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1972 Maserati Khamsin (Bertone)

Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - A design drawing by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - A design drawing by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - A design drawing by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - A design drawing by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - Preparatory sketches of the Maserati Khamsin by the design studio of Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - Preparatory sketches of the Maserati Khamsin by the design studio of Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - Official photographs of the prototype Maserati Khamsin issued by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - Official photographs of the prototype Maserati Khamsin issued by Carrozzeria Bertone
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - note the original rear bumper and tail-light design, modified when the Khamsin went into full production.
Maserati Khamsin, 1972 - note the original rear bumper and tail-light design, modified when the Khamsin went into full production.
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - The prototype Khamsin: no Maserati badge on the bonnet
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - The prototype Khamsin: no Maserati badge on the bonnet
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - An official Carrozzeria Bertone press release photograph.
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - An official Carrozzeria Bertone press release photograph.
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972
1978 Maserati Khamsin brochure cover.
1978 Maserati Khamsin brochure cover.
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Exterior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Interior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 - Interior photo from original factory brochure
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1980
Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1980
Bilder: Maserati; www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk
Bewertung:  38    -1    +39
The Khamsin was first seen on the Bertone stand at the Salone di Torino in 1972. The following year it was again displayed on the Bertone stand at the Paris Motor Show, this time carrying the Maserati badge. It did not go into full production until 1974.
Then Citroën took over Maserati in 1968 plans for the launch of the Indy were so far advanced that they rightly decided to leave 'well alone' and were unable to add any of technical input. Subsequent models like the Bora and the Merak 'benefitted' from Citroën's influence and Maserati's production was steered away from its traditional front engined GTs to these mid/rear-engined sports cars. This left many Maserati customers unhappy at the lack of a luxury GT in the Maserati range and the Casa gave Bertone the task of designing and building a new Granturismo.

The result was the splendid Khamsin, designated Tipo 120 by the factory, a car designed by one of Bertone's more talented young designers, Marcello Gandini.

Introduced as the successor the Indy, the Khamsin was built on a tubular chassis with the same 2550 mm wheelbase as the Ghibli and with its engine mounted behind the front axle it gave the car excellent road handling.

Gandini's design had many interesting features including a distinct asymmetric louvred grille on the bonnet, a rear almost horizontal tailgate, a rear glass panel to allow for better rear visibility and the spare wheel stowed at the front of the car under the radiator.

The interior of the Khamsin, with seating finished in leather, afforded excellent comfort for the driver and front passenger but headroom and legroom in the rear was restricted. There was ample luggage space, with easy access via the tail gate, mainly due to the twin fuel tanks with single fuel filler on the right-hand side and the spare tyre being stored under the front radiator. The dashboard had excellent instrumentation and controls with speedometer, rev counter, oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge, water temperature gauge, voltmeter, fuel gauge and a variety of rocker switches and warning lights, including one for the braking system.

The reliable four overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder 5-litre (4930 cc) V8 engine was chosen as the powerplant and produced 320 bhp @ 5500 rpm with an impressive maximum torque figure of 354 lb ft @ 4000 rpm. A five-speed manual ZF gearbox or 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic trasmission was available.

A 1979 road test by Road & Track of a Khamsin, with manual transmission, quoted a top speed of 140 mph and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration figure of 7.3 seconds.

The Khamsin incorporated many interesting features from Citroën's technical department, including a sophisticated hydaulically power-assisted speed-related steering system, a high pressure (2500 psi from an engine driven pump) hydraulic braking system and clutch. Ask any Khamsin owner and they'll tell you that; "it's a great car to drive but the brakes need a little getting used to!"

Suspension was independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with twin dampers and coil springs on each rear wheel a là Bora. In line with Maserati's tradition of passenger comfort, the rear differential was mounted on a sub-frame bolted to the chassis with rubber dampers thereby insulating the occupants from transmission noise and vibration.

During its production life, the Khamsin underwent very few changes until 1976/77 when the front of the bonnet received additional louvres, this time symmetric, a re-designed dashboard and a new steering wheel with a large padded centre.

Standard equipment on the Khamsin included air conditioning, full leather interior, tinted electric windows, heated rear window, iodine headlights, hydraulically adjusted reclining front seats with head rests, anti-theft device and radio. Optional extras included automatic transmission and right-hand drive.

