. The carpeting appears to be original and shows signs of age consistent with the mileage displayed. The larger main instruments, wood-rimmed steering wheel and smaller gauges are nicely finished, displaying clear lensing, consistent coloring, bright numbers, and crisp needles. At the rear of the car, the expansive glass stretches out over the spare tire storage area with clean interior side panels and tidy black carpeting.

The engine compartment and quad cam engine appear as one might expect from a car that has been tended to, but not cosmetically prepared for concours events. Some contemporary updates are evident, but many original features are in place including the correct Maserati data plates along with many Lucas, FIAMM, and uniquely cast Maserati components. Of course, much of the visual delight when lifting the hood is revealed in the quad cam V8 engine including the Maserati name cast into the cam covers. The undercarriage is clean and reflective of enjoyable use consistent with the indicated miles. There is no visible evidence of structural damage on the floor or frame sections. Newer exhaust and mufflers have been installed running the length of the car, just aft of the headers. The chassis and floor pans display typical age, but otherwise show no visible signs of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension attachment points.

Driving this Maserati, the V8 quad cam delivers impressive sounds and power. The car starts and warms up properly, the oil pressure gauge indicates proper operational range, and other instruments read as intended. The 5-speed ZF gearbox operates with smooth action and a responsive clutch pedal, though a future clutch adjustment would be prudent Under current use, the engine operates smoothly, however, occasionally coolant drips from the water pump, which will require an eventual remedy, and the electric tachometer, though formerly operational, is currently not working. General engine operation is quite good with progressive power through all gears enhanced by a favorable driving position courtesy of the expansive curved windscreen, vast rear glass, and comfortable driving position which offer panoramic visibility and ease of parking, a feature often absent from exotic cars. Spacious cabin, room for luggage, and thoughtful accommodations for larger drivers, including more legroom, headroom, and a wider cabin make the Maserati Indy a very usable exotic, ideal for events and weekend tours. This Indy is accompanied by a spare can of matching blue metallic paint.

Regarded by many as a handsome final offering from the golden age of sports car design, Maserati’s refined quad-cam V8 engine coupled with 5-speed ZF gearbox and Vignale coachwork, capture GT motoring excellence in a very well-balanced performance car. Celebrated for its unique GT heritage and powerful performance history, this Maserati Indy presents a wonderful opportunity for an enthusiast to drive, refine as needed, and enjoy for many years to come.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608