1 of 430 ever produced
Maserati’s top-of-the-range model in its day
Long under the radar in terms of historical recognition and valuation, the Khamsin has in recent years gained the appreciation and respect it deserved
The Khamsin is powered by Maserati's classic, 4.9-litre, four-cam, dry-sump, alloy V8 engine - as used in its Ghibli SS predecessor - which on Weber 42 DCNF carburettors produced 320bhp and a stump-pulling 355.5lb/ft of torque, the latter more than the Ferrari Daytona
Maserati Khamsin are as traffic-stopping today as when the car was new
 
The prototype Tipo AM120 Khamsin was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November 1972.
A production version followed at the Paris Motor Show in October 1973 and the first customer cars were delivered before the end of that year.
Like several of its forbears, the new car was named after a desert wind. The Khamsin is the wind that blows from the southeast across Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
It is one of the very finest Grand Touring cars ever built and the last Maserati of the classic era designed under the technical stewardship of legendary chief engineer, Giulio Alfieri.
It was also, being slightly more expensive than the mid-engined Bora, the top of the Maserati range in its day.
The front-mounted engine was positioned well back in the steel monocoque for a 50/50 weight distribution.
To insulate passengers from transmission noise and vibration, Maserati added a dampered rear subframe to support the suspension and differential.
At 2550mm, the Khamsin’s wheelbase was identical to the Ghibli. But where the Ghibli had used an antiquated live rear axle, the Khamsin featured independent double wishbone suspension all round.
Like the Ferrari BB and Lamborghini Countach, single spring / damper units were installed at the front with two per side at the rear.
Anti-roll bars were fitted at either end.
To maximise luggage space, unequal size fuel tanks with an overall capacity of 95-litres were fitted either side of the rear seats. For the same reason, Maserati located the spare wheel underneath the front radiator.
Apart from the addition of Bosch electronic ignition, the Khamsin engine was identical to the Ghibli SS.
The Khamsin was the first Maserati production model designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, whose supremely talented stylist Marcello Gandini. Bertone had established itself at the vanguard of wedge design.
Ground-breaking creations such as the Alfa Romeo Carabo, Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos had taken the industry by storm; it was easy to see why both Maserati and Ferrari broke with convention and turned to Bertone in the early 1970s.
Its sales were hurt by the 1973 energy crisis.
August 1975 saw Maserati ownership pass to an Italian state-owned holding company and Alessandro De Tomaso.
New models followed in 1976 (the Kyalami) and 1979 (the Quattroporte Series 3), both of which were rebodied De Tomasos with Maserati engines.
Production was discontinued in 1982, by which time 430 Khamsins had been manufactured.
71 were right-hand drive and 155 were exported to the USA.
The Khamsin was not replaced because, in late 1981, Maserati’s Biturbo era began in an attempt to seek mainstream success for the company.
 
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This very rare Khamsin was completed at Maserati's Modena workshops in 1975.
It was built as a Left-Hand-Drive car example with automatic gearbox. In a later stadium, the car was converted to a manual gearbox.
The car was originally Arancio (orange) and is today finished in a beautiful Rosso Fuoco with Senape Connolly leather interior.
Early in its history, in 1978 it was purchased from Sheikh in London until it was laid up in 1998.
In 2000 Luc Laureys sold the Kamshin via auction.
Currently, the car displays less than 24,500 miles on its odometer, all of which are believed to be original.
The car remains in beautiful condition today, and appears to have been well-maintained and preserved. Engine / gearbox completely done.
 
CONDITION EXTERIOR
Over-restored cars are nowadays common but the real car enthusiast is focused on originality.
This car has been once resprayed in it’s current red color. That’s the reason why the car looks so nice.
The paint is from a high quality and shows nicely.
The aluminium parts as well as the chrome are in a very nice condition as well.
Windows, lamp glasses and other small details are all looking a very nice original order.
 
CONDITION INTERIOR
The interior is absolute unique being fully original and in a superb condition.
The details of the instrumentation, details, and woodwork are excellent.
The original leather seats have survived impressively well over the years.
 
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Long under the radar in terms of historical recognition and valuation, the Khamsin has in recent years gained the appreciation and respect it always deserved.
This stunning Maserati Khamsin exudes class and elegance, making admirers stop for a second look.
The Khamsin has neutral handling and is as agile as many smaller sports cars.
Well-padded seats are comfortable for long journeys, visibility is very good and all the controls fell easily to hand.
As special as they are rare, Khamsins have a devoted following and tend to be kept for many years by connoisseur owners.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful example of Maserati’s ultimate Grand Touring car in its stunning original colours.
Its perfect proportions, vertical rear glass with hanging tail lights, and asymmetrical louvres on the bonnet hinting at the mighty engine beneath, are as traffic-stopping today as when the car was new.