If ever a supercar, and the Khamsin was indeed a 'super car', was produced at the wrong time, then surely the Maserati Khamsin was it. Launched at a time when the then owners, Citroën, were about to abandon Maserati, at a time of an energy crisis which saw a huge drop in demand for such gas guzzling V8s and at a time of an unsure future for the 'Casa' which left little opportunity for further development, the Khamsin never had the opportunity of achieving the success, in terms of numbers produced, it merited.

Production over the nine year period from the end of 1973 to 1982 was limited to 435 cars and under more normal circumstances the figure would have been far higher. The 'Catalogue Raisonné' by Gianni Cancellieri quotes production figures for the Khamsin as 5 cars in 1973, 97 in 1974, 69 in 1975, 37 in 1976, 69 in 1977, 72 in 1978, 42 in 1979, 12 in 1980, 11 in 1981 and 3 in 1982 (however the total for these figures does not tally wih the official total production figure of 430 carsof which 71 were right-hand drive).


The Maserati Khamsin was introduced as a prototype in autumn 1972 at the Turin Motor Show, only a few weeks after the launch of the Merak. Intended as a replacement for the Ghibli, Maserati’s Khamsin coupé. At the height of the “wedge shape” design era, the Khamsin was Turin design house Bertone’s first official commission for Maserati. The production model was shown at the following Geneva motor show in March 1973. The design’s clean lines were characterized by a waistline rising gently from the pointed nose to the truncated tail, and were enhanced by innovative details such as the taillights “floating” in a rear transparent panel (unfortunately they had to be modified on the US version to comply with Federal legislation).

The wind lending its name to the new 2+2 coupé was a hot North-African desert gale blowing in Egypt and Libya. The self-supporting body rested on an unchanged 2.55 meter wheelbase, however the rear suspension was entirely new with oscillating trapeziums and differential units mounted in a sub-frame, effectively reducing both noise and vibration. The variable steering assistance was shared with the Citroën SM, as were other high-pressure hydraulics applications: brakes, clutch, pop-up headlights and driver seat adjustment. The spare wheel was fitted behind a trap door underneath the front bumper. By the time Khamsin deliveries started in 1974 both the Ghibli and Mexico had been phased out. It remained in production until 1982, with the 4.9 liter dry-sump V8 from the Ghibli SS as the sole engine choice.

German magazine Motor Revue achieved 272.2 kph (170 mph) before the unit was detuned from 320 hp to 280 hp in 1979, after which the top speed stood at 250 kph (156mph). One of the 435 cars assembled was delivered to Luciano Benetton in 1981. A subtle restyle added a small three-slot grille at the front in 1977.


Этот автомобиль получил свое имя в честь дующего только в Египте сезонного ветра. Он был создан в качестве преемника модели Ghibli, также имеющей название ветра, и модели Indy. Впервые Maserati заказала кузов фирме Bertone и впервые в конструкции машины с передним двигателем она применила независимую заднюю подвеску, рычаги и пружины которой аналогичны используемым в передней подвеске. Над дизайном кузова работал Марчелло Гандини (Marcello Gandini), создавший футуристический автомобиль Lamborghini Espada ("Ламборгини Эспада").

Как и в конструкции Bora и Merak, в устройстве машины Khamsin явно прослеживалось влияние Citroen, в частности использовалась гидравлическая система высокого давления для привода тормозов и усилитель рулевого механизма. В остальном же конструкция была традиционной для Maserati: передний двигатель V8 с четырьмя распредвалами и задние ведущие колеса при 5-ступенчатой коробке передач ZF или 3-ступенчатой автоматической Borg-Warner. Очень жесткая работа гидравлической системы приводила к тому, что даже опытные водители могли непреднамеренно заблокировать колеса при торможении. Усилитель рулевого механизма работал с переменной степенью усиления в зависимости от скорости движения.

И все же главной особенностью Khamsin следует признать дизайн кузова. Компания Bertone придала машине подчеркнуто заостренные переднюю и заднюю части. На боковинах ее кузова находится складка, проходящая с подъемом от верхней части передней надколесной арки к задней части кузова. Боковое заднее окно также свидетельствует о стиле Bertone.

Как и в случае с моделью Merak, компания Maserati считала, что Khamsin имеет салон 2+2. Но из-за очень тесного заднего сиденья и низкого потолка над ним фактически число мест составляло 2+1. С 5-литровым двигателем V8 автомобиль развивал скорость 257 км/ч, разгонялся с места до 96 км/ч за 8 с и обладал хорошей управляемостью благодаря примерно равному распределению нагрузки на передние и задние колеса.

