In 1969 Maserati’s rapidly expanding model lineup welcomed another new arrival in the form of the fastback four-seater Indy coupé. The Indy, named after the Indianapolis racetrack where Maserati triumphed in both 1939 and 1940, was envisaged to provide a roomier and more practical grand touring alternative to the sporty Ghibli. As such, it replaced the Sebring on the production line and received a 4.2 liter 90° V8 in place of the earlier model’s straight six. In a road test from the time, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport confirmed the Indy 4.2’s top speed at 246.7 kph (154 mph).

The Indy’s styling was the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti, working for Turin’s Vignale coachworks, and was especially pleasing due to a smooth front nose incorporating pop-up headlights and ample windows providing an airy feeling to the cabin. Besides ensuring a low drag factor and superior stability at high speeds, the aerodynamic fastback rear also provided the benefit of a tailgate, making access to the spacious loading area all the more convenient.

The Indy prototype was introduced at the 1968 Turin Motor Show, where it competed with another proposal by Ghia, the Simùn (see One-offs and Concept Cars). Although penned by Ghibli designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Simùn was rejected in favor of Vignale’s creation which made its debut in production trim at the following Geneva motor show, in March 1969.