Fit For A King

Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Swiss enthusiast Peter Monteverdi built, sold and raced a line of what were called specials and dubbed MBM. Automobiles were in his blood as his father had established an auto repair service which he turned into a major dealership for BMW, Ferrari and Lancia. With his success in selling cars, including those racers he built, in 1967 Monteverdi decided to undertake the manufacture of a high end luxury sports car. The Monteverdi 375S was born.

In short order a 2+2 version became the standard Monteverdi model though a number of other variations were offered as well. Eventually the massive 375/4 sedan was manufactured. With the cars being hand built only 30 of these were ever made.

The large Monteverdi luxury sedans were never large sellers, in fact the most sold for any model year was all of 60. So by 1976 they ceased production on their luxury cars and turned to what they called a luxurious off-road station wagon. Based on an International Harvester Scout, they re-did the interior and created a new, Italian designed body. By 1979 their Safari was selling 350 vehicles.

Even those numbers weren't enough to keep the company moving along and they were soon working as nothing more than a boutique manufacturer, building to order. And that's where the car shown here comes into the picture.

Though Monteverdi stopped making the 375/4 in 1975, this is a 1979 version special ordered and built for the family of the King of Qatar. The royal Qatar family ultimately seven Monteverdi 375/4 automobiles. This, like the others, has a 7.2 Chrysler built V-8 that pounds out 375 horse power but it draped completely in luxury. It is indeed, fit for a king.