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Affordable Exotic? 1970 Maserati Indy

This 1970 Maserati Indy is an unusual find to see appear on craigslist, as it’s a slice of ’70s exotica that is usually reserved for the likes of Bonhams or Sotheby’s. Still, that’s the funny thing about even modern-day Maseratis, as they tend to trade for slightly less money than their kissing cousins over at Ferrari. That being said, I would much prefer an offering from the 70s than any of the company’s modern-day products, as you can’t match the style or swagger of a four-seater grand tourer like this Indy. The listing is short on details but does mention it was sold new to a service member overseas. Find it here on craigslist for $49,500.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find. The Maserati wears a very pretty shade of paint the seller refers to as Caribbean Blue, which is likely what was on the mind of the member of the armed forces as he loaded his beauty onto a plane or ship for transport home. The Indy combined V8 power with four-seat convenience, joining the ranks of other Italian grand tourers that apparently saw the need for more passengers to enjoy the experience of piloting a GT car with a sonorous powerplant. The back tailgate added a layer of convenience not normally associated with a sports car, but I doubt the original owners were thinking about Home Depot runs when they bought it.

The heart of the Maserati is a four-cam, 250 b.h.p. V8 that broke from tradition with older models relying on six-cylinder powerplants. The seller doesn’t include any details about recent engine maintenance (or any details on the health of the drivetrain, really) but one can hope a car as special as this has been treated properly. The engine bay looks reasonably complete but by no means is in a show car state of preservation; however, that could simply mean the Indy has been used as a regular Sunday drive, which does far more good for the health of the car than simply sitting in a static collection. The listing simply says it “…runs and drives great.”

It also claims the asking price puts it in the territory of being “…priced to sell,” which may be a fair statement. The lower end of prices I’ve seen for properly presented and marketed cars is around $65,000, so the seller is likely correct that the ask here is a good one. However, when you see the interior, it reinforces what the under-hood pictures looked like in terms of being presentable but not overly detailed. While I stand by my statement that I prefer to see exotics like this actually used as intended, there’s also some concern that not enough proactive maintenance has been performed. For the asking price, perhaps there’s a cushion baked in that will help pay for some deferred repairs.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Mr. Bond

    Wow. Too bad the borders closed. Bet it sells quickly.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar photo Luki

    Hagerty rates a number 3 condition 4.2 Indy at $54.5k.
    This is a 3 minus car so no deal here.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar photo Slantasaurus

    But does it do 185???

    Like 13
    • Avatar photo aboyandhisdog

      I wouldn’t know. I lost my license, now I don’t drive.

      Like 16
    • Avatar photo Bruce

      The real answer is no about 155 to 165 depending upon the gear set used and rear end ratio.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar photo giorgitd

    Wonderful exterior color. Limited pics of the interior suggests that there may be a big lift there. Needs eyeballs-on to come close to the ask.

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo DayDreamBeliever

      Jeff sez: “However, when you see the interior, ”

      But…. there are so few (not good ones) photos of the interior. giorgitd is generous by saying “Limited pics of the interior..”

      Yea, a tiny bit of the passenger seat, none of the driver’s seat, none of the back seat, none of the headliner, partial of the passenger footwell/carpet, etc…. Yea, OK we get a shot of the passenger-side dash (from the driver’s side) and an ok/not great one of the instruments….

      There is a lot unseen here!

      Like 0
  5. Avatar photo KEVIN L HARPER

    Hey I have one of these in the same exterior color as this one.
    This car looks pretty decent but could have used a good detailing to help it sell. You absolutely need to check this car out before buying. Vintage maserati parts are very expensive and they didn’t do any rust proofing.
    The manual is a plus.
    These are good size cars, about the size of an Jag XK8, and they are really touring cars not sports cars.

    Like 10
    • Avatar photo Tom Member

      Come on Kev, detailing? Vacuum the floor mats? Wash it? NAH. That’s crazy talk !!

      Sorry, had to be sarcastic. As a Master Detailer I just don’t understand how people don’t “clean up a car” to sell it to get maximum price even if it needs work!

      Like 6
  6. Avatar photo DS Lover

    The back tailgate reminds me of a Citroen SM.

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo DayDreamBeliever

      I was going to say reminiscent of a Saab Sonnett.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar photo Bruce

    I would agree with Kevin. Think of the size as a narrower Mid 80’s-90’s Camaro as it is a two door. The room inside is very nice but it is taller and longer than you might expect. If you are over 6′ this might be a good exotic for you. They are truly impressive in the flesh.

    The V-8 engine is a variation of the Maserati racing V-8 of the 1950’s and the biggest problem that I have ever heard is with the water pump. The rest of the engine tends to be rock solid. As for Rust that is a critical issue with any 1960’s Italian car. These were better built and protected then most but the paints and other methods of rust proofing were not up to todays standards. The interiors were however as good or in some ways better than what you can get today.

    The chances of you seeing another pass by on the street is almost non existent and while subtle this car will turn heads. Be warned they tend to be thirsty creatures, especially if you have an need for speed but speed they will give you with comfort better then you might expect. And you can take the kids along or have a couples night out. Hard to do that with most sports cars.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar photo JoeNYWF64

    What a spectacular wrap around windshield! – & 4 direction visibilty.
    Would prefer steering wheel with spokes at 9, 6, & 3 o clock, & openable door vent windows.

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo DayDreamBeliever

      Wheel is turned in the one photo of the dash… Note the markings on the spoke near the rim. F.I.V. Maybe initials of the first owner? Anyway, I think that should be bottom center to be upright, guessing spokes are then at 2, 6, and 10. Leaves room for the hands to be at 3 and 9.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar photo t-bone bob

    Where is it, Jeff?

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo DayDreamBeliever

      The CL post is from Orange County, California. Identified city is Costa Mesa.

      Like 0

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