Fine things: Maserati Khamsin

1970's Super Car Classic

One of a series of 70's super car classics that I dreamt about when I was a kid growing up with a car obsession courtesy of numerous sets of Top Trumps cards and 'The Observer's Book of Automobiles', was the truly stunning Maserati Khamsin.

Named after a hot, violent wind in the Egyptian desert the Khamsin was introduced as a Bertone prototype in 1972 at the Turin Auto Show. In 1973 it was put on display at the Paris Motor Show where it was badged as a Maserati. Production of the vehicle started in 1974. The car had a front mounted 4.9 litre V8 engine delivering 320 hp, however this was pushed as far back as possible to create space for a spare wheel. Also, how futuristic is that rear view too! Production of the Khamsin ended in 1982, with only 430 vehicles produced of which 155 were sold in the United States.

The Maserati Khamsin remains to this day easily in my Top 5 cars I'd love to own.

20th Edition of The Observer's Book of Automobiles. Dated 1976–77, p.120