Скорее всего, если бы ходовая часть машины была лучше проработана, если бы не наступил энергетический кризис и если бы финансовое положение компании не оставляло желать лучшего, модель Khamsin пользовалась бы успехом. Но получилось так, что в конце 70-х гг. ее продажи резко сократились и за 9 лет суммарный объем производства составил всего 421 автомобиль. Самым удачным был 1974 г., когда поступили заказы на 96 Khamsin.
Quelle: www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk; www.maserati.us; avtoclassika.com
Designschmiede: Bertone
1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Coupe (Bertone), 1952 Abarth 1500 Coupe Biposto (Bertone), 1953 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 5 (Bertone), 1953 Arnolt Bristol (Bertone), 1953 Aston Martin DB 2/4 (Bertone), 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe (Bertone), 1953 Dodge Zeder (Bertone), 1953 Fiat Siata 8V (Bertone), 1954 Alfa Romeo 2000 Sportiva (Bertone), 1954 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 7 (Bertone), 1954 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint (Bertone), 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Spider (Bertone), 1955 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 9 (Bertone), 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider (Bertone), 1956 Abarth 750 (Bertone), 1956 Abarth Record (Bertone), 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale (Bertone), 1957 Fiat Stanguellini 1200 Spider (Bertone), 1957 Jaguar XK150 (Bertone), 1958 Abarth Alfa Romeo 1000 (Bertone), 1958 NSU Sport Prinz (Bertone), 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe (Bertone), 1959 OSCA 1500 (Bertone), 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Prototype EW (Bertone), 1960 Gordon-Keeble GT (Bertone), 1961 ASA 1000 GT (Bertone), 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet (Bertone), 1961 BMW 3200 CS (Bertone), 1961 Ferrari 250GT (Bertone), 1961 Maserati 5000 GT Coupe (Bertone), 1962 Iso Rivolta GT (Bertone), 1962 Simca 1000/1200S Coupe (Bertone), 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint HS (Bertone), 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo (Bertone), 1963 Iso Grifo (Bertone), 1964 Alfa Romeo Canguro (Bertone), 1965 Fiat 850 Spider (Bertone), 1965 Ford Mustang (Bertone), 1966 Jaguar FT (Bertone), 1966 Lamborghini Miura (Bertone), 1966 Porsche 911 Roadster (Bertone), 1967 Alfa Romeo Montreal Expo Prototipo (Bertone), 1967 Fiat 125 Executive (Bertone), 1967 Jaguar Pirana (Bertone), 1967 Lamborghini Marzal (Bertone), 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo (Bertone), 1968 Bertone Panther, 1968 Lamborghini Espada (Bertone), 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster (Bertone), 1969 Autobianchi Runabout (Bertone), 1969 BMW 2800 Spicup (Bertone), 1969 Fiat 128 Coupe (Bertone), 1969 Iso Lele (Bertone), 1970 Bertone Shake, 1970 BMW 2200 TI Garmisch (Bertone), 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero (Bertone), 1971 Lamborghini Countach (Bertone), 1971 Lamborghini Urraco (Bertone), 1971 Lancia Stratos HF (Bertone), 1972 Citroen Camargue (Bertone), 1972 Fiat X1/9 (Bertone), 1972 Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1972 Suzuki Go (Bertone), 1973 NSU Trapeze (Bertone), 1974 Fiat 127 Village (Bertone), 1974 Lamborghini Bravo (Bertone), 1974 Maserati Quattroporte II (Bertone), 1975 Fiat 131 Abarth (Bertone), 1975 Fiat Visitors Bus (Bertone), 1975 Fiat X1/9 Dallara (Bertone), 1976 Alfa Romeo Navajo (Bertone), 1976 Ferrari Rainbow (Bertone), 1977 Jaguar Ascot (Bertone), 1978 Lancia Sibilo (Bertone), 1979 Volvo Tundra (Bertone), 1980 Lamborghini