Yes, I received more infos about his passing this morning - but I keep that very confidential for private reasons.
In 2007 I forwarded my entire Khamsin register to Marc. It had contained chassis numbers, owners histories, sale dates etc of exactly 121 cars.
Marc chosed my publisher for the Khamsin book. Today my co-author Jean-Francois Blachette, President of the French Maserati club, received an email from our publisher who asking how and if the project can be moved on. But this is not possible at this moment, as Marc`s estate has to be sorted by a notary...which seems not to be very easy.....
Should another Khamsin gathering be organised anywhere on this planet it should be named "A Khamsin tribute to Marc Sonnery". He truly have deserved that.
Dear ChallengeStradale, you wrote: If you don't understand his Maserati passion I recall seeing a picture of him when he was like four years old and he was in the back of a Maserati Khamsin. It was his fathers company car when his father was the CEO of the parent company which owned Maserati. Was it a color photo ? If so, was the Khamsin silver ? The silver Maserati Khamsin AM120-174 I posted on page 1 was registered to its first owner (Citroen Köln Porz - Germany) in April 1975, exactly when Marc's father started working there. I had sent Marc this information in May. Marc thanked and was actually going to send me some pages of the Citroen Staff Magazine (which his father had written), but somehow Marc and I forgot. I only noticed it now when I read through our chat history. Kind regards Zdenek
It's possible that ChallengeStradale was referring to this photo, since Marc is sitting in the trunk, and the age might be appropriate. The Khamsin has been in series production since the end of 1973, at which time Marc was already older then 4.
Dear Ivan, i'm currently cleaning up my email inbox and this email from Marc dated July 2, 2025, caught my eye. Perhaps it answers your question. My question: Good morning Marc, is there any news about your book ? Marc's answer: What is slow is tidying up the car by car registry notes, last year I pushed too hard on that and wore myself out. I am almost halfway through. It is a pain but it has never been done before and will be unique. The accounts by owners with interesting stories: I have 12 and am waiting for four. Some people need reminding ten times! Archive photos I have from various sources. Then of course I have over 10000 photos in the Registry some of which can be useful for specific illustrations. The last bit I will write is general Khamsin genesis, history. After Le Mans Classic this weekend and writing my article about it next week I can focus on the book work. Are you coming to France this summer? We could maybe have a coffee or a lunch if you pass near me. Have a good day, Marc
Me too. It was always a pleasure to chat with this guy in private or on a forum. Big loss. Image Unavailable, Please Login
In the weeks before the car guy tour, Janet and I spent a week in Puligny Montrachet at the Olivier LEFLAIVE winery and their beautiful small hotel. Having known Mark since his days working with Ed Waterman in Florida, I of course phoned him up and invited over for dinner which he was happy to accept. Marc was always very knowledgeable about Khamsins and of course very passionate. I recall him being very opinionated about politics and somewhat conflicted about where to live. He had a Russian girlfriend that didn't work out, and broke his heart. Then a Swedish girlfriend that he was currently in love with. I am shocked that he left us so young. May the Khamsin wind be forever at his back for he'll be a long time in heaven before the devil knows he's gone. He was a good friend and may he rest in peace. FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
More photos that were not included in my first post FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ferrari Market Letter has a nice tribute. I had the unfortunate duty to report Marc's passing to them. https://www.ferrarimarketletter.com/featured-article/marc-sonnery---rip BHW
