1971 Maserati Indy
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Year of manufacture1971
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Mileage40 206 mi / 64 706 km
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Car typeOther
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Lot number0057
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Reference number3950
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DriveLHD
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ConditionUsed
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Exterior brand colourother
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
Description
Chassis No. AM116/49 1208
Engine No. AM107/49 1208
This exceptional 1971 Maserati Indy 4900 exemplifies Maserati's Citroën-backed transition into the 1970s, combining the firm's racing heritage with practical grand touring luxury. Named to commemorate Wilbur Shaw's consecutive Indianapolis 500 victories in 1939 and 1940-the first consecutive winner in the race's history-Maserati's Indy debuted at the 1968 Turin Motor Show to widespread acclaim.
Carrozzeria Vignale's Virginio Vairo penned the Indy as a true four-place fastback, combining practical features like the glass hatchback with sophisticated unibody construction to create a car equally suited for spirited drives and comfortable touring. Early cars carried the 4.2- and 4.7-liter V8s, but in spring 1971, Maserati unveiled the more potent Tipo AM 116/49 4.9-liter engine, boosting output to 320 horsepower and raising the top speed to 165 mph. With total Indy production reaching just 1,104 units across all variants, the 4900 remains the most exclusive and powerful iteration with only 300 built worldwide.
Grossman Motor Cars of New York commissioned this left-hand-drive example in April 1971, with production scheduled for September of that year. The car was appointed with generous standard equipment including leather upholstery, tinted electric windows, air conditioning, and Borrani dial forged wheels, plus the optional power steering and Blaupunkt AM/FM radio-specifications confirmed by the accompanying Maserati Classiche documentation. Between 2016 and 2017, Gran Turismo of Los Angeles undertook a comprehensive year-long restoration, refinishing the body and brightwork while retrimming the interior in vibrant red leather. Following its restoration, the previous owner showed the car at the 2022 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance as well as the 2023 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance. Upon passing into current California ownership in early 2024, the Indy received an oil service and additional tuning on the carburetors, and has since been enjoyed sparingly as part of a collection of unique Italian sports cars.
Between 1971 and 1974, Maserati produced a mere 39 U.S.-market Indys equipped with the highly desirable ZF five-speed manual transaxle mated to the carbureted 4.9-liter V8, making chassis number 1208 the most exclusive of its kind. Significantly, this stunning example still retains its original, matching numbers Tipo AM 116/49 V8 engine, as confirmed by its factory provided Certificate of Original and copies of original build documentation. It is additionally offered with a tool kit, jack, full size spare, and a file of restoration and maintenance invoices. Well maintained since its acquisition by the current owner in 2024, this superb grand tourer is undoubtedly one of the finest restored examples of its type, and would present a unique, comfortable, and potent entry for any number of vintage rallies or Concours.

