| Manufacturer | Monteverdi |
|---|---|
| Production | 1970 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | RMR layout |
| Engine | 6974 cc / 425.6 cu in Chrysler Hemi V8 |
| Transmission | ZF 5-Speed Transaxle |
| 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 | 1,247 kg (2,749.2 lb) |
The Monteverdi Hai 450 SS was a prototype and follow on to the 375 High Speed. It was intended to be a direct competitor to the top of the list super sports cars of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati.
A magenta Hai 450 SS prototype debuted at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show. It had a 6,974-cubic-centimetre (425.6 cu in) V8 from Chrysler positioned behind the two front seats. It took its name from the output of the engine, and the German word for shark, Hai. The body was designed by Trevor Fiore, of Carozzeria Fissore. A second car was made 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 the production was halted after the two prototypes. This is most likely due to the car's speculated $27,000 USD price tag, a considerable sum for such a car in that era. In the 1990s, two additional replicas from spare parts were made by Monteverdi, that now reside in the official Museum in Basel-Binningen.
| Monteverdi Hai 450 SS Technical Data | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Steel Tube Chassis with rectangular tubing. |
| Engine | Chrysler 426CI Hemi V8. Twin Four-Barrel Carter Carburetors. Mid, longitudinal engine, rear drive. |
| Bore & stroke | 107.9 mm x 95.25 mm / 4.25 in x 3.75 in. |
| Compression | 10.25:1 |
| Capacity | 6,974 cc (425.6 cu in) |
| Power | 450 hp (340 kW) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 664.35 N·m (490.00 ft·lbf) @ 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 & Roller. |
| Front suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Adjustable Koni Shock Absorbers. |
| Rear suspension | De Dion System w/Lateral Watts Link, Lower Trailing Arms, Coil Springs, Adjustable Koni Shock Absorbers. |
| Brakes | ATE Vented Discs. ATE Inboard Vented Discs. |
| Body | Steel body over Steel Tube Chassis. |
| Measurements | 4,343 mm (171.0 in) X 1,788 mm (70.4 in) X 1,021 mm (40.2 in); Wheelbase 2,548 mm (100.3 in); Front Track 1,499 mm (59.0 in); Rear Track 1,458 mm (57.4 in). |
| Unloaded weight | 1,247 kg (2,749 lb) |
| Maximum speed | More than 289 km/h (179.6 mph) |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.8 s |
| Fuel consumption | 17.2 L/100 km (16.4 mpg-imp; 13.7 mpg-US) |
| Number of cars built | 2 |