Switzerland Took On Ferrari With This Stylish Sports Car With American Power

Aug. 20, 2023 6:15 AM ET byRoy Robles Video /3 Comments

The Monteverdi High Speed had style, power, and the precision of a Swiss timepiece.

From 1967 to 1976, the automotive landscape witnessed the emergence of a true gem, the Monteverdi High Speed. Swiss entrepreneur and racing enthusiast Peter Monteverdi conceived this extraordinary sports car.

With only around 200 made, the Monteverdi High Speed's exclusivity is a blend of Swiss precision, Italian style, and American power resulting in a timeless masterpiece that enchants collectors. Available as both a two-seater and a four-seater, it appealed to a wide audience. Priced over $20,000 initially, it firmly sat among the luxury performance elite of the time, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Under the creative guidance of renowned Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua who also penned theBMW 2000ti Coupe conceptin 1968, the Monteverdi High Speed fused design and performance. Its enduring legacy stems from its distinct allure and pioneering features. Luxurious interiors with leather, power features, and air conditioning redefined sports cars for comfort and excitement.

The first High Speed model, the 375S, came with a 7.2-liter Chrysler V8 engine, yielding 375 horsepower. The 375L followed in 1969, having a marginally longer wheelbase and more opulent interior.

Monteverdi then debuted the 375C in 1970, a convertible variant of the 375S. This was succeeded by the 375/4 in 1970, a four-door sedan propelled by a 7.0-liter Chrysler Hemi V8 engine.

The Monteverdi High Speed was not solely a vehicle of sheer power; it also possessed ingenious engineering. It effortlessly melded performance and agility by boasting a space frame chassis and a sophisticated independent suspension on all four corners.

Due to its unique qualities, the Monteverdi High Speed became a coveted rarity. Its value has risen steadily, withone unit sold in 2016for nearly $200,000, solidifying its place as a cherished relic from an era of innovation.

While the Swiss are renowned for their watch-making, they aren't known for cars. There are more modern carmakers from the country,such as the Picasso Automotive PS01, which is setting its sights on theLotus Evija, but the Monteverdi High Speed defies the test of time and is now a modern classic.