Maserati Khamsin - 1978
Coachwork by Bertone
430 ex.
Maserati's final major introduction while under Citroën's control, the Khamsin (named after a hot Sahara Desert wind) debuted at the 1972 Turin Show and entered production in 1974. Styled by Marcello Gandini and built at Bertone, the Khamsin's attractive, unitary construction, 2+2 hatchback body was of all-steel construction. The Khamsin featured state-of-the-art, all-independent, double-wishbone suspension similar to that of the mid-engined Bora and Merak which, combined with a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, endowed it with near perfect balance. The Khamsin's front-engined layout made it easier to control close to the limit, while the speed-sensitive power steering enabled it to be driven as effortlessly in town as when crossing the Continent.
Citroën's hydraulic technology powered the brakes and steering - the latter, in particular, being rated as highly effective by testers - and also to raise the concealed headlamps. Designed by legendary engineering genius Giulio Alfieri, the power unit was a 4,9-litre version of Maserati's familiar quad-cam V8 developing 320 bhp and a lusty 354 lb/ft of torque. A five-speed ZF manual gearbox or three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission were options, and when equipped with the former the Khamsin was good for around 240 km/h. The Khamsin was Maserati's biggest-engined and most expensive offering at the time of its introduction, and thus could justifiably claim to be its top-of-the-range model. By virtue of its front-engined layout, the Khamsin offered greater practicality than the mid-engined Bora, providing a roomier and more comfortable interior, and superior luggage carrying capacity. In 1977 the Khamsin benefited from a minor facelift that included the addition of three small vents at the bonnet front to improve cooling. Only 430 Khamsins were produced, 140 of them with the three-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.
Finished in Argento (silver) with red leather interior, this Khamsin left the Modena factory on 29th September 1978, bound for the USA. It has the desirable five-speed manual gearbox and is a matching numbers and matching colours example (see Maserati Classiche email on file). The Maserati has been back in Italy since 1999, and from 2007 to 2012 belonged to a well-known sports car dealer near Verona. Since 2012, the car has formed part of the current vendor's private collection. Importantly, this Khamsin has been returned to European specification with the rear light clusters fitted in the glass panel, a much more aesthetically pleasing solution than that of the awkward US-specification models, which had the light cluster below the glass panel.
Rome-based classic engine specialist, Paolo Centazzo, has recently completed a comprehensive rebuild of the engine. The work included fitting new pistons, new bearings throughout, new valve guides and valve seats, a new timing chain, and a new clutch. A photographic record of the engine rebuild available and comes with the car, together with confirmation from Paolo Centazzo. Since the work was finished in September 2016 the car has been driven only a minimal distance. Offered with Italian registration documents, it is a stunning example of this classic wedge-shaped Maserati in a most attractive colour combination, with the added benefit of a freshly rebuilt engine.
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Sold for € 178.250
Estimated : € 180.000 - 220.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2017
Maserati Khamsin - 1978
Coachwork by Bertone
430 ex.
Maserati's final major introduction while under Citroën's control, the Khamsin (named after a hot Sahara Desert wind) debuted at the 1972 Turin Show and entered production in 1974. Styled by Marcello Gandini and built at Bertone, the Khamsin's attractive, unitary construction, 2+2 hatchback body was of all-steel construction. The Khamsin featured state-of-the-art, all-independent, double-wishbone suspension similar to that of the mid-engined Bora and Merak which, combined with a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, endowed it with near perfect balance. The Khamsin's front-engined layout made it easier to control close to the limit, while the speed-sensitive power steering enabled it to be driven as effortlessly in town as when crossing the Continent.
Citroën's hydraulic technology powered the brakes and steering - the latter, in particular, being rated as highly effective by testers - and also to raise the concealed headlamps. Designed by legendary engineering genius Giulio Alfieri, the power unit was a 4,9-litre version of Maserati's familiar quad-cam V8 developing 320 bhp and a lusty 354 lb/ft of torque. A five-speed ZF manual gearbox or three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission were options, and when equipped with the former the Khamsin was good for around 240 km/h. The Khamsin was Maserati's biggest-engined and most expensive offering at the time of its introduction, and thus could justifiably claim to be its top-of-the-range model. By virtue of its front-engined layout, the Khamsin offered greater practicality than the mid-engined Bora, providing a roomier and more comfortable interior, and superior luggage carrying capacity. In 1977 the Khamsin benefited from a minor facelift that included the addition of three small vents at the bonnet front to improve cooling. Only 430 Khamsins were produced, 140 of them with the three-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.
Finished in Argento (silver) with red leather interior, this Khamsin left the Modena factory on 29th September 1978, bound for the USA. It has the desirable five-speed manual gearbox and is a matching numbers and matching colours example (see Maserati Classiche email on file). The Maserati has been back in Italy since 1999, and from 2007 to 2012 belonged to a well-known sports car dealer near Verona. Since 2012, the car has formed part of the current vendor's private collection. Importantly, this Khamsin has been returned to European specification with the rear light clusters fitted in the glass panel, a much more aesthetically pleasing solution than that of the awkward US-specification models, which had the light cluster below the glass panel.
Rome-based classic engine specialist, Paolo Centazzo, has recently completed a comprehensive rebuild of the engine. The work included fitting new pistons, new bearings throughout, new valve guides and valve seats, a new timing chain, and a new clutch. A photographic record of the engine rebuild available and comes with the car, together with confirmation from Paolo Centazzo. Since the work was finished in September 2016 the car has been driven only a minimal distance. Offered with Italian registration documents, it is a stunning example of this classic wedge-shaped Maserati in a most attractive colour combination, with the added benefit of a freshly rebuilt engine.
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Sold for € 178.250
Estimated : € 180.000 - 220.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2017