Some of the most interesting automobiles of all time came out of arguments with Enzo Ferrari. Peter Monteverdi had been Ferrari’s Swiss importer, but a falling out between the two mercurial personalities watered a longstanding seed in Monteverdi’s mind, to build his own sports coupé. Like many European manufacturers of the period, Monteverdi chose to build a “hybrid.” At the time, the word referred not to a petrol-electric automobile, but to a car that combined Italian design brio with a reliable American V-8 powertrain. Monteverdi’s automobiles were designed by Frua, bodied by the coachbuilder Fissore, and powered by the same Chrysler 440 V-8 and TorqueFlite automatic gearbox used in “muscle cars” of the same era.

Over two decades in business, Monteverdi produced a wide variety of models, all limited-production offerings hand-built in small numbers for an exclusive clientele. The company’s products found their way into the stable of enthusiasts the world over and are today similarly favoured by collectors. For comfort, performance, and superb style, they are hard to beat.

The car offered here is a 375/L High Speed Coupé, a longer-wheelbase “2+2” model that incorporates a small rear seat, suitable for children or over-night luggage. This particular car, chassis number 2052, was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show of 1971. It was acquired at the show by the current owner, thus joining his family’s exceptional collection of automobiles, which includes everything from great modern GTs to significant antique vehicles from several eras. For the last 45 years, it has been conscientiously maintained by their full-time staff, and it presents today in extremely original condition, including beautiful rich leather upholstery and gorgeous blonde woodwork. The quality of construction and the level of detail and finish are excellent, as is typical for Monteverdi’s creations. Importantly, the car is also equipped with air conditioning, a wonderful option for a summer cruiser. At the time of cataloguing, it had recorded 51,043 kilometres.

One of the few Monteverdis that remain in the care of their original owners, this car would be an exceptionally entertaining addition to any performance-oriented collection. It is a beautifully crafted Swiss watch of an automobile, deserving of a home alongside the best Ferraris, Bentleys, and other great cars—just as it has spent the last four decades.