1975 Maserati Khamsin - No Sale at $64,000

This very nice Maserati Khamsin has only 19K original miles. 4.9 liter engine, 5-speed, AC, power steering, euro bumpers

The Khamsin was the follow on car to the Ghibli and was the last of the great front engine Maserati GT cars. Of all the Maserati models the Khamsin is perhaps the most misunderstood. The engine is the bullet proof four overhead cam, dry sump, 4.9 liter V8 that was also used on the Ghibli SS. The gearbox is a ZF 5-speed which was an improvement over the ZF unit used on the Ghibli. The biggest improvement was in the suspension. For the first time a Maserati front engined GT car had a sophisticated independent rear suspension.

Brakes and power steering used a high pressure hydraulic system developed by Citroen. This same system controls the raising of the headlights and seat. Contrary to some magazine articles the shocks are the traditional type and not part of the hydraulic system. The Citroen system is quite reliable but many USA mechanics have no clue how to work on it and this sometimes has given it a bad reputation. The system is actually not difficult to maintain.

The styling, done by Gandini, of the Khamsin is breathtaking! The hood has non-symmetrical louvers and sits low do in part to the engine being of dry sump design. The back of the car gets the most attention with its vertical clear panel and the tail lights mounted on this panel. Visibility when backing the car is superb! Unfortunately most Khamsin were exported to the USA and DOT regulations of that time did not allow for the stylistic bumper and position of the tail lights. While it was customary for Italian cars coming to the USA to get big ugly bumpers, on the Khamsin the big rubber bumpers plus the repositioning of the tail lights transformed a thing of beauty into one of the most atrocious rear ends. This car was converted back to the way its designer intended.

The interior of the Khamsin is well layed out and is an upgraded version of the Ghibli with similar instrumentation but a few more creature comforts. This car had its entire interior redone. The red leather is nice and soft with little sign of use. The fuzzy material on the dash top and door inserts is in great condition. Headliner and carpeting is excellent.

The paint on this car is very nice, without orange peel and straight panels, which is very important on a black car. Just look at the photos which show the reflection of leaves against the side panels. Body is also nice and straight and without any rust.

This Khamsin has the 5-speed gearbox and it has the 4.9 liter dry sump V8 engine (similar to the Ghibli SS). Engine number matches the car's VIN number. The prior owner owns a high end race engine shop ... therefore mechanically this car is in top shape. Good Pirelli P5 tires. Includes manuals, tools and documentation. This is a great car! It would be hard to find another low mileage Khamsin that is as attractive and mechanically sound as this one.

Specs & Details:

Auction Date: 05 Dec 2007
No Sale: $64,000
VIN: AM1120.US.1174
Miles: 19120
Engine: 8
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: black
Interior Color: red