Monteverdi Sahara
| Monteverdi | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sahara | |
| Production period: | 1978-1980 |
| Class : | Off-road vehicle |
| Body versions : | Station wagon , convertible |
| Engines: |
Otto engine : 5.7 liters (121 kW) Diesel engine : 3.2 liters (70 kW) |
| Length: | 4340 mm |
| Width: | 1730 mm |
| Height: | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2540 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1950 kg |
The Monteverdi Sahara was an off-road vehicle made by the Swiss automobile manufacturer Monteverdi , which was produced in small numbers from 1978 to 1980.
Model history
In the summer of 1976, Monteverdi, which had previously focused on the production of sports cars, presented the Monteverdi Safari, a luxurious off-road vehicle based on the mechanics of the International Harvester Scout , but which had been completely redesigned with the help of Carrozzeria Fissore from Italy. The Safari was based on the concept of the Range Rover , but with its Italian body it was incomparably more elegant than the solid British model. The car sold well but was comparatively expensive.
In the third year of production of the Safari, Peter Monteverdi , the owner of the company, tried to expand its model range downwards by adding a cheaper off-road vehicle called the Sahara . To this end, Monteverdi took up a job that he had already done for the first time in 1974: In that year, the Austrian international harvester importer had a Scout look alienated by changing individual attachment parts from Monteverdi. Monteverdi now pursued the same concept with the Sahara: The International Scout was also used as the base vehicle for this project. However, in order to achieve a lower price level, the basic vehicle was not completely re-clad. Instead, Monteverdi made only minor changes to the external appearance, with which the car should be given a European face. In fact, the modifications were limited to the installation of a new front fairing, which consisted of round double headlights and side indicator units and was intended to create a recognizable family resemblance to the Safari. In addition, narrow plastic bumpers were installed, which were already used in a similar form on the safari. There were no other body modifications. The interior has also been upgraded and achieved a level of quality similar to that of the Safari.
On the engine side, Monteverdi primarily used a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder from International Harvester, which developed 165 hp (121 kW). There are also reports about individual vehicles that were equipped with diesel engines. Here is reported from a 3.2 liter six-cylinder diesel, which is said to have been obtained from Nissan and made 95 hp (70 kW). Only one single Sahara with a six-cylinder diesel engine has been proven beyond doubt. The maximum speed of the diesel model is given as 145 km / h.
The equipment was at the level of the upper class: automatic transmission and power steering were supplied as standard; Leather furnishings, a refrigerator and a television set could also be ordered.
The Sahara was not a commercial success. The relationship between the Sahara and the International Harvester was too obvious to justify the price Monteverdi was asking for. According to unanimous estimates from several sources, hardly more than 30 versions of the Sahara are likely to have been produced. A single example is based on an extended wheelbase.
The Oldtimer Galerie Toffen offered a convertible at one of its auctions on October 19, 2019 and was expecting between 30,000 and 35,000 Swiss francs . 31,360 francs were achieved.
literature
- Roger Gloor, Carl Wagner: Monteverdi - Development of a Swiss Brand . 1980 (out of print). Factory-supported chronicle of the Monteverdi brand.
- The Swiss Paradox: Europe's Alpine Sports Trucks . Presentation of the Monteverdi Sahara and the Safari (as well as the Felber Oasis and the Sbarro Windhawk) in: Pick-Up, Van, 4WD . Issue August 1980, p. 53 ff. (English).
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Auction 2019 (accessed March 29, 2020)
- ↑ Auction result 2019 (accessed on March 29, 2020)