Maserati Khamsin Coupé 1976, Itália

Maserati Khamsin Coupé 1976, Itália

Fotografia

Long under the radar in terms of historical recognition and valuation, the Khamsin has in recent years gained the appreciation and respect it always deserved. It is one of the very finest Grand Touring cars ever built and the last Maserati of the classic era designed under the technical stewardship of legendary chief engineer, Giulio Alfieri. It was also, being slightly more expensive than the mid-engined Bora, the top of the Maserati range in its day.
Citroen had acquired Maserati in 1968, and the French company's substantial investment was reflected in the Khamsin's advanced specification. The Khamsin is notable as the very first front-engined Maserati to feature independent rear suspension, by means of double wishbones and two coil-over shock absorbers per side, while the rear differential was mounted in a sub-frame. At the request of Alfieri (it was not imposed by Citroën), the French firm's famous hydraulic system was used for the power steering, brakes, clutch, driver's seat adjustment and headlight raising.
The Khamsin was powered by Maserati's classic, 4.9-litre, four-cam, dry-sump, alloy V8 engine - as used in its Ghibli SS predecessor - which on Weber 42 DCNF carburettors produced 320bhp and a stump-pulling 355.5lb/ft of torque, the latter more than the Ferrari Daytona. Allied to a top speed of 175mph, the Khamsin has a very precise and light steering and clutch, which means it can be driven in traffic all day with ease, while its brakes are extraordinarily powerful and do not fade, even on a track day. It is supremely comfortable on long journeys, the driver and passenger emerging fresh and ready for a night out as opposed to the case with so many of its rivals.
The Khamsin was the first Maserati production model designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, whose supremely talented stylist Marcello Gandini producing a breathtaking wedge design. Its perfect proportions, vertical rear glass with hanging tail lights, and asymmetrical louvres on the bonnet hinting at the mighty engine beneath, are as traffic-stopping today as when the car was new. It exudes class and elegance, making admirers stop for a second look. Completing this perfect package, the Khamsin has neutral handling and is as agile as many smaller sports cars. Unfortunately, its sales were hurt by the 1973 energy crisis, and while production continued under new owner Alessandro de Tomaso, from 1976 to 1982 only 430 were built, with 73 of them right-hand drive for the UK and other markets.
The rare right-hand drive example offered here was first registered on 30th December 1976 when sold by MTC Cars, the company of Mario Tozzi Condivi, the UK Maserati importer. It was finished in the stunning colour combination of gorgeous Luci del Bosco (a rich shade of brown) with Senape interior, and was equipped with the desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox. Noted collector Patrick Martin was the second owner, acquiring the Khamsin on 1st April 1981. On 3rd March 1988 the car was sold to John Jorgensen before moving on to Michael Bonney's stable on 28th July 1993. Rupert Wilkes became the next owner on 17th May 2002.
The current owner acquired the Khamsin at a London auction on 27th February 2007 to complete his sizeable collection, which includes half a dozen classic Maseratis. By this time the car was in need of a full restoration. Carried out to the highest standards, this commenced in 2008 at renowned marque specialists McGrath Maserati, while the bodywork was entrusted to Vintage Cars of Lymington and Ross Packard of New Milton. Arguably one of the most comprehensive refurbishments a Khamsin has ever been subjected to, the process took over three years and is fully documented by receipts on file. The rebuild was completed in the spring of 2012. This restoration took place alongside several other Khamsins being restored at McGrath's in time for the International Khamsin Quaranta reunion held that June near Beaune, Burgundy. This event featured guest-of-honour Marcello Gandini and Maserati Classiche, who judged the 27 Khamsins gathered from all over Europe. Chassis number '341' was not judged, only displayed, as its owner was the event co-organiser with author Marc Sonnery, and it was felt its inclusion would have been unethical. However it was evidently as good as it gets. Gandini signed the sun visor, and '341' was proudly driven home with a stop near Reims to load some Champagne in its capacious boot.
The restoration's fine quality was recognised in 2014 at Salon Privé in Syon Park, West London where, judged by Maserati historian Adolfo Orsi, it made a strong impression on guests. '341' then received further recognition the following year, winning the Maserati UK Owners Club concours outright. The Khamsin was driven to France again for the Le Mans Classic in 2018 and was the perfect choice for such a trip, being one of the greatest classic Grand Tourers. It was also featured in the book 'Maserati - The Citroen Years', the definitive book on that era of Maserati.
The car comes with its complete set of Maserati Classiche documents; the original handbook and wallet; the rare Maserati service book and original factory toolkit and jack. It would be the perfect car to enter in the second International Khamsin meeting, Khamsin Cinquanta, in June 2022 to celebrate the model's 50th anniversary, this time with full concours participation.
As special as they are rare, Khamsins have a devoted following and tend to be kept for many years by connoisseur owners. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an expertly restored five-speed example of the Trident marque's ultimate Grand Touring car in its stunning original colours.