Beschreibung:

4,930cc DOHC V8 Engine 4 Weber Carburetors 320bhp at 5,500rpm 5-Speed Manual Transmission Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *One of only 300 Indy 4900s produced *Numbers maching engine *Desirable ZF 5-Speed Manual Gearbox – 1 of only 39 sent to the US *Exceptional Candidate for Tours and Classic Rallies *Giovanni Michelotti-Designed Coachwork by Vignale THE MASERATI INDY Maserati followed up its stunning, Ghia-styled Ghibli two-seater with the equally elegant Indy 2+2. Though the latter, announced in 1968 and noteworthy as the first unitary construction Maserati, was the work of Carrozzeria Vignale. The Indy first appeared publicly on Vignale's stand at the 1968 Turin Motor Show and was officially launched by Maserati at the Geneva Salon in 1969. Running gear was conventional, with independent front suspension, live rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes, while the power unit was—initially—the Modena firm's well-tried, 4.1-liter, four-cam V8, with 4.7- and 4.9-liter versions following. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a three-speed Borg Warner automatic available to special order. With 260bhp on tap, the top speed of Maserati's luxury four-seater was in the region of 150mph, a figure the subsequent larger-engined versions improved upon. The sleek Vignale coachwork was so effective that the Indy was able to carry four people in relative comfort without impairing its performance as a sports car. In 4.9-liter form, the Indy's claimed maximum increased to 320bhp, which pushed its top speed to 165mph (266km/h). Power steering and air conditioning were standard on the "4900" model, 300 of which were made between 1972 and 1975. Autocar magazine's summary was one of almost unalloyed praise, "Classic touring car with vee-8 engine and 160mph potential. Beautifully smooth power unit, silky gearbox and light, power assisted steering. Good brakes, balanced handling, comfortable ride, superb stability. High price but few disappointments." THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Bonhams is pleased to offer this outstanding 1971 Maserati Indy 4900. The car is the 45th example of only 300 Indy 4900s produced. Adding to its rarity, the car is 1 of only 39 specimens that were sent to the US with the highly desirable ZF 5-speed manual transmission. In accordance with the Maserati Classiche documentation, the Indy was ordered new by Grossman Motor Cars of New York in April of 1971, with a production date set for September of that same year. The grand tourer was outfitted with air conditioning, power steering, Borrani dial forged wheels, power windows, and a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. In 2016, the Indy and its 4.9-liter power plant were the recipients of a comprehensive, yearlong restoration which has left the car in impeccable condition. The exterior received new paint and chrome, the interior was completely re-trimmed, and the mechanics and electrics were sorted. Receipts from the restoration are on file, detailing the extensive work performed. The car retains its original, numbers matching 4.9-liter engine that it was fitted with at the factory. The Indy is accompanied by its original owner's manual, tool kit, Maserati Classiche documentation, certificate of origin, and restoration receipts. The Indy is often praised as one of Maserati's great road cars of the era. The classic Vignale coachwork perfectly emphasized the cars outstanding performance, yet gives the car enough elegance to make it worthy of the trident on the hood. With its 4.9-liter engine, ZF 5-speed manual transmission, and desirable livery, this particular example is undoubtedly one of the finest. An excellent car for high-speed rallies such as the Copperstate 1000, this stylish Indy 4900 is ready for its next caretaker.