Highlights
- One of only 435 made - of which only 22 were RHD
- Ultra rare right-hand drive example
- Only 26,342 miles from new
- Manual transmission
- Three owners from new
- Genuine barn find
The Appeal
Everyone seems to be claiming to have a “barn find” lately, but this is genuinely the real thing: an exceptionally rare right-hand drive Maserati Khamsin that’s been languishing in a barn for the last 36 years!
With only 435 examples built in total from 1974 to 1982, and apparently just 22 of those being right-hand drive UK models, to say that this is a rare machine is something of an understatement. Named after a hot wind that blows through Egypt and Libya, the Khamsin was a very important car in Maserati’s history. Designed by Gandini during his time with Bertone and the last car to be built while Giulio Alfieri was in charge of engineering, it’s a futuristically styled and advanced supercar. We’d go so far as to say it almost falls into “concept car for the road” territory.
Presented in a desirable specification, seemingly almost entirely complete and with the covetable manual transmission, this is most likely the only opportunity you’ll ever get to build the UK-spec Khamsin of your dreams.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 7th August 1979
- Two previous owners
- Current registered owner since 1983
- Tucked away in a barn since 1986
- Unearthed from the barn in November 2022
- Just 26,342 miles indicated
- V5 and keys present and correct
- Please note: this vehicle will require a full restoration
In October 1986, when the car was just seven years old and had covered just 26,342 miles, the clutch started to slip. The owner put the vehicle into a barn on their property, ordered a new OEM clutch kit from Maserati, and promptly forgot to do anything about it. Yes, somehow, they never found the time to put their Maserati back on the road and so it sat there, new clutch in the boot and gradually being surrounded by boxes, until it was dug out in November of this year.
As we have already mentioned, the car will need a full restoration, cosmetically and mechanically, to restore it to its former glory. As such, the new owner will need to take it away with a trailer/transporter.
The Interior
- Cream leather upholstery
- Original Philips radio/cassette system
- Practical 2+2 layout
With a raft of gauges and switches adorning the dashboard, and a beautifully tailored set of seats, occupants are left in no doubt that they’re in something very special indeed.
We’re very pleasantly surprised by how well the interior of the car looks. There’s little sign of mould, which shows the barn was largely dry and weather-proof, while the upholstery itself looks to be in remarkably good order. It all needs a good clean, and the leather will need a feed and perhaps some professional care, but we think it should come up very well indeed. The only area that may need a little more attention is the gear lever gaiter, which shows a little more wear.
Even the carpets and headlining appear to be in reasonably good order considering how long the car has been sat. What we could see of the headlining appears to be secure and undamaged, with a few marks, but nothing that would overly concern us. The two rear lift out seat squabs are in need of attention as they are stained from being left on a shelf in the barn.
As far as we can tell, all of the switchgear, controls and internal trim pieces look to be present, correct and in good order. The dials are nice and clear and the controls show a little patina from age, but little in the way of wear from use – perhaps unsurprising given the vehicle’s low indicated mileage. We cannot say with any certainty if the cabin’s features function as they should, but everything certainly looks to be in good order.
The Exterior
- Deep red paintwork
- Monocoque bodyshell
- Original Campagnalo alloy wheels
- Pop-up headlights
- Full restoration required
Even after nearly 40 years in a barn, the Khamsin is quite a sight. With forward looking, crisp styling and some gorgeous detailing, Gandini certainly outdid himself here. We particularly love that crisp swage line that flicks up at the back of the car.
That iconic bodywork is finished in deep red paintwork which, to be fair, has seen better days and will need to be refreshed. For some reason, the owner touched in a few areas with a rattle can of MG ‘Damask Red’, which they considered a reasonable match for the original paint. We would suggest that, as a result, a complete respray will be in order.
As for the bodywork itself, there are numerous blemishes, a few scuffs and some bubbling to be seen, but generally a very solid car. However, considering this is a 70s Maserati that’s not been touched in nearly four decades, we think it looks encouragingly solid. Of course, a thorough inspection will be necessary, and any buyer should expect there to be fairly extensive bodywork required.
One of the car’s most notable features, that glass panel that shrouds the rear lights, is intact and in fine fettle. The rest of the glass elements appear to be in similarly good condition, as do the light lenses. One of the front indicators has cracked, but we’re told that a new OEM unit was sourced in 1986 and is present in the boot with the other spares.
It looks as if the vast majority of the external trim is present and correct, although some of the badging looks as if it will need some repair and the front bumper has clearly been buckled in the centre. Again, this is all very doable, and nothing that would put us off.
The car is still riding on its original 15-inch Campagnalo alloy wheels, complete with their chromed centre-caps, which is great to see. New tyres will obviously be required, although it appears as if the current set still hold air, and the wheels themselves would benefit from refurbishment.
The Mechanics
- 4,930cc 90-degree DOHC V8
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Fully independent suspension all round
- Power assisted brake discs all round
How much would you want to say that you drive a mid-front engined V8 Maserati? If you're anything like us, “a lot” is the answer. That V8 is a wonderful piece of engineering. When new it was capable of delivering 320hp and 354lb-ft to the rear wheels, fine figures even by today’s standards. Twinned with this car’s ZF five-speed ‘dog-leg’ manual transmission, it makes for an intoxicating drive.
Keeping all that power very much in the driver’s control is a system that was very advanced for its day. Benefitting from Maserati’s historic links with Citroën, it features a high pressure hydraulic system that offers assistance to the clutch, brakes and variable steering.
The suspension set-up is fully independent, with double wishbones at each corner with dampers and coil springs (twin at the rear). This is accompanied by power disc brakes all round, ensuring excellent braking performance for the period.
As the car has been sat for so long, no attempt has been made to start it, and we’d suggest that a full fuel system drain/flush and fluid change would be necessary before this is tried. It should be expected that mechanical recommissioning will be required, with the various rubber hoses and gaskets no doubt in need of replacement.
Summary
It’s rare for something this exclusive to come to market – and even rarer for it to be a genuine barn find that hasn’t been disturbed for 36 years. Exceptionally rare when new, vanishingly rare now, this Khamsin represents the height of Maserati’s 70s engineering prowess and styling chutzpah.
Stunning when parked, sure to be head-turning when on the move, we think this exceptionally beautiful supercar deserves to be restored to its prime. If you love the idea of creating the Khamsin of your dreams, you simply won’t find a better opportunity than this.
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