Monteverdi Hai 450
| Monteverdi Hai 450 | |
|---|---|
 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Monteverdi |
| Production | 1970, 1973 2 examples built |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | RMR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6,974 cc (426 cu in) Chrysler Hemi V8 |
| Transmission | ZF 5-Speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,548 mm (100.3 in) |
| Length | 4,343 mm (171.0 in) |
| Width | 1,788 mm (70.4 in) |
| Height | 1,021 mm (40.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,756 kg (3,871 lb) |
The Monteverdi Hai 450 SS is a mid-engined prototype sports car built by Monteverdi to complement the company's High Speed line. It was intended to be a direct competitor to high end sports cars from Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati.
History
A magenta Hai 450 SS prototype debuted at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show. It had a 6,974 cc (425.6 cu in) V8 from Chrysler positioned behind the two seats. Its name combined the German word for "shark" (Hai) and the rated output of the engine.
A second car was built with a longer wheelbase and minor detail changes like door handles and red bodywork. This car was named the Hai 450 GTS to mark the changes.
Monteverdi initially planned to produce 49 copies, but production was halted after the two prototypes. Only one car was actually sold, although in a 1974 interview Peter Monteverdi claimed to have delivered eleven of the cars.[1][2] In the 1990s, Monteverdi used spare parts to built two additional replicas, which now reside in the Swiss National Transport Museum in Luzern.
Paul Frère tested the 450 SS, reaching 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 270.6 km/h (168 mph). The 450 GTS, tested by Autozeitung, reached 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).[3] Curb weight of the 450 SS was 1,756 kg (3,871 lb) as tested by Automobil-Revue in 1970, considerably higher than the factory numbers.[1]
Like Monteverdi's front-engined cars, the Hai made extensive use of Chrysler parts. It has the same de Dion rear axle as the 375 High Speed, and may be the only mid-engined car ever to have used recirculating ball steering.[2]
Styling controversy
The body design is usually attributed to Trevor Fiore, of Carrozzeria Fissore,[4] although some sources credit Pietro Frua.[5]
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 |
| Intake | Two four-barrel Carter carburettors |
| Bore x stroke | 107.9 mm × 95.25 mm (4.248 in × 3.750 in) |
| Compression ratio | 10.25:1 |
| Displacement | 6,974 cc (425.6 cu in) |
| Power | 450 PS (331 kW) at 5,000 rpm; 350 hp SAE net |
| Torque | 664.35 N⋅m (490.00 ft⋅lbf) at 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | ZF 5-Speed transaxle |
| Ratios | 2.40:1, 1.40:1, 1.00:1, 0.90:1, 0.80:1, Reverse 3.60:1. |
| Steering | Worm and roller |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone suspension with coil springs and adjustable Koni shock absorbers |
| Rear suspension | De Dion axle, Watts linkage, lower trailing arms, coil springs, and adjustable Koni shock absorbers |
| Brakes f/r | ATE vented discs / ATE inboard vented discs |
| Layout | Rear-mid engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Body and chassis | Steel body on custom tubular steel chassis |
| Wheelbase | 2,548 mm (100.3 in) |
| Track f/r | 1,499 / 1,458 mm (59.0 / 57.4 in) |
| Length Width Height |
4,343 mm (171.0 in) 1,788 mm (70.4 in) 1,021 mm (40.2 in) |
| Unloaded weight | 1,247 kg (2,749 lb) |
| Maximum speed | Greater than 289 km/h (180 mph) |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph): 4.8 s |
| Fuel consumption | 17.2 L/100 km (16.4 mpg‑imp; 13.7 mpg‑US) |
Gallery
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Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS (Replica) rear three-quarter view -
Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS at the Monteverdi Museum, Basel, Switzerland -
Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS works replica (front) and Hai 450 SS factory replica (rear) at the Monteverdi Museum -
Chassis and wooden body buck at the Monteverdi Museum
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See also
References
- ^ a b Hug, Daniel (2010-09-19). "Wir haben den Monteverdi Hai nur einmal verkauft" [We only ever sold one Monteverdi Hai]. Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German). Archived from the original on 2018-11-07.
- ^ a b Frère, Paul (May 1974). "The Cars of Peter Monteverdi". Road & Track. Vol. 25, no. 9. CBS Consumer Publishing Division. p. 74.
- ^ "Monteverdi hai 450 GTS — Swiss Air" (in German). December 2004. Archived from the original on 2013-07-07. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ Elliott, James (21 October 201). "The Monteverdi Hai – behind the wheel of the most elusive classic of all". classicandsportscar.com.
- ^ Donnelly, Jim (June 2011). "Visionaries: Pietro Frua". Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car. 6 (10). Bennington, VT: Hemmings Motor News: 60. ISSN 1555-6867.
Further reading
- The Observer's Book of Automobiles Frederick Warne & Co (1978) ISBN 0-7232-1585-5
External links
- "Monteverdi hai". monteverdi.ch.