Supercars.net

The Khamsin was Maserati's flagship grand touring car that replaced the Ghibli and was more elaborate than other cars in the range. It featured a large V8 with a pleasant body style by Bertone and a well appointed interior. One of the most controversial features was the rear bodywork which was completely transparent, offering no luggage privacy. Khamsin was the name of a hot Sahara Desert wind.

Marcello Gandini was responsible for the Khamsin's shape and used the Lamborghini Uracco as a starting point. The overall shape was that of a fastback with enough room for the 2+2 seating. The rear glass portion was inspired by the the Lamborghini Marzal and Espada. In 1975, Maserati added a grill in the front nose which affected both European and American models.

Since the Khamsin was made as a grand tourer, it came equipped with power brakes, power clutch and power steering. Some of these systems were sourced from D-series Citroën hydraulics, who owned Maserati at the time. This was the choice of Giulio Alfieri who designed the car and it was also one of the last Maseratis produced under Citroën's control.

Much of the suspension and braking systems were similar to the Bora and Merak with a double-wishbone setup and Citroën SM power brakes. The engine was a long-stroke version of Maserati's V8 that 320bhp at only 5,500rpm. This was mated either to a ZF 5-Speed manual or 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission.

Maserati exported around 150 4.9-liter Khamsins to the States with side marker lights and an emission control system taller final drive ratio that restricted top speed in favor of acceleration. From 1975 to 1977 the US-spec Khamsin was fitted with large rubber bumpers for and aft which seemingly designed as an afterthought. US importer Bob Grossman attributed poor sales to the new look.

Emerson Fittipaldi did a thorough test of the Khamsin in Quattroutte in 1974, where he thoroughly enjoyed the car, it's braking system and the engine.

The first pre-production Khasmin appeared at the 1972 Turin Motor Show and it motivated a series of 450 car to follow. 150 of these ended up the States from 1975 onwards.

Chassis & Sales

AM120-1298-Dating from mid-way through the production cycle and delivered in December, 1977, this immaculately presented Khamsin must be one of few of its kind to have been given a comprehensive restoration. The Maserati was found in Florida by Italian auto aficionado and restorer Gary Bobileff as an undamaged very low mileage example with just over 12,000 miles covered. It was chosen by him as the basis from which to restore it to be the best possible example of its breed and for his own use. It was purchased by the current owner from Bobileff shortly after completion of this work. Sold at Bonhams' Greenwich Concours d'Elegance-Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia sale for $52,650 USD.

Chassis & Sales

1977 Maserati Khamsin Coupé AM120-1298 - sold for $52,650 Dating from mid-way through the production cycle and delivered in December, 1977, this immaculately presented Khamsin must be one of few of its kind to have been given a comprehensive restoration. The Maserati was found in Florida by Italian auto aficionado and restorer Gary Bobileff as an undamaged very low mileage example with just over 12,000 miles covered. It was chosen by him as the basis from which to restore it to be the best possible e... more
Gallery: 2010 Greenwich Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction by Bonhams

1975 Maserati Khamsin AM120188 - sold for €73,123 The car presented here (only third-hand) was shown on the Maserati stand at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975 (according to expert Guillaume Cognet), then owned by Maserati's Geneva dealer until 1988. The bodywork has been restored by Etablissements Lecoq (invoices for over €27,000), with repairs to the axle-units, shock absorbers and brakes effected by Isotta Auromobiles for over €22,000. The engine has been adapted for unleaded petrol. The wheel... more
Gallery: 2010 Artcurial Sport & GTs au Mans Classic

1974 (1977) Maserati Khamsin Coupé AM1200018 - sold for €44,080 Marc Sonnery, the dynamic president of the Maserati Khamsin Registry confirm us that this car had been delivered when new by Thepenier, the french importer and it is the second sold here out of the 29 th imported by Thepenier. The car was the fist used and test driven in France by the journalist Jean Paul Thevenet for the magasine "l'Automobile" in august 1974. The car was orange then with black interior. It remained a test car for the importe... more
Gallery: 2012 Artcurial Motorcars à Rétromobile

Videos