The Maserati Khamsin is easily one of the most underrated grand tourers of the 1970s. Offering a glorious V8 soundtrack and Marcello Gandini’s signature arresting good looks, it was both a triumphant sequel to the Giugiaro-designed Ghibli and a more traditional alternative to the mid-engined Bora. In other words, it was the perfect car to cruise up and down the Californian coastline, and this particular five-speed manual 1977 example was one of only seven US-delivered examples to wear Giallo Fly paintwork over a Nero interior. 

Soon after arriving at Maserati Automobiles California, Inc., this Khamsin was given a unique T-Top conversion with tinted glass at the hands of the importer, still wearing its bumblebee colour scheme. However, while still in California, it received its all-black makeover, giving this Khamsin an understated allure that was only enhanced when Dutch collector Paul Koot acquired the car from Classic Motors of La Jolla and exported it to the Netherlands, where it was fitted with European bumpers using factory components.

During its time in the Netherlands, its subsequent owners drove the car to Maserati's 90th-anniversary celebrations in Modena and Tuscany and treated it to an engine-out service to maintain its grand touring credentials and ensure its 4.9-litre, 330 horsepower V8 was in excellent health. In 2015, it was acquired by a German collection and was put on display at the Oldtimer-Museum Volante in Baden-Württemberg. During this time, the five-speed gearbox and clutch were reportedly overhauled in 2021. After changing hands again in 2023, it was treated to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul at the hands of Sportwagen Service in Hamburg, who also refreshed the largely original interior. Now this unique Khamsin is looking for its next custodian as it heads to Broad Arrow’s Zoute Concours Auction on October 10th in Knokke-Heist. 

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