Description
This car is Lot 431 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Beaulieu Sale on 6 September, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 5 September from 10:00 until 17:00 and Saturday 6 September from 08:30 until 17:00 at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Lot 431
1971 Maserati Indy 4. 2 Coupé
Registration no. not UK registered (see text)
Chassis no. the details below
One of only 1, 104 built
Rare right-hand drive model
Automatic transmission
Present ownership since 2004
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. 2-litre, four-cam V8, with 4. 7-litre and 4. 9-litre 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.
This rare right-hand drive automatic transmission example was purchased by the collection at a UK auction in 2004 and comes with the purchase invoice. At that time the car was said to have undergone a documented body restoration in 1992, the interior leather trim being re-Connollised at the same time. It was also stated that the car had benefited from a considerable amount of work carried out on the engine and gearbox. Between 2004-2010, works included removal of the front bumper and installation of original headlights; the window seals and locks were repaired. The braking system was cleaned, and the car was fitted with new rear brake pads and consequently bled. The underside of the car was sealed and the leather conditioned. The steering wheel was also re-varnished. Additionally, the front bumper was repainted, and the bumper rubber restored, and the fuel pump was serviced.
The car has been gently recommissioned ahead of sale, which included: fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines replaced, carburettors stripped and rebuilt; fuel tank cleaned and re-sealed; and a new battery installed. We would advise close inspection of the car before returning to the road for regular use.
The paperwork on file consists of a list of the above work from 2004-2010; sundry parts invoices; old maintenance invoices from McGrath Maserati; and an old UK V5 registration document (VGM 700K).
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
