MONTEVERDI SIERRA

Country of Manufacture: USA/Switzerland
Vin #: NL4IL8F165914
Model Type: 4 Door Sedan
Body Designer: Chrysler Corp/Peter Monteverdi
Engine: Chrysler 5.2 Liter V8 (5210cc)
Horsepower: 170 bhp DIN at 3500 rpm
Torque: 286 lb at 2000 rpm
Transmission: Torqueflight 3-Speed Automatic
Suspension:
Front- Independent, upper wishbones and lower horizontal arms combined with trailing radius rods, coil springs, adjustable shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
Rear- Live axle, adjustable shock absorbers, leaf springs, stabilizer bar
Brakes:
Front- Ventilated discs
Rear- Drums
Top Speed: 115 mph

History: Peter Monteverdi constructed his first car when he was 17 years old. While still in his early twenties, he formed his own racing team, MBM (Monteverdi Binningen Motors), and he competed successfully in many international events, piloting his own cars. A near fatal crash in a Porsche powered Formula 1 MBM ended his racing career. In the early sixties, Monteverdi developed a very successful business distributing Ferraris, Lancia, BMW and Rolls Royce. However, following a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari, at age 33, he decided to design and build his own Gran Turismo. The High Speed 375 Series of cars that resulted were complete Monteverdi designs from chassis to bodywork. However, by 1974, a combination of Pan European speed limits and the oil crisis beginning the year before led to the gradual slowdown and eventual end of production of the High Speed 375 Series of exclusive GT cars. Nevertheless, Peter Monteverdi believed there was still room for a sedan with reduced dimensions, weight and performance expectations, but still with Monteverdi quality. Expanding on his existing relationship with Chrysler, he chose the Chrysler LeBaron as the basis for this new car. While the Sierra retained the original Chrysler chassis and center cabin section, Monteverdi redesigned the front and rear portions of the car and added a completely different, luxurious interior. The car debuted at the 1977 Geneva Salon. Convertible and station Wagon configurations of the Sierra were introduced at the Geneva Salons in 1978 and 1980 respectively.

Production: It is unknown just how many Sierra’s were built. Consensus is that there were less than 20 sedans, about 5 station wagons and 2 convertibles.

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