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1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS

1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS

The 1970, the Monteverdi Hai 450 SS was the creation of Swiss auto manufacturer, Peter Monteverdi. Designed to compete with the Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Maserati, this car had sharp styling and speed. Monteverdi had Trevor Fiore of Fissore plan the styling, which was low and wide, with a Chrysler V8 engine mounted between the two seats. Chrysler built a 426 Hemi engine especially for this vehicle. Monteverdi displayed the Hai 450 SS prototype at the1970 Geneva Auto Show. It was painted a unique shade of magenta called Purple Smoke, and featured air-conditioning and electric windows. Its top speed (of around 180 mph) lived up to the name of Hai, which is German for shark.

There were plans to produce 49 copies of the Hai, but with a price tag of $27,000, there were not enough interested customers. The car was repainted in red and was displayed at various shows. There were three other Hai cars made in the following years, but none to the 450 SS specifications. After having several private owners, one of which restored it to the original paint and upholstery, the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS was bought at auction in 2012 for $577,500.

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