The Khamsin was the first traditional front engined Maserati. Styled by Bertone, the shape dated from 1972, and resulted in an angular and dart like coupe with an abruptly sawn off tail. An unusual feature was its glazed rear panel, with the tail lights held in suspension by the glass. Inside, the chunky dashboard lacked both the symmetry and restraint of more tasteful 1960s Maseratis, but air conditioning was standard, and there was an adjustable steering column and hydraulic seat height adjustment for the driver. All Khamsin named after an Egyptain wind came with the classic Maserati four cam V8, mounted well back against the bulk head so that, with the 20 gallon (91 liters) fuel filled, weight distribution was an ideal 50/50. the Khamsin came only as a 4.9 liter, and red lined at 5500 rpm to make a full bodied 320 bhp. Torque, though, was its forte, a colossal 354 lb/ft being available at 4000 rpm. Needless to say the Khamisn had massive low speed lugging ability, so thickly spread was this torque across the 800- 5500 rpm power band. Conceived as a successor to the Indy and Ghibli, the Khamsin differed from its 1960s front engined predecessors in having proper double wish bone rear suspension rather than an outdated, if well located, live axle.
It also used Citroen hydraulics for its steering, brakes, clutch and even the pop up headlights and driver’s seat adjustment. It was the last Maserati to feel the technical influence of Citroen controlling power, by the time Khamisn production was getting into its stride in 1975, Citroen had pulled out. The car remained in production until 1983.
