Indy - Thoughts, opinions, experiences, recommendations??

I can send you a copy of a Road & Track road test of an Indy if you so desire.

 

They would make excellent parts cars for restoring a Ghibli. Quite a bit is the same (mechanically) particularly the power steering (rare in the Ghibli).

Otherwise they are unlikely to ever be worth the cost of any significant repairs.

 

I've had 11 Maseratis, but haven't owned an Indy as of yet. They are basically the same mechanically as my Ghibli & somewhat as my Khamsin. Compared to Ferraris or Lamborghini of the same era, Maseratis are far more reliable and have better build quality.

Their overall performance is not quite on the same level as the Ferrari or Lamborghini, but are much more refined cars. As far as the styling is concerned while the Indy is not a drop dead gorgeous like a Ghibli, but it is not ugly either. It is a very clean well proportioned design that serves its purpose very well. (A 2 + 2 with ample headroom & legroom for rear seat passengers)

What the Indy does suffer from in the design department is what I call 308 Syndrome. How many people on this list when they go to a show would stop and take a close look at a 308? Not many, we've become a bit jaded. But the 308 is actually a beautiful car and the only way it can really be appreciated is to see it out in an everyday setting amongst the Toyotas, BMWs, Hondas etc of the world. The Indy is the same way, at a show an Indy won't grab your attention, but when one pulls into a local gas station, it will get everyone's attention.

Joe
Ghibli SS #2110
Khamsin #1226
Mistral #1216
Bora #1046

 

The Indy is a much cheaper alternative to the Ghibli, as I am sure you know. The Indy can be had in decent shape for $20,000. I have seen examples in need of restoration from local and printed specialty sellers for anywhere from $16,000 to as little as $10,000. I am more familiar with the Indy than the Ghibli, despite my loving the Ghibli. I always found the Indy to be a fickle machine, but most of those issues can be worked out. Automatic trannies are NOT for the performance enthusiast; get the five-speed ZF manual if you can. The most dreadful issue I know with the Indy comes from electrical matters. Re-wire the car if you can. The car is available in three engine configurations ranging from 4.2 to 4.9 L.

The problem with buying a rough-condition, low-price Indy is the same with the Ferrari 308s: they are expensive to restore. If you are looking to restore one for the purpose of reselling it, you'll probably be out of luck. If you are looking for one for the right reason (for the pleasure of bringing a classic back to life), this will be a wonderful challenge. Make your life easier by researching everything you can about the Indy from book guides.
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Actually not true, also note that MIE has changed ownership in the last few years. Th new owner, Kerry McMullen is great guy, having owned Maseratis for over 20 years. Since Kerry bought the company, I've purchased more parts through them in the last couple of years than I did in the previous 15 combined.

Joe

 

To a degree, yes. I give such a liberal answer because fittings and measurements on Italian cars have been almost universal from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. Alfas, Fiats, and Lancias share components; and Fiat helped produce components for Ferrari-Maserati. For example, the five-speed manual transmission architecture was the standard for Italian automobiles from the 1960s to the 1990s. Hemmings is always a good source for parts. I have always found Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com) to be a prime, but time-consuming source for parts.

 

Hi beng,
and also, the INDY has the best aerodynamic design of all classic Maseratis. This makes the car very fast when the engine is done propperly! I saw INDY`s here with tunes engines and they went like hell!! if you buy one you get a lot of car for considerably cheap money!

Ciao!
Walter

 

Did you buy an Indy?

Best regards,
Magnus

 

By the best You Can Get!The 4,2s are revvier,an can be wery fast-if tuned properly.I had a Slightly tuned 4,2 from 1970 AM 116.322,its now sold.I Changed all the Electrics on the car(big problem)And Fixed Rusty Floor.The Engine was 100%OK,and also gearbox.Make sure that the Igition Curve is set right first,then set the Carbs!
Look For Leaking Clutch(Girling)Slave cylinder.Both upper and Lower.The ServoSteering was an option on the 4,2 L Cars.Also-Change to Carbotech Brake pads in the front-does wonders for Braking.They dont have Pads for the Back so You can use Red Stuff there.I had that Configuration,and Drove my Maserati Indy on the Race Track without any Problems!Also used Blue Dot 4 Racing Fluid.The Car was Loud and Fast!What I wanted to do was to Change the wheels to use more modern Tyres,but they have to be custom made(original 205/14 70,or 215/15 70)as the Bolt Circle Is 130mm/4.

But Check the electrics,Gauges etc.Also Check the Windshield for leaks(When it rains it can be pouring in)because its common that the rubber seal is dry,and so when you are cought in the rain it pours in.Also check that the Hydr.lifts to the Trunk works.They tend to get bad.Rear Defroster,often is the contact broken.
Check that both the Fuelpumps works,same as on Jaguar.You have to flick a switch.Check the Window lifts who are slow as as standard.Check Racing Light Motors.

Check the levers on the steerng wheel.They are often broken,and hard to Find.Its the same Type as in Ferrari Dino.If they are broken expect to pay 800 Euros,if you find any.I had to change mine.Check the AC Kompressor,so it doesent break down.Does it work?Probably not.Repair it,or remove it.If it brakes it can cause that you will need a tow truck. All Rubber seals tend to get dry by age,so if they havent been changed-you probably have to change them.Also some few drops of oil from the Engine and gerabox is common,as long that it doesent leak to much.A 10.000USD Car is Probably a restoration project.
In Europe we will ha to pay at least 25-35.000 Euros for a decent car.Thats not complete Restauration job.

But still,when it works-its a Fantastic car-and It was Great Fun Roaring down the Long Straight on Mantorp Race Track Passing a Ferrari 275 GTB at 220KMH!

 

Here are some Pictures From the Event!
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Nice to read that you bought an Indy. Hi there Patrik G. A photo of mine Indy 4700 America.

Best regards,
Magnus
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Congratulations!You Might Find a Replacement Cluster at Campana In Italy ask for Mrs Silvia Vaccari.You will get the Internal Light Switch Function on a Separate button,Besides that are they working wery well!They are Not Spot on,but close enough.They work well though.Saluti!Patrik

 

Hi There My Friend!

The Street looks like Your Dream Alley!
Nice to see you here as Well!I have a Guy that Wants to Buy My ex Indy From the Current Owner!He Called me now about it!Saw that there was a Indy 4,9 at Padova.

Ciao!/Patrik

 

hi there Patrik and Magnus etc.. Spend 2 hours one evening searching the net, starting with the club pages, follow their links to the specialists and their spare inventory. Then start searching for parts on the forums like this one. Then ebay etc.. Put in the hours and it pays off..

Nik

 

I am interested in purchasing an Indy or a Khamsin. Does anyone know of one for sale in the U.S.? Must be stick shift and prefer some color other than bright red.

Thanks,
Bob

 

This One is For sale In Sweden.Same owner since 1979.
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Okey Nik!So You found me here as well!Saluti!

 

Maserati Indy 4,7
Asking Price is 30.000Euros