Hi,

Following our recent contact about the MC12 we offered at Le Mans, I thought you might like to hear about the unique car that will be offered at Retromobile, Paris, on 17 February. I include a description and some photos, but basically it is a Khamsin Spyder, converted in period by the US concessionaire who was afraid that the lack of a convertible would damage the US market, and unique.

For further info on the sale please see www.christies.com/cars.

Hope all's well with you!

Best regards,

Jack."

Year: 1975
Chassis No: AM120US*1030*
Engine No: 2021
Body No: 500127
Metallic blue with blue hood, blue leather interior.

Engine: eight cylinders in 90 degree V, 4,930cc, 320bhp at 5,500rpm; Gearbox: three speed automatic; Suspension: independent with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar to front, coil springs and twin telescopic shock absorbers to rear; Brakes: hydraulically operated and assisted discs all round. Left hand drive.

Model History

Successor to the Indy and to the Ghibli before that, the Khamsin was at once more innovative in its design and more striking in its appearance. Handling was keen and precise thanks in part to the Citroën hydraulic system that assisted steering and brakes, and power was plentiful thanks to the throaty dry-sumped four-cam five litre V8. The deft touch of Marcel Gandini’s cutting-edge styling completed the package.

History of this car

Chassis 1030 began life as a standard coupe built to American specifications. It was sent to the West Coast concessionary in the U.S., who was concerned that the company no longer provided any convertible models, and whose solution was to create one himself. Much research has been conducted by the current owner into the origins of the Spyder, and yet the passage of time and the lack of records have left details such as who performed the conversion somewhat hazy. It has been suggested that it is the work of Richard Straman, but whether this is true or not it is clear that it was a thorough and professional job.

The car was shown by the concessionary to his clients but apparently failed to create enough interest to be followed up. It passed instead to a Motorcar Gallery of Fort Lauderdale, from where it was bought by a Dutchman and displayed at various shows around the globe before being put into storage.

Two years later it was from here that the car passed to the current owner in 1994, by which point the Spyder had covered a mere 7,700 miles. Some minor cosmetic work was necessary but mechanically it was in good working condition. Not afraid to use the car, the current owner soon discovered that the cabin became excessively hot, a problem traced to the exhaust system. An encounter with an inattentive driver at the traffic lights offered the opportunity to exchange this for one of European specification, as well as to revert to the more attractive European-style rear bumper and light arrangement.

Now with less than 11,200 miles showing on the odometer, when inspected the engine started readily, the hydraulic system pressurized readily, and the car drove correctly and easily. The bodywork appears to be free from corrosion, and the interior clearly used but free from damage. In all, this stylish and unique car appears to have been used when desired and maintained as necessary.

The Khamsin Spyder has been a highlight of shows and club meetings across the world, as well as starring on French TV channel M6. Now also equipped with a sympathetically-designed fibreglass hard-top, it would be a unique and usable addition to any Maserati collection.

For further information regarding the sale please see www.christies.com/cars, or contact Jack Patrick on motorcars@christies.com, or +33 (0)1 40 76 83 76.

At Christies Automobilia Auction to be held at Retromobile on Friday 16th February 2007, we find another rare lot that will surely be of great interest to the serious Maserati collector. This original purchase order and invoice for the Maserati 8CM #3010 (estimate EURO 600-800) bought in 1933 by the great French racing driver Philippe "Phi-Phi" Etancelin.