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Monteverdi 1967-1984 - Swiss Made luxury car

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Created on July 22, 2009

Text:

Roger Gloor

Photos:

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Monteverdi Hai 450 SS (1970) - Silhouette

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Monteverdi Hai 450SS (1970) - front view

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Monteverdi Hai 450 SS (1970) - original brochure excerpt

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Monteverdi Hai 450SS (1970) - illustration in the sales brochure

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Monteverdi Safari 7.2 (1978) - with a 7.2-liter engine and 305 hp for 59,800 francs at the 1978 Geneva Motor Show

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Summary

There were around 10,000 car brands and designers - most of them have disappeared. One of these vanished brands is Monteverdi. Originally named MBM, Monteverdi began producing cars in 1967 and closed its doors in 1984. Around 3500 luxury sports cars, super sports cars and off-road vehicles left the factory during this time.

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Yes, it's true: The Monterverdi brand was the brainchild of AR editor-in-chief Robert Braunschweig. Peter Monteverdi had presented him with his plans for a luxury sports car. Until then, he had built formula racing cars and small GT models under the name MBM (Monteverdi-Basel-Motors). The AR boss convinced Monteverdi to use his colorful family name instead of the boring abbreviation. The Monteverdi High Speed 375 S had its world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt in 1967 and was a star of the show. With this prestige car, the former heir to a small garage and then racing driver, racing car designer, Ferrari and Jensen importer managed to rise to the highest league. The tubular frame chassis with De Dion rear axle was built in Basel, the engine and gearbox came from Chrysler: 7.2 L V8 with 380 hp, 3-speed automatic or 4-speed gearbox. Due to a lack of Swiss alternatives, the self-designed bodywork came from Pietro Frua in Turin, while the luxurious interior was finished in Binningen.

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