Royal Rebellion - In a world where automotive rarity often defines desirability, few marques spark the imagination quite like Maserati. Known for its blend of Italian elegance and motorsport pedigree, Maserati’s classic grand tourers hold a special place in automotive history. Among them, the Khamsin—a striking 1970s creation penned by the legendary Marcello Gandini—is a car that already stood out from the crowd. But when the Brunei royal family turned their attention to it, the result became something entirely different: a jaw-dropping transformation from classic GT to full-blown hot rod.
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| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod was something entirely different—a stunning, head-turning transformation that reimagined the classic grand tourer as a powerful, fully customized hot rod unlike anything Maserati ever built. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Originally introduced in 1974, the Maserati Khamsin was anything but ordinary. Built during a turbulent era for the global auto industry, the Khamsin was designed under Citroën’s ownership, featuring a mix of Italian flair and French innovation. Its sleek, wedge-shaped profile, distinctive glass rear panel, and floating tail lights made it a visual masterpiece. Underneath, the 4.9-liter V8 delivered ample power, while Citroën's hydraulic systems added a futuristic touch to the driving experience. Despite its strengths, global fuel crises and economic instability limited production to just 435 units, cementing its status as one of Maserati’s rarest post-war models. |
| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod has been radically reshaped into a nearly unrecognizable form, with a heavily reworked body that fuses Ferrari-inspired elements and striking, modern design. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
That scarcity, however, didn’t deter the Brunei royal family from daring to reshape it entirely. Known for their immense car collection and a taste for the extraordinary, members of the Brunei dynasty sought more than exclusivity—they wanted singularity. The Khamsin they commissioned became a one-of-a-kind machine that defied expectations and rewrote the rules of preservation. This wasn't a restoration. It was a complete reimagining.
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| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod embodies what happens when daring imagination meets exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Gone is the original Maserati V8, replaced by a modern Holden-sourced powerplant paired with a reliable automatic gearbox. The transformation didn’t stop at the drivetrain. Visually, the car has been sculpted into something almost unrecognizable from its factory form, featuring a heavily customized body that blends design cues from Ferrari with bold, contemporary styling. Despite these radical changes, the craftsmanship is meticulous. According to Danny Donovan of DD Classics, the modifications are so seamlessly executed that the car appears to have been born this way.
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| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod may have sacrificed its original charm for modern muscle, but it delivers a rare blend of 1970s grand touring spirit with the reliability and performance of today’s engineering. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
This level of transformation might raise eyebrows among purists, but in the world of high-end restomods, it’s no longer taboo to upgrade icons. Just as Eagle breathes new life into vintage E-Types and Cyan Racing electrifies the Volvo P1800, this Khamsin stands as a symbol of what's possible when bold vision meets high-end engineering. And while the car may have traded its original charm for modern muscle, it offers a unique proposition: the spirit of a 1970s GT combined with the reliability and performance of contemporary hardware.
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| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod showcases a bold burgundy leather interior with a classic three-spoke wheel and modern automatic shifter, merging vintage elegance with upgraded practicality. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Interestingly, the car’s journey also reflects the secretive nature of Brunei’s bespoke automotive projects. Many of their customized vehicles, including this Khamsin, were modified in New Zealand—a location chosen for both its discretion and skilled craftsmanship. Without official records or build sheets, these cars are wrapped in a mystique that only adds to their allure.
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| The Brunei Royal Family’s one-off Maserati Khamsin restomod is powered by a modern Holden-sourced engine that replaces the original Maserati V8, seamlessly paired with a reliable automatic gearbox. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Now, decades after its rebirth, this one-off Maserati is ready for the spotlight again. With fewer than 20,000 miles on the clock and an estimated auction price well below the cost of its transformation, it represents a rare opportunity for a collector who values performance and individuality over factory spec sheets. | of_n-qbAF9E |
As Maserati hints at its own restomod ambitions through projects like "Projekt Rekall," this wild Khamsin stands as an unlikely but fitting tribute to the brand's daring past—and perhaps a glimpse into its bold future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | VIVIDCLOUDOFWAR ON X | AUTOKLUBI ON FACEBOOK ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
