What car did I see?

[Austin_Metro]

I caught up a silver car today. Couldn’t see the badges but thought it was 60s or 70s Italian.

The closest thing I have found is a Lamborghini jarama… but I don’t think it was that.

The unusual features were a long fast back design with glass bits in the vertical panel where the makers name and model were on a ford sierra.

The other odd thing was the shape . It was wider at the top of the doors - along the whole of the length - than at the bottom, so an inverted triangle.

Any ideas welcomed!

[1000 Miglia]

Lamborghini Espada ?

TVR Tasmin ?

[sticks090460]

Espada?

[Captain Smerc]

Maserati Khamsin?

[Austin_Metro]

Thanks for the suggestions. I checked the Espada. More angular than that.

I’ve been searching since posting could have been Maserati khamsin … but the pics I’ve seen of those seem to have more glass in the area around the numberplate.

[Austin_Metro]

Captain Smerc said:

Maserati Khamsin?

I think so. Do you know if there were many versions?

It was very cool!

[1000 Miglia]

There was only 1 Khamsin body style .

[Austin_Metro]

I think it must be this. There were two badges on the flat surface below the rear screen, but I thought the one I saw had two little windows on the rear vertical surface, not one big one as above.

Some online photos do appear to show different types.

[1000 Miglia]

There was a minor facelift but no complete redesign or "MK2" version .

[Austin_Metro]

Is this just different colour glass?

I’d really like to see one again.

[P5BNij]

Where did you see it? If it was a European / UK spec Khamsin the rear end would be just as it is in those photos, but if it was a US spec one that’s been imported into the UK it may have a different tail light / rear bumper arrangement, due to the federal laws over there.

Despite being a rare exotic, there are quite a few Khamsins on the road in the UK

[Austin_Metro]

It was in Esher, Surrey. So maybe someone on here.

[shih tzu faced]

Austin_Metro said:

Is this just different colour glass?

I’d really like to see one again.

That’s just the colour of the tan leather interior you can see through the glass.

Definitely sounds like a Khamsin you spotted. A really striking looking car, not exactly beautiful but very striking and all the better for it.

I’ve seen a few at shows etc but never on the road so am quite envious and seeing one might have caused me to crash. There’s already enough distractions around at this time of year, skimpy summer dresses and wotnot so I don’t need any more!

[Puddenchucker]

There were some (USA ?) versions with the tail lights in a different position:

[shih tzu faced]

Puddenchucker said:

There were some (USA ?) versions with the tail lights in a different position:

US versions

Absolutely fecking criminal. This is what happens when law makers are married to their own sister.

[Turbobanana]

Closer to home, don't forget the early TVR Tasmin coupe had a similar feature (albeit not quite so glamorous):



But I think we've established that you saw a Khamsin. Good spot!

[FHCNICK]

Turbobanana said:

Closer to home, don't forget the early TVR Tasmin coupe had a similar feature (albeit not quite so glamorous):



But I think we've established that you saw a Khamsin. Good spot!

Being pedantic that is a series 2 Tasmin coupe, the earlier S1 cars were a couple of inches shorter body length and the small lower glass panel was vertical.

[Austin_Metro]

Khasmin … not Tasmin, I’m sure! … and it really is a striking car.

I looked at prices. As you do. And they are 150k ish.

Next to it, good looking 4200gt popped up for 15 or 16k. Are we also missing a trick on not buying one of those whilst ‘unloved’?

[Turbobanana]

FHCNICK said:

Turbobanana said:

Closer to home, don't forget the early TVR Tasmin coupe had a similar feature (albeit not quite so glamorous):



But I think we've established that you saw a Khamsin. Good spot!

Being pedantic that is a series 2 Tasmin coupe, the earlier S1 cars were a couple of inches shorter body length and the small lower glass panel was vertical.

Good bearding, FHCNICK - I did not know that. Always thought the coupe looked quite good. Shame they never persisted with it into the big V8 era (ie 390 / 400 / 420 etc).

[FHCNICK]

Turbobanana said:

FHCNICK said:

Turbobanana said:

Closer to home, don't forget the early TVR Tasmin coupe had a similar feature (albeit not quite so glamorous):



But I think we've established that you saw a Khamsin. Good spot!

Being pedantic that is a series 2 Tasmin coupe, the earlier S1 cars were a couple of inches shorter body length and the small lower glass panel was vertical.

Good bearding, FHCNICK - I did not know that. Always thought the coupe looked quite good. Shame they never persisted with it into the big V8 era (ie 390 / 400 / 420 etc).

They only made 118 of the early S1 cars. The fixed head tasmin coupe's have always been my favourite and I am lucky enough to own a 390 coupe, they went through many years of being much maligned but I only ever get positive feedback when I am out in it these days.