• One of only 430 produced
• Maserati's top-of-the-range model in its day
• 4.9-litre V8 engine
• Features in 'Drive' Magazine

Maserati's final major introduction while under Citroën 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 attractive, unitary construction, 2+2 hatchback body was all steel and the front-engined Khamsin featured all-independent, double-wishbone suspension similar to that of the mid-engined Bora and Merak. Its state-of-the-art suspension and a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution combined to endow 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 on 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-litre 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 were the transmission options, and when equipped with the former the Khamsin was good for around 240km/h (150mph).

Although seemingly less extravagant than the mid-engined Bora supercar, the Khamsin was nevertheless 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. Only 430 examples of this most exclusive and consummate Grande Routière had been made when production ceased in 1982.

This rare right-hand drive Khamsin was purchased for the collection at a UK auction in 1999 and comes with the purchase invoice. The Maserati underwent maintenance in January and February 2015 when the engine was cleaned; four carburettors dismantled, cleaned, and refitted; fuel tank removed, cleaned, painted, and reinstalled with new hoses and collars; fuel pump and hoses replaced; carburettor adjusted and accelerator cable replaced; fuel filter housing removed for element replacement; steering wheel, hub, and instruments removed, with painted relays, and new hoses fitted; compression measured; radiator grille and spare tyre removed; rear wing arm soldered; rear number plate fitted; boot upholstery installed; rear lamps cleaned and fitted; terminal on boot rod soldered; single bolt, silencer, and bumpers polished; interior and rear plastic boot cleaned and rubbed down. Ahead of sale, this Khamsin has been recommissioned although we would advise close inspection before returning to the road for regular use. fuel lines replaced; carburettors stripped rebuilt; water pipes replaced; radiator fluids replaced; engine oil changed; oil filter replaced; and new battery fitted.

Additional paperwork consists of a list of works carried out in 2015; some invoices for parts; a photographic record of maintenance tasks; and copy of an old UK V5 registration document (3200 KR).

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.