Journal: Which Seventies Exotic GT Would You Choose?

Which Seventies Exotic GT Would You Choose?

By Petrolicious
July 16, 2013

1972 Maserati Indy Coupe

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1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2

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Multi-cylinder Italian Gran Turismo coupes from the 1970s are near the top of the automotive cool list. Fast, luxurious, super-chic, and hand-built for a very rich and very discerning few, they may not have quite the incredible style of their counterparts from a decade earlier but come pretty close, and for a fraction of the cost. This week we feature a couple of lesser-known models from the hallowed Modena region.

First, from 1974, we highlight a Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2. Though broadly similar to the much-maligned 400, it remains nonetheless a very attractive old car. Equipped with a derivative of the Daytona’s legendary V12, this one draws through six sidedraft carbs and no doubt makes some lovely noises—all the better to conduct with a five speed manual, itself sprouting from a highly-angled center console surrounded by honey-colored veneers and scattered with delicate switchgear. With four useable seats, an airy, well-lit greenhouse, and a subdued but striking color combination of navy over natural hide, it’s absolutely spot-on for a bit of understated but exotic, late-summer coastal touring.

And then there was the Maserati, specifically, a ’72 Indy coupe. Originally conceived to replace both the Mexico and Quattroporte, the Indy is similar in style and approach to the sublime Ghibli, but with more of an eye towards comfort and luxury than outright beauty and speed—which isn’t to imply they aren’t beautiful or fast. Claimed to be highly original and with only 29,340 miles from new, this one’s a creampuff. One of only 300 thus equipped, this car comes with the Ghibli SS’s 4.9 V8, backed by a 3 speed Borg-Warner automatic for seemless wafting. Just like the Ferrari, this one’s a four seater, or perhaps more accurately a 2+2, as the back seats are more suitable for kids than the more generous items in the GT4—the fronts, however, look like a wonderful place to watch the scenery go by very quickly.

Which flavor of exotic GT do you prefer?

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Bradley Price
Bradley Price
11 years ago

I would take a Khamsin in a heartbeat. Sure it handles like a truck but it looks and sounds amazing.

Nick
Nick
11 years ago

The Daytona would do it for me, thanks

Luc Bonachera
Luc Bonachera
11 years ago
Per Holmen
Per Holmen
11 years ago

I am so biased, but having loads of fun with my EUROPA – http://holmensgarage.blogspot.dk/p/lotus-europa-twin-cam-1972.html

Brett Evans
11 years ago

How about the Lamborghini Espada? That’d be my choice if the choice was given. Between the two, though, it’d be the Ferrari, just for the manual transmission. If the Maser had a stick-shift, that’d be my choice. So pretty.

japanophile25
japanophile25
11 years ago

I like the Maserati personally, though Im usually a Ferrari man. However, Id still take a BMW M1 over both.

Matthew Lange
Matthew Lange
11 years ago

At the BIN price that is pretty big money for a 365GT4 2+2. Hate the Borrani wheels look totally wrong on a car of the 70s and possibly not strong enough if you’re going to drive it hard. Would also want to know more about Federalization as they were all grey market cars in US.

Indy looks nice but would always choose a Khamsin as a Maserati in that price bracket, so (quelle surprise) it’s the Ferrari for me.

Xander Cesari
Xander Cesari
11 years ago

How about the Alfa Romeo Montreal?

Josh Clason
Josh Clason
11 years ago
Reply to  Xander Cesari

The Montreal seems like such a fickle car. Out of these I would probably choose the Ferrari even though I like the looks of the Maserati better.

Afshin Behnia
11 years ago
Reply to  Josh Clason

Hey now! The Montreal is a masterpiece. Just don’t try cornering or breaking. But it’s sure pretty to look at!

Matthew Lange
Matthew Lange
11 years ago
Reply to  Afshin Behnia

I’ve not driven a GT4 2+2 but the mechanically almost identical to a 365GTC4 doesn’t have great brakes and the GT4 is heavier….. You probably wouldn’t buy one for its cornering abilities either.

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