Beschreibung:

Maserati’s final major introduction while under Citroën’s 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 Khamsin’s attractive, unitary-construction, 2+2, hatchback body was of all steel construction. The front-engined Khamsin featured state-of-the-art, all independent, double-wishbone suspension similar to that of the mid-engined Bora and Merak which, combined with a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, endowed the Khamsin with near perfect balance; and if its grip level was ultimately inferior to the Bora’s, then the Khamsin’s conventional layout made it easier to control close to the limit. Citroën’s hydraulic technology (as found in the Maserati-engined Citroën SM) was employed to power the brakes and steering - the latter, in particular, being rated as highly effective by testers - and also to raise the concealed headlamps. The power unit was a longer-stroke, 4.9-litre version of Maserati’s familiar quad-cam V8 developing 320bhp at a lowly 5,500rpm and a lusty 354lb/ft of torque at 4,000 revs. A five-speed ZF manual gearbox or three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission were options, and when equipped with the former the Khamsin was good for around 240km/h (150mph). Although seemingly less exotic than the mid-engined 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. ‘Just as it scores in terms of accommodation compared with a mid-engined car, so the Khamsin is generally quieter,’ observed Autocar magazine. ‘There is an exciting noise of cams in motion when the car is accelerating hard, but this is presumably no more than the enthusiastic owner would demand. There is very little of that tiring noise that nags away at the occupants when cruising at a high steady speed. In these circumstances the engine noise dies away to a whisper and wind noise never becomes apparent.’ A mere 430 examples of this most exclusive and consummate Grand Routier had been made when production ceased in 1982. One of the best examples we have ever offered for sale, this Khamsin was delivered new to the USA and imported from there into Switzerland in 1990 and extensively restored (to European specification) in Germany over the course of the next two years. The beige interior and the blue carpets are in excellent condition. The engine runs well and the ‘Citroen’ brakes are efficient. The vendor advises us that Swiss taxes have been paid (documents available) but the car has never been registered in Switzerland or in the UK. The car will be delivered with the old American Title and the documents stating import duty has been paid. The vendor has confirmed that he will arrange for the car to be registered in Holland in January 2007.