Fantasy Junction

Description

1975 Maserati Khamsin
s/n AM120US1012, engine no. AM 115/10/49 1012
Silver with Red Leather Interior

The Khamsin is an often-overlooked but fascinating Italian classic that combines a great set of attributes to make a desirable and unique classic. Distinctively styled, rare, usable, and technically sophisticated, the Khamsin ticks all the right boxes. It is the epitome of angular 1970s design, and was styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, and had a wonderfully crisp, angular, and well-proportioned design with a host of interesting details, including glass rear panel and asymmetrical hood vents. The mechanical specification was also exciting, with the larger 4.9 liter version of Maserati’s famous quad cam V8, which was derived from the 450S race car, ZF dogleg 5-speed manual gearbox (or an optional 3-speed automatic), and independent suspension all around. The engine was mounted well-back in the chassis to provide ideal weight distribution.

Because the Khamsin was developed during Citroen’s ownership of Maserati, the car incorporated the same unique hydraulic system that was also featured in the Bora. This powered the steering, brakes, and headlamps and provided light control forces not typically associated with high-performance Italian exotics. Performance was good, with a reported top speed in excess of 170mph, all delivered in a comfortable and well-finished package that included full instrumentation, leather interior, +2 rear seats, power windows, and air conditioning. Just 435 Khamsins were made, of which 155 found their way to the United States.

This particular car is an exceptionally desirable example. Finished in a superb color combination and equipped with manual transmission, this structurally excellent matching-numbers longtime California car has also been converted to European bumpers from its unfortunate US bumpers. This is particularly good news because the Khamsin must be among the most aesthetically unfortunate Federalization outcomes to ever happen. Additionally, as a 1975 model, this car is smog exempt in California, making it desirable to an immediate California buyer, or to an out of state buyer seeking to maximize the car’s future resale appeal.

This is a long time California car previously registered on six digit blue plates indicating that the car has been in California since 1978. It was with a fastidious long term keeper in the Sacramento area, who spent at least $30,000 on the car during his ownership, including rebuilt engine, new clutch, new gearbox synchromesh, and comprehensive hydraulic system service. The engine rebuilt was comprehensively, including new bearings, cylinder liners, rings, machine work, timing chains, rebuilt heads including new valves, and anciallries such as water pump and alternator. The fuel tank was also restored, new clutch and pressure plate fitted, along with new fuel pump and new hydraulic pump. The accumulators (brake accumulator and main accumulator) were also replaced, along with the clutch master cylinder. This work was performed in 2002. Other major work was performed in 2007 at a cost of $13,000, including new hydraulic seat switch, new line seals for four junction boxes, new exhaust system, and many electrical repairs including remanufactured steering column switch, which is similar if not identical to those found in the Ferrari Dino and an accordingly irreplaceable part. Many other electrical repairs were performed to get the dome lights, windscreen washers, puddles lights, and reverse light working, indicating the attention to detail with which this car was maintained. This work was performed by well-regarded Italian car specialis John’s Automotive Service (now called Stewart’s Automotive Service).

Cosmetically, the car is a very attractive driver. The body is straight and solid, although the gasketing used during the repaint was too thick so the operable panels all sit proud at their trailing edges. The paint is excellent overall, with a few touched up chips including one sizable on one on the right door, and a superficial crack at the bottom left corner of the rear hatch aperture. The paint is otherwise very nice. The bright trim is very good with a few swirls and light pitting on the left side mirror only. The glass and lights are very nice.

The interior was beautifully restored, with high quality leather upholstery throughout, including the seats, center console, door panels, and even the luggage compartment. The dashboard was also retrimmed. The instruments and controls are in nice unrestored condition and the carpets were replaced as well and are high quality wool pile. The headliner is excellent as well.

The engine compartment is tidy but unrestored. The engine itself appears to have had some cosmetic restoration when it was rebuilt and is accordingly clean, but the remainder of the engine compartment is in attractive original condition. The luggage compartment was comprehensively restored to the same high standards as the interior, including new carpet and leather.

The car runs and drives well. Maserati’s famous quad-cam V8 makes excellent noise and is powerful and responsive. As a 1975 model, the car is smog-exempt in California, an important consideration for any car with four Weber carburetors. The gearbox is a pleasure to use with excellent synchromesh and the steering is light and precise, with the peculiar non-linear character of a Citroen SM, which is quite noticeable at low speeds but much more typical once the car is underway. The brakes are effective and the car is a pleasure to drive, thanks to its performance, comfortable interior, and spacious luggage compartment, all of which make it a surprisingly useful classic.

It is difficult to imagine a more desirable Khamsin than this one. Finished in superb colors and with significant mechanical and cosmetic restoration performed, this car is also structurally exemplary, has a manual transmission, matching numbers, and a European bumper conversion. A pleasure to drive, this car is an understated, unique, and extremely rare classic that enjoying dramatically increased interest in the marketplace. It is ideally suited to the enthusiast or collector seeking a no-excuses car that is interesting and distinctive yet surprisingly practical and has plenty of pedigree and performance.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608