Athon (Bertone), 1981 Mazda MX-81 Aria (Bertone), 1982 Citroen BX (Bertone), 1983 Alfa Romeo Delfino (Bertone), 1984 Chevrolet Ramarro (Bertone), 1986 Citroen Zabrus (Bertone), 1988 Lamborghini Genesis (Bertone), 1989 Bugatti EB 110 Proposal (Bertone), 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Nivola (Bertone), 1991 Lotus Emotion (Bertone), 1992 Bertone Blitz, 1992 Fiat Cinquecento RUSH (Bertone), 1994 Bertone ZER (Zero Emission Record), 1994 Fiat Punto Racer (Bertone), 1994 Porsche Karisma (Bertone), 1995 Lancia Kayak (Bertone), 1995 Opel Maxx (Bertone), 1996 Citroen Berlingo Coupe de Plage (Bertone), 1996 Fiat Enduro (Bertone), 1996 Opel Slalom (Bertone), 1997 Alfa Romeo Sportut (Bertone), 1998 Bertone Pickster, 1999 Alfa Romeo Bella (Bertone), 1999 Mazda Neospace (Bertone), 2000 Bertone Slim, 2001 Oldsmobile O4 (Bertone), 2001 Opel Filo (Bertone), 2001 Saab 9X (Bertone), 2002 Bertone Novanta, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe (Bertone), 2003 Bertone Birusa, 2003 Opel Insignia (Bertone), 2004 Aston Martin Jet2 (Bertone), 2005 Cadillac Villa Design Study (Bertone), 2006 Bertone Suagna, 2007 Chery A6CC Coupe (B23) (Bertone), 2007 Fiat Barchetta (Bertone), 2008 Bertone B.A.T. 11, 2009 Bertone Mantide, 2010 Alfa Romeo Pandion (Bertone), 2011 Jaguar B99 (Bertone), 2011 Jaguar B99 GT (Bertone), 2012 Bertone Nuccio, 2013 Aston Martin Jet 2+2 (Bertone), 2022 Bertone GB110
Andere Maserati
1932 Maserati V4 Sport (Zagato), 1934 Maserati 1100 Tipo 4CS, 1947 Maserati A6 1500 Berlinetta Speciale (Pininfarina), 1949 Maserati A6G 1500 Panoramica (Zagato), 1954 Maserati A6G (Zagato), 1954 Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta (Pininfarina), 1955 Maserati A6G Spider (Zagato), 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder (Frua), 1957 Maserati 3500 GT (Allemano), 1957 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe (Touring), 1957 Maserati 450S Coupe (Zagato), 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe (Bertone), 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spider (Frua), 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder (Vignale), 1959 Maserati 5000 GT (Touring), 1960 Maserati 5000 GT (Monterosa), 1961 Maserati 3500 GTI Coupe (Frua), 1961 Maserati 5000 GT (Ghia), 1961 Maserati 5000 GT Coupe (Bertone), 1961 Maserati 5000 GT 'Gianni Agnelli' (Pininfarina), 1961 Maserati 5000 GT Indianapolis (Allemano), 1961 Maserati 5000GT (Michelotti), 1962 Maserati 3500 GT (Touring), 1962 Maserati 3500 GT 'Tight' (Boneschi), 1962 Maserati 3500 GTI Coupe (Frua), 1962 Maserati 5000 GT (Frua), 1962 Maserati Sebring (Vignale), 1963 Maserati 3500 GTI Spider (Vignale), 1966 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe (Moretti), 1966 Maserati Ghibli (Ghia), 1966 Maserati Mexico (Vignale), 1968 Maserati Ghibli Spider (Ghia), 1968 Maserati Simun (Ghia), 1969 Maserati Indy (Vignale), 1971 Maserati Bora, 1972 Maserati Boomerang (ItalDesign), 1972 Maserati Khamsin (Bertone), 1974 Maserati Coupe (ItalDesign), 1974 Maserati Quattroporte II (Bertone), 1984 Maserati Biturbo Spyder (Zagato), 1988 Maserati Karif (Zagato), 1995 Maserati Auge (Castagna), 2000 Maserati Buran (ItalDesign), 2001 Maserati 320S (ItalDesign), 2003 Maserati Kubang GT Wagon (ItalDesign), 2003 Maserati Quattroporte (Pininfarina), 2005 Maserati Birdcage 75th (Pininfarina), 2007 Maserati GS (Zagato), 2008 Maserati A8 GCS Berlinetta (Touring), 2008 Maserati Bellagio (Touring), 2008 Maserati Chicane (IED), 2011 Maserati Kubang, 2014 Maserati Alfieri, 2015 Maserati Mostro (Zagato), 2022 Maserati Mostro Barchetta (Zagato)
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