The Monteverdi 375 High Speed: Born from a Ferrari Feud
Sometimes the greatest cars come about thanks to a bit of drama. The Monteverdi 375 High Speed is one such vehicle, born not from innovation or engineering prowess, but from a heated disagreement with none other than Enzo Ferrari. This is the story of a sports car built to prove a point.
The Genesis of a Rival
The year was 1967. Peter Monteverdi, a successful Ferrari importer in Switzerland, was accustomed to a smooth relationship with the Italian automaker. He would purchase cars directly from Ferrari and sell them at a profit. That all changed when Enzo Ferrari decided to change the rules of the game. Ferrari demanded that Monteverdi purchase cars in bulk, 100 at a time, and pay upfront – a financial burden that Monteverdi found utterly unacceptable.
Infuriated, Monteverdi decided to end his relationship with Ferrari and create his own sports cars.
Building a Better Breed
Monteverdi envisioned high-performance sports cars that offered both speed and luxury. The first result of this vision was the High Speed 375. He started a collaboration with Italian designer Atelier Frua, who initially hand-built the bodies for the car, which had a distinctly European flair. However, Frua could not manage the production numbers Monteverdi needed, leading to a break. Afterward, Monteverdi partnered with Fissore, another Italian design company, which produced the bulk of the bodies until the 375 model was discontinued in 1976.
European Design, American Muscle
While the exterior design remained staunchly Italian, the Monteverdi 375 High Speed took a different direction under the hood. Monteverdi struck a deal with Chrysler to use its powerful V8 engines. The 7.0-liter V8 would be used in the cheaper models, while the more potent 7.2-liter Magnum V8 was fitted in the later 375 Ls. This decision was a masterstroke, endowing the car with robust American power.
The 375 L: Performance and Luxury Combined
The 375 L’s specs are impressive. The 7.2-liter Magnum V8 generated 370 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds, a competitive figure for its time. The top speed reached 155 mph. The car featured a three-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, providing a luxurious driving experience.
Advanced Engineering
Beyond the engine, the 375 L boasted advanced features for enhanced handling. Independent front suspension was paired with a De Dion rear suspension, reducing unsprung weight. Power-assisted disc brakes and a space-frame chassis added to the car’s capabilities, ensuring it handled better than the muscle cars that often used the same engine.
Luxury and Style
The interior of the 375 L was luxurious and customizable. Thanks to the coachbuilt nature of the car, buyers were able to choose from a wide range of colors and trims. Wood trim, sumptuous leather, and Alcantara-style fabric on the dashboard created a refined ambiance. Options like an eight-track audio system, air conditioning, and power windows enhanced the overall experience.
A Sedan Variant
If the coupe wasn’t practical enough, a four-door sedan version called the 375/4 was also available. This model, built to compete with cars like the Maserati Quattroporte, came with either the 7.0-liter or 7.2-liter engine. The 375/4 produced a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph.
A Range of Versions
The Monteverdi 375 was offered in multiple variants:
- 1967-1968: 375 S (Frua Body) – Coupe
- 1967-1976: 375 L (Frua and Fissore Body) – Elongated Coupe
- 1972-1976: 375 Berlinetta (Fissore Body) – Convertible
- 1971-1976: 375/4 (Fissore Body) – Sedan
Today, the Monteverdi 375 High Speed remains an interesting chapter in automotive history – a testament to the passion and determination of a man who dared to challenge the mighty Enzo Ferrari. The limited production numbers of the 375, combined with its unique story, make it an appealing classic car for collectors.
