Completed in 1977, this remarkable Maserati Khamsin, chassis number AM120US1142, left the factory in Giallo Fly (Fly Yellow) over Nero (black) upholstery, with the desirable 5-speed ZF manual transmission. Said to be one of only seven U.S.-delivery examples built in this livery, it was consigned new to Maserati Automobiles California Inc.
Soon after its U.S. arrival, the car received a T-top conversion with tinted glass panels executed by the importer. An advertisement from 1983 confirms the car remained yellow at that time. It was later repainted to its current black exterior while still in California. In 1989, Dutch collector Paul Koot acquired the car from Classic Motors of La Jolla and exported it to the Netherlands, where it was tastefully converted to European bumpers using factory components. Subsequent Dutch owners included Dr. George Lipperts, who drove the car to Maserati’s 90th-anniversary celebrations in Modena and Tuscany, and engineer Bart van der Weiden, who undertook an engine-out service and used the car for long-distance touring.
In 2015, the Maserati entered a German collection and was displayed at the Oldtimer-Museum Volante in Baden-Württemberg. In this ownership, the 5-speed gearbox and clutch were reportedly overhauled in 2021 before the car changed hands again in 2023.
Recently, Sportwagen Service in Hamburg completed a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment. The driveline was rebuilt, the rear subframe removed, front and rear suspensions and brakes disassembled and renewed, the differential was rebuilt, subframe and fuel tank were cleaned and refinished, new bushings, dampers, discs and pads were fitted, carburetors serviced, all fluids replaced, and the hydraulic system and electrics thoroughly sorted. The largely original interior was refreshed, including treatment of the driver’s seat and new carpeting.
Well documented and boasting a rare specification when new, AM120US1142 combines exceptional usability, European-bumper conversion, distinctive T-top panels and recent comprehensive mechanical work — an appealing Khamsin for any admirer of fine Italian Gran Turismos.
(Introductory description courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.)
