In current ownership for 31 years; c.26,000 kilometres from new; property of a deceased's estate
1982 Maserati Khamsin Coupé

• Top-of-the-range model
• One of only 430 built
• Desirable five-speed manual version
• Present ownership since 1994
• Regularly maintained

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. Citroën's hydraulic technology (as found in the Maserati-engined Citroën SM) was employed to power the brakes and steering, and also to raise the concealed headlamps. The power unit was a 4.9-litre version of Maserati's familiar quad-cam V8 developing 320bhp. 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 150mph.

Although seemingly less extravagant than the 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. Only 430 examples of this most exclusive and consummate Grande Routière had been made when production ceased in 1982.

Finished in Rosso Rubino Metallic with matching trim and fitted luggage, this example was sold new to Mr W D Taylor of Chertsey by Ivor Hill Ltd, SW19 and first registered on 13th September 1982. The Khamsin was serviced regularly by Ivor Hill and Bell & Colvill, and in 1988 was sold via B&C to J B Ball Esq of Newstead Abbey Park, Nottingham (bill of sale in file).

In 1994 the Maserati was mechanically restored, including brakes/suspension/exhaust, by David Bruzas (Historic Car Restoration) of Woking for previous owner Bruce Owen of London SW7. In November 1994 Mr Owen sold the car via Pullicino Classics to the late owner (bill of sale on file). While in the deceased's collection the car was maintained and MoT'd annually, initially by Ferdi's Garage of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire (up to 2020) and then most recently by Modern Classics of Lytham. The most recent large bill is for a replacement clutch and wheel refurbishment in 2022 costing £3,300. In 1987 the mileage was 19,000kms and is now circa 26,000kms.

Accompanying documentation consists of a good file of history including the original stamped service book; an original sales brochure; numerous bills and MoTs; and a V5C Registration Certificate for the cherished registration 'VZ 240' (previous registration 'KGC 306Y').