1973 Maserati Indy 4900 Coupé

• One of only 300 '4900' models made
• Delivered new in Milan, Italy
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 2008
• Desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox

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-litre, four-cam V8, with 4.7- and 4.9-litre versions following. 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-litre 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.

As confirmed by the Archivio Storico Maserati, this Indy with the most powerful engine variant left the factory in Modena on 15th May 1973 bound for its first owner in the province of Milan. The delightful colour combination was Marrone Colorado (metallic brown) with a contrasting 'bianco' (white) leather interior. The car remained in or near Milan with another owner from 1988 to 2002 before passing into the ownership of the official Ferrari and Maserati concessionaire Rosso Corsa in 2002. Sold by Rosso Corsa to the preceding owner in 2004, the Indy became part of the vendor's collection in 2008. A few invoices from 2012 come with the car, and it presents nicely with a delightful patinated interior. Importantly, it is fitted with the desirable ZF five speed manual gearbox. Offered with Italian registration documents, sundry invoices and ASI certificate of identity.