Monteverdi Hai 450

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Monteverdi Hai 450
Hai-104.jpg
Monteverdi Hai 450 SS
Overview
Manufacturer Monteverdi
Production1970, 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)
Length4,343 mm (171.0 in)
Width1,788 mm (70.4 in)
Height1,021 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.

Contents

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

Monteverdi Hai 450 SS Technical Data
FeatureDetail
Engine Chrysler 426 Hemi V8
IntakeTwo four-barrel Carter carburettors
Bore x stroke107.9 mm × 95.25 mm (4.248 in × 3.750 in)
Compression ratio10.25:1
Displacement6,974 cc (425.6 cu in)
Power450 PS (331 kW) at 5,000 rpm; 350 hp SAE net
Torque664.35 N⋅m (490.00 ft⋅lbf) at 4,000 rpm
Transmission ZF 5-Speed transaxle
Ratios2.40:1, 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/rATE vented discs / ATE inboard vented discs
Layout Rear-mid engine, rear-wheel drive
Body and chassisSteel body on custom tubular steel chassis
Wheelbase2,548 mm (100.3 in)
Track f/r1,499 / 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 weight1,247 kg (2,749 lb)
Maximum speedGreater than 289 km/h (180 mph)
Acceleration0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph): 4.8 s
Fuel consumption17.2 L/100 km (16.4 mpg‑imp; 13.7 mpg‑US)

See also

References

  1. 1 2 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.
  2. 1 2 Frère, Paul (May 1974). "The Cars of Peter Monteverdi". Road & Track . Vol. 25, no. 9. CBS Consumer Publishing Division. p. 74.
  3. ↑ "Monteverdi hai 450 GTS — Swiss Air" (in German). December 2004. Archived from the original on 2013-07-07. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
  4. ↑ Elliott, James (21 October 201). "The Monteverdi Hai – behind the wheel of the most elusive classic of all". classicandsportscar.com.
  5. ↑ Donnelly, Jim (June 2011). "Visionaries: Pietro Frua". Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car. 6 (10). Bennington, VT: Hemmings Motor News: 60. ISSN   1555-6867.

Further reading

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