Lot 054: 1971 Maserati Indy 4.7

Although not officially announced until the March 1969 Geneva Salon, the Maserati Indy had appeared in prototype guise on Carrozzeria Vignale's stand at the previous season's Turin Salon. Named in honour of the marque's two great Indianapolis 500 victories (1939, 1940) the newcomer was artfully styled; its crisp lines belying a capacious 2+2 interior. Notable as the first Maserati to employ unit construction, the fastback coupe was equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a well-located 'live' rear axle, front / rear anti-roll bars, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and recirculating-ball steering. Boasting a longer wheelbase (2598mm) and wider track (1448mm) than its Ghibli sibling, the Indy was initially powered by a 4.1 litre 'quad-cam' light alloy V8 allied to either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Though, the arrival of a 4.7 litre version at the 1970 Turin Salon raised the model's impressive performance levels still further. Indeed with a quoted 290bhp and 282lbft of torque on tap, the larger-engined car was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 17.6 seconds and nigh on 160mph. Visually distinguished by its deeper full-length chrome door sill and re-positioned front indicators, the 4.7 litre Indy also sported a redesigned dashboard, passenger grab handle and retractable front headrests. A worthy rival to the contemporary Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, the Maserati Indy was well received by the press and public alike; Motor magazine praising the Italian thoroughbred's "tremendous performance", "outstandingly smooth and quiet yet race-bred V8" and "responsive handling". Of the 364 4.7 litre cars made, just 35 were to right-hand drive manual specification. Finished in light metallic turquoise with black leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Believed but not warranted to have covered 76,000 miles from new, its impressive specification includes: "a five-speed manual gearbox, wooden steering wheel, period radio, tailor-made luggage cover, stainless steel exhaust, tinted glass, working air-conditioning, electronic ignition, power assisted steering, electric windows, Tarox front disc brakes, unleaded valve seats, rear seat belts and twin fuel tanks". Apparently last owned by a solicitor, the Maserati is said to "drive exceptionally well on the road with no squeaks or rattles". Further benefiting from "a full Maserati handbook (and copy), crack-free dashboard, detailed engine bay, good chromework and past maintenance by Maserati Service (going back to 1989), 'GVG 202K' rides on correct type Campagnolo alloy wheels. Worthy of close inspection, this enticing Indy is offered for sale with bills thought to total approximately £30,000 and MOT certificate valid until July 2009.