1975 Maserati Khamsin

My price too high? I need to sell it before the end of September.  If it doesn't sell here, I might list it on BAT or consider one of the 3 offers I have already received for the car.

So here goes again

1975 Maserati Khamsin 4.9 Coupe 1 of 421 (perhaps less than 100 running and driving examples in the US)

Same owner in Southern California since 2006.

This beautifully restored Khamsin is done in the very desirable original red with tan leather interior.

The restoration was done by the previous owner to a high standard.It is now an older restoration so while it shows some signs of use, it is still in excellent overall condition.

It is completely rust and corrosion free.

The interior is trimmed in tan leather at what must have been a very high cost, as leather covers nearly every surface of the interior and looks great.

Upon my ownership, I did the following to make the car an excellent driver.

Automatic transmission was rebuilt

All hydraulics were overhauled or serviced by Citroen and Maserati specialists.

The hydraulic pump was rebuilt.

Switches rebuilt

The brake spheres and main sphere were rebuilt and replaced respectively.

The steering rack and speed regulator were rebuilt

All 4 Weber Carbs were rebuilt and synchronized

Updated water pump bearing and seal

Gas tank was removed and cleaned

Radiator was removed and cleaned

Water pump cable replaced with solid rod joint

All new fuel hoses

New coolant hoses

This Maserati Khamsin runs good and is a joy to drive.The steering is very direct with only two turns lock to lock. The steering is hydraulically controlled and self centering .One of about 421 ever made for the entire world.This make is the rarest 2 seat Maserati V8 road car produced.

The engine was rebuilt by the previous owner.  Compression check revealed all cylinders were between 148 and 157 PSI.

This Khamsim just came out of short term indoor storage in Southern California It is runs and drives as it should.  It had not been started for 9 months.  I had it covered and on a battery tender.  Just last week, I reached in and turned the key.  It started right up without me even sitting in the seat and touching the gas pedal.  It is actually a reliable exotic car.

Included with the sale is the Original rear bumper and attachment hardware.Also included are mufflers to convert the car to Euro spec.

For California buyer, being a 1975 model, it is smog exempt.Later model years will need a smog check inspection every other year

Here are some YouTube videos showing the details of the car (top to bottom) andit running and driving on the road.

The first 5 videos were taken last week.  The others were taken several months ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLzBcSginpE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PjNXjE7zd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE_BDEcFeTA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glSyDzDDWrQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9tevQWCalM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh0XOhRUy9o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP104rnJRM8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdHXn_hox0w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLKXDPoIrs8&t=20s

Some background on the Maserati Khamsin

The Maserati Khamsin Grand Tourer first hit the stage at the 1972 Turin Auto Show, and was produced between 1974 and 1982. Designed by Marcello Gandini (whom I have had the pleasure of meeting when I lead a car rally for cars of his design here in LA several years back), this was the first collaboration between Bertone and Maserati. It was introduced for clientele that demanded a front-engine Grand Tourer on the lines of the previous Ghibli. The name was derived from a form of wind: “The Khamsin, a hot, violent gust blowing in the Egyptian desert for fifty days a year”.

Some of the notable Khamsin styling cues include a prominent front wedge-shape, fastback roofline, and kammback rear end. The almost all-glass rear hatch provided phenomenal rear visibility. But the most distinguishable features are the asymmetrical vents on the bonnet and the inset “Floating” tail lights.

Over 8-years Maserati produced just 435 examples, of these only 155 examples were ever exported under U.S. configuration. Of the 155 US spec cars, it is estimated that only 55 were equipped with the automatic transmission. This car features an all-steel monocoque construction, with a rear tubular subframe. The front mounted 4.9L, DOHC, 16-valve V8 motor gave the Khamsin a 50/50 weight distribution. The engine was positioned so close towards the firewall that the full size spare tire is stored beneath the radiator.

From the factory these were outfitted with four double barrel 42 DCNF 41 Weber carbs, a double exhaust system with quad tips, and 4-wheel vented disc brakes. An estimated 335 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels by a 3-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission; the automatic transmission was only available by request.

This a pretty rare car.  I think Ferrari makes and sells more cars every two weeks than this Maserati model was produced in the 8 year production.  I quick look on line, I have priced this car at the low end of the price scale as most cars are listed at between $110,000 to $200,000+. An Ugly, purple painted, non runner similar car just sold at Monterey for $40,000.  And it needs a full restoration needing $100.000 + invested to bring the car to the level of my car.  I need to sell this car by the end of September as I am planning to move out of the country.

This car is not perfect.  It has not been driven much in the past 15 years.  But I do start and drive it occasionally.  The tach and oil pressure gauge aren't working (but there is good oil pressure as I have driven this car for 100+ mile runs).  Not sure why.  I never checked them out.  To be frank, I bought this car just before my divorce.  And since that time, I have been traveling a lot.  I just sort of lost interest in it and cars in general.  I got the car mechanically sorted (engine, transmission and hydraulics) and I was just getting to the little things when I lost interest.  I look at the car and say I don't want to sell it because it is so nice and cool but I have to be realistic, I just don't have the time for it any more.

With inflation coming back, people are converting their cash in to tangible assets that increase in value.  Collectible car values have increased at a record rate this past year.  This might be the last time a restored Maserati Khamsin is advertised for less than 6 figures.

Feel free to ask questions.  I know this car pretty well.  It just needs a new home.

Also published at eBay.com

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