Car Collector International
Classic · 1970–1973

Monteverdi Hai 450 SS

Switzerland's mid-engined Hemi V8 answer to Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Car Collector International Editorial
Red Monteverdi Hai 450 SS photographed in a studio, front three-quarter view showing the low wedge nose, twin square headlamps behind clear covers, small yellow Ferrari-style badge on the nose panel, side louvres and five-spoke alloy wheels.
OverviewVariants & SpecsBuyer's GuideOwnershipAuction ResultsInvestment OutlookRecommended Network
Overview

Why this car matters

The Monteverdi Hai 450 was Switzerland's mid-engined answer to Ferrari and Lamborghini: a 6,974cc Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 mounted behind the seats, driving through a ZF 5-speed gearbox. The name pairs the German for 'shark' with the engine's 450 hp rating.

The magenta prototype debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show.

One of the rarest European mid-engined supercars of the era and the only Swiss road car built to challenge the Miura and the Ferrari front-V12 flagships. Chassis identity and documented ownership history are the defining factors.

Variants

Range and production

VariantYearsProductionNotes
Hai 450 SS19701The 1970 Geneva Motor Show prototype — a single car. Forty-nine were planned; Peter Monteverdi claimed in a 1974 interview to have delivered eleven, contradicted by the accepted record.
Hai 450 GTS19731The 1973 second car, on a longer wheelbase with detail changes — a single car. Two further cars were assembled from spare parts in the 1990s and are displayed at the Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne.
Buyer's Guide

What to look for

Provenance — chassis identity and history

Only two Hai 450 cars were built (SS 1970 prototype, GTS 1973). Two additional cars assembled from spare parts in the 1990s now sit in the Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne. Confirm chassis identity and complete ownership history against a Monteverdi marque specialist. For the Hai 450 specifically, verify the exact variant (SS 1970 prototype vs GTS 1973 longer wheelbase) and confirm chassis identity against the accepted 2-built record. Note the Peter Monteverdi 1974 'delivered eleven' claim.

Body, chassis and originality

Inspect body, chassis and interior against a marque specialist. Restoration standard, originality of panels and trim, and documented ownership record are the main value drivers.

Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 and ZF gearbox

The mid-mounted Chrysler 426 Hemi (6,974cc) V8 and ZF 5-speed depend on Hemi-engine and ZF specialist competence. Confirm engine identity, gearbox service and any rebuild history against an appropriate specialist.

SS vs GTS variant identification

Verify the exact variant — SS (1970 prototype) or GTS (1973, longer wheelbase, detail changes) — against build records and period documentation.

Ownership

Living with it

Typical mileage
500–2,000 miles typical
Service interval
Annual by time, plus specialist inspection
Annual running cost
Specialist-dependent; contact a Monteverdi marque specialist for a per-car budget
Fuel economy
Not published
Insurance
Agreed-value classic policy with limited mileage and secure storage. Extreme rarity and documented history are material to underwriting.

Extreme rarity and provenance

Only two cars were built (with two later assembled from spare parts in the 1990s and now in the Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne). Documented history is decisive.

Chrysler 426 Hemi V8

The mid-mounted Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 depends on Hemi-engine specialist competence. Confirm engine identity and service record against a marque specialist.
Auctions

Recent results

No verified public auction results are currently available for this model. We publish sale figures only from examples we have confirmed against auction house records, and will update this guide as results appear.

Investment

Long-term outlook

Strong HoldHorizon: 10+ years

Extreme-rarity Swiss mid-engined supercar with a Chrysler Hemi V8 heart. Chassis identity, documented ownership history and originality are the defining factors.

Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.

Recommended

The trusted network

Specialists

  • Marque specialist (Monteverdi)
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    Switzerland
    Body, trim and mechanical restoration for Monteverdi road cars.
  • Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 specialist
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    International
    Service and rebuild competence in the Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 fitted to the Hai 450.
  • Concours preparation studio
    View →
    International
    Concours-level detail and event preparation.

Storage

  • Windrush Car Storage
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    London & Cotswolds, UK
    Climate-controlled storage for high-value collector cars.
  • AutoVault
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    Essex, UK
    Dehumidified storage at 55% RH in purpose-built sealed buildings, with maintenance programmes and individual motor-trade insurance cover.
  • Hagerty Garage + Social
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    Miami, Van Nuys & Toronto
    Climate-controlled storage in key US collector markets.

Transport

  • CARS UK
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    UK & Europe
    Enclosed event and concours transport across Europe.
  • Reliable Carriers
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    USA (national)
    Enclosed coast-to-coast transport for collector cars.
  • Intercity Lines
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    USA
    Enclosed transport with dedicated supercar handling.
Related

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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.