The Monteverdi High Speed, a Swiss-made grand tourer with Italian styling, often flies under the radar amidst the glamour of 1970s sports cars. Utilizing American V8 engines, it sought to allure affluent enthusiasts away from the allure of Ferraris.
A decade after its inception, Ferraris had earned a reputation as the quintessential enthusiast’s car. Yet, for some discerning individuals, these revered models seemed overrated, prompting a select few to start crafting their alternatives.
One such visionary was Peter Monteverdi, whose journey from aspiring race driver to luxury GT manufacturer led to the creation of the overlooked but underrated Monteverdi High Speed.
A temperamental figure, Monteverdi inherited his father’s auto repair shop in Switzerland, eventually becoming the official Swiss importer of Ferrari. However, a fallout with Enzo Ferrari led him to pursue his own GT venture, aiming to rival Ferrari’s dominance.
In 1967, Monteverdi revealed the High Speed 375 S, featuring elegant Italian craftsmanship by Frua. Despite acclaim for its design and opulent interior, production was limited due to manufacturing constraints.
Transitioning to Carrozzeria Fissore for body production, Monteverdi focused on the four-seat 375 L variant, expanding its market appeal. With around 66 units produced from 1969 to 1976, the 375 L emerged as the most prevalent iteration of the High Speed.
Powered by American V8s, the High Speed delivered a robust performance, complemented by its well-built construction and adept handling. Despite lacking widespread recognition, it remains a testament to Monteverdi’s automotive ingenuity.