Did you know the Swiss also made cars once upon a time? And did you know you can buy one of the more obscure ones on Bring a Trailer? What if I also told you that it housed an American V8 under its long European hood?
The Tale of Monteverdi
From the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, Peter Monteverdi, a descendant of composer Claudio Monteverdi, decided to enter the world of exclusive high-performance luxury sports and touring cars. From 1968 to 1969, Monteverdi partnered with coachbuilder Frua to create the Monteverdi High Speed 375S coupé, a low-slung, two-door sports car with a 440 cu. in. Chrysler Magnum V8 under the hood that made 375 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. A 2+2 version, dubbed the 375L, was produced alongside the S.
Related: Dodge’s new CEO says a V8 Charger might return
AWAG/Bring a Trailer
Following an argument with Frua in 1969, Monteverdi chose Carrozzeria Fissore to continue production of his 375 as a slightly redesigned model with more square lines than the Frua-bodied example. The car was no slouch, with reported 0-80 mph times of 10.6 seconds. It was, however, painful for the wallet. For comparison, the Monteverdi was priced at £10,450 ($13,158) when a Ferrari Daytona was £6700 ($8,436) and a Lamborghini Espada was £7900 ($9,947).
After a few more models that never quite took off, Monteverdi ended production in 1982 and turned the factory into the Monteverdi Car Collection museum in 1985.
AWAG/Bring a Trailer
Related: 2025 Volkswagen Golf R: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to shy away
This Monteverdi High Speed 375L can be yours
This particular example, Chassis 2163, is a 375L that was exhibited at the Monteverdi Museum in Basel, Switzerland, until its closure in 2016. It was reportedly mechanically refurbished before being delivered to its next owner in 2017, who refinished the 375 in its current shade of green. It was purchased by the current owner in 2024, who installed a 100-amp alternator and gave the car a tune-up.
Under the hood is the same 440 cu. in. Chrysler Magnum V8 powered by a four-barrel carburetor and mated to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The underneath is relatively modern in terms of features, using a limited-slip differential, servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with inboard-mounted rear units, independent front suspension, a De Dion rear axle, and power-assisted steering.
AWAG/Bring a Trailer
The cabin is trimmed in contrasting tan leather with matching carpets and a black flocked dash. Features include a wood-rimmed steering, dash clock, power windows, air conditioning, and a Pioneer eight-track player. The odometer shows 45,000 miles, around 100 of which were added under current ownership.
Final thoughts
There are no concrete production numbers for the Monteverdi High Speed 375, with some websites claiming 50 units while others say 100. Regardless of who’s right, there is no denying that this is a rare beast with pedigree and some serious power under the hood. Jay Leno even called it “The Swiss Road Runner.”
Related: Trump admin abandons $400M purchase of armored Teslas following backlash
AWAG/Bring a Trailer
At the time of writing this, the auction ends in 7 days with a current bid of $100,000. Regardless of the final price, the future owner of this Swiss masterpiece can rest assured knowing they will always have their own special place at any cars & coffee event. Where else can you find a 2+2 Swiss sports car with an American V8 stuffed inside?
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
Related: Kimera is the Italian automaker keeping Lancia’s legacy alive
