Maserati Khamsin

Anyone in search of the ultimate confirmation that the Maserati Khamsin is a truly unique automobile will find it in this magnificent example. The Italian legend comes with a remarkable history and is delivered complete with a Deluxe edition of Marc Sonnery’s original book, as well as an authentic Concours trophy from Turin, awarded in honor of Maserati’s centenary. For the attentive connoisseur and die-hard enthusiast: this Khamsin, number 058, boasts a wealth of original details, including the European Nardi steering wheel without the raised hub cover. Moreover, it is an original Italian-delivered car that has been registered to the same owner in the Netherlands since 2014. Maintained to perfection by the specialists at Italauto, the classic trident has been cherished and appreciated as it deserves. Now the question is: are you the worthy successor?

History
The Maserati Khamsin is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Not because the model was never in the spotlight, but because it has long been underestimated. The Khamsin was born during the period when Maserati was owned by Citroën. At that time, the French engineers were introducing one groundbreaking feature after another. Guess which car benefited the most… The Khamsin is brimming with revolutionary technology, including numerous hydraulic systems for the pop-up headlights, steering, clutch, brakes, and even the comfort seats—so comfortable they might make your armchairs at home jealous. Delivered new in Italy, the car later moved to Germany before finding its way to the Netherlands in 2014. Since then, the grand tourer has remained with the same owner. Who will change that?

Exterior
Citroën’s influence on the development of the Khamsin is unmistakable. But when it came to the design, the French wisely kept their distance. And rightly so—after all, a true Maserati should only be designed by true Italian masters. Enter none other than design legend Marcello Gandini, who, working for Bertone, penned the Khamsin’s sharp and unmistakable lines. The result is a work of art worthy of Gandini’s portfolio, alongside icons such as the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, Lancia Stratos, and Alfa Romeo Montreal. In the dark blue finish shown here, the Khamsin reveals its most elegant side. So angular, yet so graceful and refined—only in Italy. What better stage to receive an award than at the 2014 Concours d’Elegance in Turin, the perfect occasion to celebrate Maserati’s 100th anniversary and honor the beauty of this Khamsin.

Interior
Beautiful on the outside, beautiful on the inside: the seats are upholstered in stunning beige leather, echoed on the door panels and center console. Much of the dashboard is also finished in beige, contrasted by a coffee-colored upper section and a black three-spoke Nardi steering wheel. Note the ruler-straight layout of the instrument cluster and the exceptionally wide center tunnel. This cockpit is pure, timeless style. What class, what charisma, what an extraordinary design icon! Remarkably comfortable too, with genuinely sporty handling. And importantly: the original air conditioning functions as it should.

Engineering
It’s no wonder the current owner has enjoyed unforgettable drives through Italy and Switzerland with this Maserati Khamsin. A superb grand tourer, it carves through corners with remarkable precision. Under the hood lies a gem of a powertrain: a 4.9-liter V8 mounted so far back it delivers a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Equipped with four twin-choke Weber carburetors, the engine produces 320 hp, paired here with a ZF 5-speed manual gearbox with dogleg pattern for maximum engagement. This makes the Khamsin far too good to keep hidden away, even though its design is worthy of display in a living room. But why should one exclude the other?

With kind regards,
Team Prins