1977 Maserati Khamsin

Produced in Modena, Italy, where the air tinged with the scent of burning rubber and rich leather, the Khamsin was a car birthed in a small and unassuming workshop. Its name was from the hot, dusty winds of the Egyptian desert which had inspired its designer, Marcello Gandini of Bertone, along with the sleek and aerodynamic shape of an aircraft. He wanted to blend both elements into a car that was both a thrill to drive and a sight to behold. What was conceived in the early 1970s became more than just a vehicle, but a work of art that captured the spirit of the era. The Khamsin's design was revolutionary, with its slanted nose and long, low body that screamed speed even when it was standing still. Its wedge-shaped profile was completed by an equally impressive rear, featuring a distinctive shark-like fin that not only added to its beauty but also improved its aerodynamics.

Inside, the Khamsin was a testament to luxury and craftsmanship. The cockpit was designed to embrace the driver, with every control and gauge within easy reach. The leather seats were hand-stitched, and the wood trim gleamed with a rich, deep luster. It was a space where every detail was meticulously considered, creating an atmosphere that felt both opulent and exhilarating. Standard features included air conditioning, electric windows, a radio, an adjustable steering column, and full leather upholstery.

Zero to sixty mph was achieved in just over six seconds, courtesy of the 4.9-liter front mid-mounted V8 engine. The power was managed through a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to truly connect with the machine and experience the thrill of the road.

The Maserati Khamsin made its debut in November 1972 at the Turing Show as a concept car. It was displayed on the Bertone stand and represented the company's first work for Maserati. The production version was shown at the Paris Motor Show in March 1973. Regular production commenced in 1974 and continued through 1982, with a total of 435 examples rolling out the factory's door.

The Khamsin was the final evolution of a long and noble line of front-engine supercars from the trident-sporting marque. It followed in the wake of the 3500 GT, Mistral and Ghibli, and continued its forebear's tradition of being a more restrained and conservative alternative to its contemporary Modenese rivals, appealing to an altogether more sophisticated clientele, who appreciated the finer things in life.

Maserati's new relationship with parent company Citroen afforded the Khamsin the benefit of their technology, incorporating a hydraulic system that included speed-variable power steering, along with the clutch and dual circuit brakes. The Citroën SM's DIRAVI speed-sensitive variable assistance made steering lighter and easier while parking, and decreased its intervention with speed. Both the clutch command and vented disc brakes were hydraulically actuated and assisted. The pop-up headlights and adjustable seats also benefitted from Citroen technology as both were hydraulically actuated.

Mechanical Specification
The Maserati Khamsin had a 100.4-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 173.2 inches, a height of 46.5 inches, and a width of 71 inches. It was an all-steel monocoque structure with a rear Silentbloc-bushing insulated tubular subframe supporting the rear differential and suspension. Compared to the predecessor, the Ghibli, which used a leaf-sprung solid axle, the Khamsin had double wishbones all around with anti-roll bars, coaxial springs, and shock absorbers.

Braking power was via four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic discs.

The 4.9-liter four-cam alloy dry sump V8 engine (AM 115.10.49) was mounted in the front, but pushed back in the 'front-mid' position, resulting in a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Since the engine was positioned back towards the firewall, there was room at the front, beneath the radiator, for the full-size spare tire.

The engine had dual overhead camshafts, 16-valves, Bosch electronic ignition, and dry-sump lubrication and produced 320 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 355 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. Fuel was fed to the engine through four double barrel 42 DCNF 41 Weber carburetors. Like the Ghibli, the Khamsin had dual fuel tanks, with the main tank located below the cargo floor and a small taker off to the right. A single fuel filler on the right-hand side was connected to the smaller tank, feeding both tanks.

The transmission was a five-speed, all-synchromesh ZF manual gearbox with a single-plate dry clutch. A three-speed Borg Warner automatic was available as optional equipment.

The 7½J 15-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels were wrapped with 215/70 Michelin XWX or Pirelli Cinturato CN12 tires.

The Maserati Khamsin in the United States
The early 1970s witnessed the genesis of numerous new legislation aimed at making vehicles safer and reducing emissions. All vehicles destined for the U.S. shore had to comply, and many necessitated significant design changes. The Khamsin was not immune, and alterations included specific bumper placement, height, and strength. A solid version of the glass tail light panel was adopted and positioned downward, to the rear bumper's former location. The new, protruding bumper rested below the tail lights and in the way of the exhaust tips. This issue was resolved by flipping the exhaust resonators upside down.

At the front of the Khamsin was a thick rubber bumper along with square side markers on the front and rear wings.

Smog control equipment reduced engine output by five horsepower but allowed it to comply with newly enacted legislation. The list of new equipment included different carburetors, thermal reactors in the exhaust manifolds, and air injection.

Reception
A total of 64 examples were delivered in the first year, and a total of 435 examples were produced by the time production came to a halt eight years later. Its performance was similar to that of the Ghibli, with zero-to-sixty mph taking 6.6 seconds and the company touted a top speed in excess of 280 km/h (the Ghibli had a 60 mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h).

The American journal Road & Track described the Khamsin as 'an ego trip on wheels, but… it's a trip most enthusiasts wouldn't mind taking.' Autocar's test concluded, '... it tries to provide Porsche practicality with Italian style and glamour and it succeeds in no small measure.'

Of the 435 examples produced, 155 were exported to the United States. The output was less than a third of the Ghibli's production total of 1,295 units.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024