1975 Maserati Khamsin

4.9 Litre Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Manual

AM120US1016

Gasoline

I have been involved in collecting Maserati GT cars since 1985 and have recently resolved to narrow my collection. Accordingly, I am very reluctantly offering this wonderful Maserati Khamsin that I have owned since 2004 for sale. The discerning collector will appreciate that this car is essentially a very good used car that has been well cared for since new. With under 50,000 miles and still sporting its original paint, there is no question as to the rust-free and gentle use provenance of this car. This Khamsin was sold new and spent most of its life in California. Just prior to my purchase of the car, the transmission synchros were replaced along with the clutch. Since my ownership I have rebuilt the differential (due to a failed limited slip clutch), replaced the A/C compressor (and converted to R-134), and replaced the exhaust with a new, stainless steel system from Strebro. I also replaced the mid-1970’s custom stereo installation with a very high end Blaupunkt component system that augments the show-car like qualities of the Khamsin. The Installation of the Audio system is easily removeable to return the car to “as delivered” condition. At some time in the cars life, European exhaust headers were installed and the smog pump was removed. The original smog pump and headers are included with the purchase along with some other misc. parts that go with the car. As mentioned above, the car still has its original paint (except for the right front fender which appears to have been re-sprayed a long time ago). The car is highly presentable though there are spots over the entire body surface where the top coat of red paint has worn through to the filler/primer coatings. Also with respect to the body, there are small dents in the front of each front fender below the front bumper and, there is a dent in the hood of the car above the left front fender where it appears the hood was closed prior to removal of service tools. The front bumper has a crack in it that appears to have been repaired once but needs to be repaired again or replaced with the euro style bumpers. With the photos, I have attempted to accurately represent the condition of the entire car including the coachwork. The interior of the car features the original leather which is still in good, soft condition. The drivers seat back bolster show some wear in the piping nearest the door. I recently had the leather replaced on the steering wheel. The carpeting has been replaced in much of the car though is of a proper style. With the exception of the clock, the instruments all work as do the controls, power windows, seats, etc. Mechanically, this Khamsin is a superb running and driving automobile. There are no fluid leaks other than some slight seepage (no drips on the ground). Likewise, the car does not emit any smoke out of the exhaust. The hydraulic systems all work properly and combine to make the car a wonderful road car. One observation: when the European headers were installed, I do not believe that the carburetor jets were changed to adjust for the removal of the smog pump. This results in some slight exhaust popping at idle and during gear changes. In the six years that I have owned the car, I have not had to touch the carburetors as the car has always run very well. The tires have plenty of tread on them however; they are aged and should be replaced prior to any enthusiastic driving. When replacing the tires, the wheels could benefit from new paint. We are located in the Chicago area, very near O’Hare airport. The car is available for inspection virtually any day. To arrange inspection or discuss any questions regarding the car, please call me on my cell phone @ 630-417-2876. I will be happy to help facilitate domestic or international transportation at purchasers expense. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with the Khamsin, it is the evolutionary replacement of the Ghibli and was offered by Maserati during the same time period as the mid-engined Bora. Road and Track magazine said in 1975 "The Khamsin is an ego trip on wheels". The Bertone coachwork was designed by Marcello Gandini and the car was built in the very best traditions of Italian craftsmanship. This opulently elegant car features an interior with soft Italian glove leather and Wilton wool carpets including a foot rest for the passenger. The dash and door panels are leather covered as are many of the surfaces of the trunk space. This was one of the last hand-built cars, and no expense was spared in the construction. Production numbers are around 425, making this a very rare car. Most likley less than 100 exist in the world today. The car is extremely fast, top speed is good for 174 MPH, a true "supercar" in its day. Zero to 60 time is stated as 6.6 seconds with the 5 speed transmission. Power is supplied by a 4.9 liter V8 with four overhead cams and four two barrel Weber carbs. The engine sits in front and is dry sumped. It applies power through a ZF 5 speed with a limited slip differential. This car has Euro headers and includes the original U.S. exhaust manifolds. The Euro headers add an additional 15% to the horsepower rating bringing it to a colossal 335 horsepower. The steering and brakes are hydraulically controlled by use of a Citroen patent. The hydraulic clutch is feather light. The speed-variable assit steering is ultra quick and sensitive making maneuverability superb, similar to driving a large Lotus Elan. Motor Sport magazine said "handling is marvelously balanced, and roadholding excellent. At two turns lock-to-lock steering is direct, sensitive, and responsive. The four wheel disc brakes are very powerful and can handle bringing the car to a stop perfectly and effectively and are described as "little short of sensational, free of any wander or darting around." Motor Sport also said "the Khamsin has to be one of the best and most sensible exotic cars to come out of Italy for a long time." On Jul-28-10 at 06:40:17 PDT, seller added the following information:For those interested in the Euro Bumper conversion on the Khamsin, the following is provided: Hello Bob: Nice to chat with you earlier today. As discussed it could be beneficial to mention in your auction that the Euro bumper kit is available for $3,100 plus shipping. The kit includes everything you need to convert the car to Euro look as described in detail on the Khamsin registry web site.That is our kit he used in the write-up. Our US made kit is better quality than the factory old stock kit and costs $2,500 less! We have sold many of these kits to international buyers including recently Germany (last month), Austria, and of course here in the USA. Almost have the US delivered cars were converted with our bumpers. We are located in Lakewood, CA and can ship the kit anywhere in the US in 4-5 business days. Regards, Maurice 562-429-7151On Jul-28-10 at 06:45:58 PDT, seller added the following information:Following is the web-site link to the Maserati Khamsin Registry: http://www.maseratikhamsinregistry.com/index.htmlOn Jul-29-10 at 07:29:37 PDT, seller added the following information:In addition ot the list of spares provided earlier in answer to inquiry, I also have the original A/C compressor.On Jul-29-10 at 15:50:30 PDT, seller added the following information:Several people have written me asking about the original jack and/or tool kit. The car does have the original jack in its original bag. The jack is located in the storage compartment in the left rear of the car. There is no tool kit with the car.