Maserati Khamsin

Now get working on the Bora!

 

No, possibly later but please let's stay on topic this is the Khamsin thread. Now I am concentrating on giving it the exposure it deserves but did not get in its day because it came out 2 days before the energy crisis happened like a tsunami, quadrupling fuel costs introducing speed limits, making these cars politically incorrect and ruining sales worldwide not to mention the US regulators ruining its appearance and thus sales for the US market.

 

If it took 20 years for the Khamsin I don't have that long. I almost ended up with a Khamsin, a real nice one from Marin County but I was an hour too late. I got a ride in it though. The broker felt bad that I'd driven an hour and a half.

 

It is never too late to get a Khamsin

Ivan

 

Post of the year !

 

It is for me at this point. Or retirement relocation plans took a major disruption because of the absurd reaction to Covid-19 and the resulting inflation. Besides,I already bought 2 door 4 passenger exotic Italian V12 car. So I've sampled my fair share. Presently my lovely Supercharged Jag V8 which got refurbished a bit last year serves as lovely and quite quick touring vehicle.

 

Hi All, I was shocked today to hear of the death of fellow Khamsin owner Ian Cameron. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. I hope they catch the person responsible quickly

 

That is terrible, I am speechless, what a tragedy, hard to believe.

He was murdered Friday by a robber or vagrant at his home in Bavaria, south Germany. I hope criminal and emotional closure can come as soon as possible.

He is the former head designer of Rolls Royce.

He and Verena were at Khamsin Cinquanta in June last year with his Khamsin. I enjoyed exchanging emails in the last decade about his K #052, we first met at Villa d'Este for the first time years ago, a major designer and real Khamsin stalwart. He is one of several designers who were big Khamsin fans but that is meaningless today....

Here he is at the La Mainaz restaurant in the French Jura mountains during brunch before the concours June 17, 2023, in light blue shirt at the end of the table with Verena to his right.

RIP Ian...

Rolls Royce paid tribute to him:

In a statement, Rolls Royce said: “We were deeply shocked by the reports from Germany concerning Ian Cameron, who was the director of design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 1999 – 2012.

Ian played a significant role in shaping Rolls-Royce from when it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its Home at Goodwood, West Sussex.

During Ian’s tenure he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, creating thoroughly contemporary motor cars that remained sympathetic to the marque’s design lineage.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”

We don't need or want UK tabloid links here but I will post a nice eulogy on Ian by Autocar magazine UK:

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ian-cameron-rolls-renaissance-man-remembered


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1286 for sale https://www.ruotedasogno.com/en_gb/cars/1978-maserati-khamsin.html

 

-Two things: since many have privately expressed their sorrow at Ian Cameron's demise in Bavaria some solace should come from the rapid arrest of the culprit near Paris via excellent Europol collaboration.

The motive is not yet clear though but it will not bring Ian back.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/19/former-rolls-royce-designer-alleged-killer-arrested-france

-To move on:

1286 is a very late US car I inspected on behalf of a French client, FMS, in April 2013 in Ohio where it was for sale. I just happened to be in the US then so it worked out.

It was born verde pino, pine green, but had been repainted jade green at the time, which is black with a hint of green, not a factory color but interesting, photos attached.
It had a beautiful wooden dashboard and wheel, not factory, a later modification.

FMS enjoyed it in Milan, Italy, where he lived then had it repainted in verde pino a couple of years ago.

He has now consigned it a few weeks ago to Ruote da Sogno where I inspected a Kyalami for a friend 5 years ago. Great people and dealership. The asking price is very ambitious though, from 2015 not 2024 but perhaps he or his son will comment as they have occasionally.

It was in an Italian article in recent years, before the repaint.



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Night & Day..

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Great shots! Now you can do a three K meet with your new 1224 (brown), with 1196 (silver) and the Celeste (light blue) 1180 of your friend nearby

 

Yes, and I could also include what's left of 1184... ! LOL ..
That's almost 1% of total Khamsin production

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Happy to mention that my article on the Khamsin prototype AM12-004 is out today in UK newstands in Octane magazine issue #255, September. There has never been until now an article about the life of the world premiere Turin 1972 show car, the one used in the very first press release, one with many differences compared to standard, which I documented, along with its complete history. I was very happy with how my text came out as well as the photoshoot by Dennis Noten, the first proper shoot of the car since 1972. Enjoy your reading when you get the issue

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zyIf7IlRo/?img_index=6

Here it is at KHAMSIN QUARANTA, June 2012, when MM Marcello Gandini and Ermanno Cozza unveiled it in the courtyard of les Hospices de Beaune after decades hidden away.


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Hi Marc, I just wanted to introduce myself as the new owner of 435 in the UK. I’m trying to engage with other owners and begin the process of understanding this beautiful car which has been a long held ambition of mine. Thanks for any info . Regards Gary

 

Hi Gary and welcome,

Congratulations on acquiring a very handsome example with unusual history. Here photos when it was in Africa. Jack who owned it then does visit here.

Doug B. mentioned he'd been in touch with you without naming you. He used to own 341. There are other UK owners here, I am sure they will get in touch with you.

You will find some true technical experts here such as Ivan Ruiz (the carnut), while I am more focused on history but can help with contacts.

Here is a text about the basics I did a few years ago:

https://www.classichemasters.com/models/maserati-khamsin

My 2013 book can still be ordered in the deluxe version at Eaurougepublishing.com , from Doug B. I hasten to add nothing in it for me I, was paid by contract, not royalties.

I wish you much enjoyment and do please post fresh photos when you have a chance!

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Hello Gary (Garybreadner)...

From one K owner to a new K owner - CONGRATULATIONS !!!

Mike

 

Thank you Mike it feels great to be here!

 

Here are a few photos of the car in my ownership. You can see the interior looks a bit tired and I’ve arranged to have it refurbished. Could any way tell me if seat removal is much of an issue given the hydraulic nature of the adjustment? Thank you
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Hello Gary,
You can remove the seats including the runners by sliding them backwards to get at the front bolts, and forwards to get at the rear
ones.
The hydraulics are untouched.
Mind you, you may have to knock them hard since the runners on my car were jammed almost solid, by the ball bearings getting on the wrong side of the central stop.!
Neil.

 

That’s perfect thank you very much Neil.

 

Welcome to the fold Gary.

Your car has got to be my favourite combo of colour and interior. Hope you enjoy driving her. I’m based in the West Midlands with chassis 433. As Marc says there’s a good bunch on this forum.

Bal

 

Thank you Bal , couldn’t be more chuffed to join this exclusive club!

 

On e-bay there is a red Khamsin up for auction... The listing indicates
it is AM120US1010... It appears both front and rear bumpers have been converted
to Euro spec... It does have an automatic transmission.. Actually, it is not bad looking..
Anybody have any info on 1010???

Mike