1973 Maserati Indy 4900

1973 Maserati Indy 4900 - 5 speed, AC. Most of these were the 4.7L version. Also, most of these were 4 speed, and this one is a rare 5 speed. Also, this car came with factory AC, which was also rare. Everything works as designed. Car has a little over 50,000 miles (81,559 kilometers).
s/n AM116149-1812 engine no. 1812 Red with Tan Leather Interior Introduced in 1969, Maserati Indy was unique because it was intended to replace two models. With production of both the Mexico and Quattroporte winding down, Maserati needed a new, more modern four place car to supplement the already well-received Ghibli. The Indy was styled similarly (and built by Vignale) and was also powered by Maserati`s venerable quad-cam V8, initially in 4.2 litre form, then in 4.7 litre form, and finally in 4.9 litre form with the motor from the Ghibli SS. Just 300 4.9s were built, making them the rarest of all Indy variants. Equipped with power steering, a pair of back seats and a large rear hatch that included the rear window, the Indy is a much more practical and pleasant to drive car than the Ghibli and could be enjoyed more regularly, in much the same way the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is a less exhausting car to drive than the 365 GTB/4 `Daytona`. Indeed, journalist Paul Fre described the car perfectly, as `very fast and very bourgeois`. This particular was originally a California car, but has been in Alabama with its current owner for the last eleven years and remains quite original. It has been well-kept over the years, rather than ever having been disassembled and restored. The original air conditioning was upgraded to R134 Freon. The car is also reported to have won 2nd in class at Concorso Italiano several years ago. Cosmetically, the car is presentable and attractive, with a reasonably good quality older repaint to standards that are consistent with the car`s contemporary value. The paint remains in good condition with a few chips and cracks, but is still quite glossy. The body is straight and rust-free, with good gaps and operation of doors and deck lids. The chrome is on the whole presentable. The lights, lenses, and glass are very good. The interior is in beautiful original condition and has been well-preserved. The leather on the seats shows some creasing but remains supple. The remaining leather on the door panels and dash is excellent. The dash top shows some mild fading but no shrinkage, and the remainder of the interior such as the switches, chrome, gauges, carpet, and headliner is excellent. The trunk is quite clean and upholstered in matching carpet to the interior. Access is very easy thanks to the large hatch. The engine compartment is very clean and presentable and looks to have been well taken care of. The car works well with excellent synchros on all gears, including 2nd when both warm and cold, and great V8 exhaust noise. The power steering makes this car easy to maneuver and visibility is excellent. The Citroen-derived brakes are extremely effective and the car feels tight and solid. This is an opportunity to acquire a thoroughbred Italian V8 grand tourer that is in very usable condition. The car is cosmetically attractive and makes a great impression, and the car is a pleasure to use. The packaging is practical as well, ensuring that this is a car you can really enjoy. The condition conduces to the cars use as well, since it makes a strong visual impression yet is not too nice to be enjoyed. With Ferrari prices continuing to escalate, Maseratis continue to represent excellent values, though they too are increasing as the general market continues to be bullish. Maserati Indy manuals and materials included with sale. Seller reserves the right to end auction at any time as it is listed for sale outside Ebay.