1977 Maserati Khamsin Automatic (RHD)

SOLD

1977 Maserati Khamsin Automatic (RHD)

  • Manufactured in 1977 and sold new in Hong Kong
  • One of just 16 RHD cars fitted with automatic transmission
  • Currently owned by a former Maserati Club Chairman for over 25 years
  • Fastidiously maintained by McGrath Maserati since 1994
  • One of the finest examples which benefits from a large history file

On the market for the first time in over 25 years, this Maserati Khamsin is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in existence today.

This is a matching numbers car (AM120*339*), confirmed by the Maserati Classiche documentation which accompanies it. Manufactured in January 1977, it was exported to Hong Kong when new. Out of the 70 right-hand-drive cars built, only 16 were specified with an automatic gearbox and only two were sent to Hong Kong.

The current owner lived in Hong Kong for some years and bought the car while there from another Englishman. That was in 1993. Originally born in Rosso Cordoba, the colour had been changed to a metallic brown, but the black interior was all original and the car functioned reasonably well. When parts were needed however, he turned to McGraths and for the first few years of his ownership, we supplied parts for the car from afar.

When the family returned to the UK a year later, the Khamsin came too and naturally was delivered to McGrath Maserati. Initially we carried out some running repairs, including hydraulic and suspension work but a couple of years later, undertook a complete engine rebuild (at 27,000 miles). By now registered here in the UK, the car was pressed into regular use and we maintained the car annually until 2003, when it was sent to restoration company for a thorough metalwork restoration and re-paint. The new colour of Argento Auteuil was chosen as it brought out the sharpness of the bodylines and the distinctive grilles and shapes of this Gandini masterpiece.

During this work, some interior refurbishment took place including re-trimming the front seats and re-carpeting but much of the interior is original to this day. As well as this, the engine bay was restored and detailed and every rubber body seal renewed. A new windscreen completed the work and once again, the car was put back into service.

Since then, it has continued to be maintained by McGrath, most notably having a thorough suspension overhaul in 2009, including removal and repair of the rear subframe. There is an extensive file with the car detailing all of this work and the not inconsiderable costs involved to maintain a car as fastidiously as this.

In latter years this Khamsin has become a familiar sight on Maserati Club events, both driving and static, having been entered in the Club concours and also been seen on motor show stands such as the NEC Classic Car Show, both for the club and in support of Maserati North Europe. But even having been used regularly, the mileage today is still only 57,000.

This then is not an average example. It has never been completely restored but at one time or another, every area of the car has been refurbished. It therefore retains considerable originality but is thoroughly sorted, on the button and ready for its next event or tour.

It is matching numbers, has considerable history, is from long-term ownership and is ready to go.

This car is now SOLD, thank you very much.