Maserati Khamsin

Thursday 26 November 2009
The Maserati Khamsin (named after the Khamsin, a hot, violent wind in the Egyptian desert) was a sports car introduced as a Bertone prototype in 1972 at the Turin Auto Show. The next year it was on display at the Paris Motor Show, badged as a Maserati. Production started in 1974. The car sported a front mounted 4.9 litre V-8 delivering 320 hp, housed in bodywork that resembled a lower, flatter Ghibli, designed by Bertone. Production of the Khamsin ended in 1982, with only 430 vehicles produced. The Khamsin had several unusual features, such as DIRAVI power steering, with higher than usual assistance for parking, decreasing with speed, and a glass rear panel (between the taillights) below the rear window, giving reverse visibility surpassing most cars, especially similar sports cars.

Technical data:
- engine: V8
- capacity: 4930 cc
- horsepower: 320 HP
- gearbox: 5+1
- top speed: 280 km/h