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Spotted - Maserati Khamsin

Topics:  Maserati Khamsin

Spotted - Maserati Khamsin

Matt Hubbard
Speedmonkey
November 12, 2012

Maserati Khamsin image from 1972 Maserati brochure from 1978

The Maserati Khamsin was originally created as a Bertone prototype where it was exhibited at the 1972 Turn Auto Show. In 1973 it appeared at the Paris Motor Show, but this time badged as a Maserati. By 1974 it was in full time production alongside Maserati's other models the Kyalami and Merak SS.

The Maserati Khamsin was a 2+2 GT coupé with a 4.9 litre V8, 320bhp engine at the front. It had an unusual and innovative feature - a glass panel between the tail-lights, meaning the driver could reverse the vehicle without having to sit on the door sill.

The Khamsin was also unusual in that it featured several Citroen systems, including high pressure (2,500psi from an engine driven pump) hydraulics for seat adjustment, pop-up headlight raising, power steering, clutch and feel-free brakes.

A high price, the 70s old crisis and the Citroen influence conspired to doom the Khamsin to eventual failure. In it's 8 years in production (1974-1982) only 421 Khamsins were made, of which 95 were right hand drive. There are an estimated 15 Maserati Khamsins left in the UK today, of which 5 are on SORN (off the road).

An advert has popped up on eBay UK for a 1975 Maserati Khamsin with a price of £40,000. At the moment this is the only advert on eBay worldwide for a Khamsin.

It's a pretty awful advert with poor photos and minimal information other than it is a runner. However the car appears to have been stored indoors with no rust or rot evident. The price may be optimistic though - another Khamsin is up for sale on a specialist site for £43,000 and that is described as being in excellent condition.

The advert is reproduced below - capitals and typos are straight from the ad. We've also included a couple of original Khamsin brochure photos.

RARE MASERATI KHAMSIN 4.9 AUTO ONE OF ONLY 95 RHD KHAMINS BUILT.AND ONLY 421 IN TOTAL 85% REBUILT THIS RAER CARS VALUE IS £70,000 T0 £80,000 WEN FINISHED COME AND SEE THE CAR 07846090371 I MAY PX OLD CAR MOTORCYCLES OR PROPERTY TRY ME SHE,S UP AND RUNNING