Classic Maserati
Discussion
TR4man said:
That Lamborghini looks like a spaceship - imagine seeing one of those in the 1960s!
And then just when you've got your head around that, they go and launch the Miura! 
The Khamsin is a stunning shape in the metal, too, mid you - much more dramatic, and elegant, than it looks in photographs.
Khamsins are double money compared to 10 years ago!
Maybe check:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Maybe check:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
dinkel said:
I know. But checking the plate it says 350.
At the end of 350GT production there were some interim cars with the twin round headlights and the four litre engine. From the pictures this would appear to be one of those - so you are both right, even though it is officially still a 350GT.One of my favorite cars...well two really, as I love both models.
The 350GT was a bit of a surprise when it was launched. A tractor manufacturer had managed to make a car that was up there with the very best. It was praised for its ride, handling, quietness and quality. Of course, all these things were relative, but by the standards of the mid-sixties it was deemed to be at least the equal of equivalent cars from Ferrari and Maserati. The only criticism was the heavy steering.
It didn't lack performance either. Henry Manney tested a 35,000 mile 350GT in CAR magazine and (with Bob Wallace driving) achieved 7,000 rpm in fifth gear - 156mph. Apparently, the car would also reach 100mph in just over 10 seconds. His conclusion was that this was a car that was probably giving Ferrari a migraine.
However, Ferrucio wasn't happy and set about making improvements. Bigger, less stressed engine; different gearbox and more cabin space led to the 400GT in 1966.
It didn't lack performance either. Henry Manney tested a 35,000 mile 350GT in CAR magazine and (with Bob Wallace driving) achieved 7,000 rpm in fifth gear - 156mph. Apparently, the car would also reach 100mph in just over 10 seconds. His conclusion was that this was a car that was probably giving Ferrari a migraine.
However, Ferrucio wasn't happy and set about making improvements. Bigger, less stressed engine; different gearbox and more cabin space led to the 400GT in 1966.
theadman said:
Apparently, the car would also reach 100mph in just over 10 seconds.
Just over 10 secs....... 
Under 20 secs would be a more accurate figure.
In 1965 the 427 Cobra was the fastest accelerating production car ever and it's 0-100 time was 10 secs......so no way would the 350GT have been 'just over' 10 secs.
Even the Muira when it came out couldn't crack 15 secs.
Edited by aeropilot on Sunday 10th September 18:24
Thinking about it you are absolutely right! I was just quoting from Rob De Le Rive Box's Lamborghini book. I think the 156mph bit is more likely to be true.
However, classic case of 'it's in a book so it must be right'. Interesting that Autocar only managed 15.1secs to 100mph in the Muira. The Daytona when also tested by Autocar got there in 12.6.
But we have it on good authority the 350GT was faster than both!
However, classic case of 'it's in a book so it must be right'. Interesting that Autocar only managed 15.1secs to 100mph in the Muira. The Daytona when also tested by Autocar got there in 12.6.
But we have it on good authority the 350GT was faster than both!
Right.
Just because the car does not look quick - but just sheer elegant - does not mean it isn't
The 3.5 is a bit revvy. And the car is light where the Daytona is heavy.
Miura: it looks great but a Countach is a better drive.
Which isn't that good to be honest. Spectacular is a better word.
Just because the car does not look quick - but just sheer elegant - does not mean it isn't
The 3.5 is a bit revvy. And the car is light where the Daytona is heavy.
Miura: it looks great but a Countach is a better drive.
Which isn't that good to be honest. Spectacular is a better word.
theadman said:
Thinking about it you are absolutely right! I was just quoting from Rob De Le Rive Box's Lamborghini book. I think the 156mph bit is more likely to be true.
However, classic case of 'it's in a book so it must be right'. Interesting that Autocar only managed 15.1secs to 100mph in the Muira. The Daytona when also tested by Autocar got there in 12.6.
But we have it on good authority the 350GT was faster than both!
Maybe the 'good authority' just employed a crap proof reader..... However, classic case of 'it's in a book so it must be right'. Interesting that Autocar only managed 15.1secs to 100mph in the Muira. The Daytona when also tested by Autocar got there in 12.6.
But we have it on good authority the 350GT was faster than both!
Anyway, Car & Driver tested a 350GT in early 1966, and recorded 0-60 in 6.4s, 0-100 in 16.3s with a s/s 1/4 mile in 15.2s @ 96mph.
As pretty and elegant as the 350GT/400GT is, it was never a 0-100mph in 10s car...............ever.
Lovely, lovely things though
The Khamsin is generally regarded as the best classic Maserati but I remember how the interior trim used to fall off all in all Maseratis of the day. I have done some miles in Meraks and remember being told not to hold full throttle for very long as the engine would expand enough to increase the crankshaft bearing clearances so much that the oil pressure would drop catastrophically. I'm sure everyone knows that Mr Lamborghini only started Making cars because Mr Ferrari refused to sell one of his cars to a mere tractor maker. They were a sensation when they appeared and the Muira remains so although I recall being very unimpressed by a drive in a Jalpa..
I guess we are all so spoilt now...
A multiple Countach owner told me - while we were driving his 5000S - a GTI is the quicker car, but then: those 60s/70s/80s Italians are adventures!
A good garage / specialist would sort your car and make it a worth while drive without having to fear it will fall apart
A multiple Countach owner told me - while we were driving his 5000S - a GTI is the quicker car, but then: those 60s/70s/80s Italians are adventures!
A good garage / specialist would sort your car and make it a worth while drive without having to fear it will fall apart
Mike-tf3n0 said:
The Khamsin is generally regarded as the best classic Maserati but I remember how the interior trim used to fall off all in all Maseratis of the day. I have done some miles in Meraks and remember being told not to hold full throttle for very long as the engine would expand enough to increase the crankshaft bearing clearances so much that the oil pressure would drop catastrophically. I'm sure everyone knows that Mr Lamborghini only started Making cars because Mr Ferrari refused to sell one of his cars to a mere tractor maker. They were a sensation when they appeared and the Muira remains so although I recall being very unimpressed by a drive in a Jalpa..
Can't comment on the merits of Khamsins or Meraks as I've never been fortunate enough to drive one (if only, if only...), but Mr.Lamborghini started making cars because the car he'd already bought from Mr.Ferrari was giving him some grief. There are a few different versions of the story but Tonino Lamborghini tells the story of his father coming home from seeing Mr.Ferrari, sitting at the dinner table incandescent with rage at the way he'd been treated by 'the old man', and making the decision there and then to prove that he could do it better!Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff