Beschreibung:

Maserati’s final major introduction while under Citroen 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 attractive, unitary-construction, 2+2, hatchback body was all steel, and the front-engined Khamsin featured all-independent, double-wishbone suspension similar to that of the mid-engined Bora and Merak. Its state-of-the-art suspension and a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution combined to endow 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 on the limit. Citroen’s hydraulic technology (as found in the Maserati-engined Citroen 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). Only 430 examples of this most exclusive and consummate Grand Routier had been made when production ceased in 1982. Although seemingly less extravagant 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. Dating from the final year of production, this is the 3rd last Khamsin built and was delivered new in Geneva to His Highness Sheikh Hammad Al Thani, the car collecting member of the Quataar royal family. Shortly afterwards the car was purchased directly from its first owner by the immediately preceding owner, who kept it in climate controlled storage. The Khamsin was bought by the vendor – only its 3rd owner from new – at Bonhams & Brooks’ auction of the Swiss Maserati Importer Collection at Les Grandes Marques à Monaco Sale in May 2001 (Lot 219). Finished in the Sheik’s favoured colour combination of black with cream leather interior, and boasting Campagnolo wheels shod with Pirelli P600 tyres, the car has covered only 95 kilometres since then and an amazing 1,299 kilometres in total from new. Presented in ‘time warp’ condition throughout, this surely is the finest ‘as delivered’ example of the model left in existence and as such almost certainly unique. Given its limited use, a full mechanical check over is advised before returning the Khamsin to the road. The car has not been reregistered since acquisition in 2001 and comes with Swiss import paperwork (Form 1320A). Portant le millésime de la dernière année de production, cette antépénultième Khamsin fut livrée neuve à Genève à Son Altesse Sheikh Hammad Al Thani, membre de la famille royale du Qatar et collectionneur d’automobiles. Peu après, la voiture fut vendue à son deuxième propriétaire qui la conserva dans un garage climatisé. La Khamsin fut achetée par le vendeur actuel – son troisième propriétaire – en provenance de la collection l’importateur Maserati suisse à la vente Bonhams & Brooks « Les Grandes Marques à Monaco » en mai 2001 (Lot n° 219). Peinte dans le schéma de couleurs préféré du Sheikh – noir avec intérieur en cuir crème – et équipée de roues Campagnolo chaussées de pneus Pirelli P600, la voiture n’a parcouru depuis que 95 km et pas plus de 1 299 km depuis sa livraison par l’usine. Présentée dans un état totalement « hors du temps », il s’agit sans doute de la plus belle voiture de ce type encore en « état de livraison » et à ce titre, elle est probablement unique. En raison de la br