1975 Maserati Khamsin

Coachwork by Bertone

4,930cc DOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection
320bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed BorgWarner Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Coil Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*One of only 430 Khamsins built
*Delivered new to the United States
*Two owners in the last four decades
*A rare and unique Grand Routier

THE MASEARTI KHAMSIN

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 and built at Bertone, the Khamsin's attractive, unitary-construction, 2+2, hatchback body was of all steel construction. The front-engined 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 the Khamsin with near perfect balance; and if its grip level was ultimately inferior to the Bora's, then the Khamsin's conventional layout made it easier to control close to the limit.

Citroën's hydraulic technology (as found in the Maserati-engined Citroën SM) was employed to power the brakes and steering - the latter, in particular, being rated as highly effective by testers - and also to raise the concealed headlamps. The power unit was a longer-stroke, 4.9-liter version of Maserati's familiar quad-cam V8 developing 320bhp at a lowly 5,500rpm and a lusty 354lb/ft of torque at 4,000 revs. 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 240km/h (150mph). Although seemingly less exotic than the mid-engined Bora supercar, 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, providing a roomier and more comfortable interior and superior luggage carrying capacity.

A mere 430 examples of this most exclusive and consummate Grand Routier had been made when production ceased in 1982.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Khamsin was completed in April of 1975 and destined for the United States Market. It is not recorded where or to whom the car was originally delivered, but by the end of August 1981, it was in the garage of Robert and Betty Wells of Pendleton, Oregon. The Wells would retain the car for the next 17 years, no doubt enjoying their unique GT car and sparing themselves the worry of hill starts thanks to the optional automatic transmission.

The current owner purchased the car in the fall of 1998 and has retained it largely on static display since then. The subject of an older repaint—including the bumpers and various trim pieces—in a rather lovely shade of aubergine, the beige interior retains a fine, mostly original patina. With over a score of years without active use, recommissioning is advised before enjoying a dash to dinner or a weekend tour.