1969 Monteverdi High Speed 375S Coupé
- Engine
- 7.2L V8 'Hemi', 450 bhp, automatic transmission
- Colour
- Dark blue metallic
The Monteverdi 375S was a Swiss-built grand tourer conceived by BMW dealer Peter Monteverdi to rival established names such as Ferrari and Aston Martin. Powered by a 7.2-litre Chrysler Hemi V8 and clothed in a Pietro Frua-designed body, chassis 1003 is one of only ten examples bodied by Carrozzeria Frua before production shifted elsewhere. Displayed at the 1969 Geneva and New York motor shows before US delivery, it passed through several American owners including television personality Jay Leno, and has been in static storage since entering its current ownership in 2012.
Ownership
- 2022-07-03Auction saleSold CHF 200,000 (≈ $220K)
- 1969-06-02 →Factory deliveryAnselmo (Royal Simca Inc)partial documentation
Official US importer based in Washington DC; car was delivered new on 2 June 1969 and had previously been shown at Geneva and New York auto shows earlier that year.
- 1972-04-01 →Private saleJim Craigpartial documentation
Believed to be affiliated with Zeneth Wire Wheels in Campbell, California; attribution described as uncertain in the source.
- 1989 →Private saleRon Ciardellapartial documentation
- 1992 →Acquisition unknownAston Marshallpartial documentation
San Diego, California owner during whose tenure the bodywork was refinished in metallic blue.
- 2005-01-04 → 2006-08-12Acquisition unknownJohn Ringpartial documentation
Based in Brickfield, Wisconsin; commissioned additional restoration work including repainted dark blue bodywork, re-plated chrome, re-trimmed interior, and new exhaust silencers and tyres.
- 2006-08-12 → 2008-02-01Private saleJay Lenopartial documentation
Renowned American broadcaster and car collector; car was subsequently listed for sale through Family Automotive Group in San Juan Capistrano, California.
- 2012 →Acquisition unknownCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquisition date inferred from a copy of a Middle East registration document dated 2012; car has been kept in static storage since acquisition and will need recommissioning.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownR Lowpartial documentation
First retail owner, based in New York; no dates or documentation details provided.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGeorge Davenportpartial documentation
Second retail owner, also based in New York; no dates or documentation details provided.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBruce D Milnerpartial documentation
Los Angeles, California; oversaw restoration of the engine bay and underside in 2003 and showed the car at the Concorso Italiano that same year.
Competition
- 1969-03-0139th Geneva Salon de l'AutomobileStatic display on Monteverdi stand
Car appeared on the manufacturer's stand prior to delivery to the US importer.
- 1969-04-0113th New York International Auto ShowStatic exhibit
Shown shortly after arrival in the United States, before reaching its first retail owner.
- 2003-08-0117th Concorso Italiano
Displayed at the Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside, California while in the ownership of Bruce D Milner, following engine bay and underside restoration work.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2003Restoration
Engine bay and underside refurbished and brought to a clean standard.
Completed while the car was owned by Bruce D Milner of Los Angeles.
- 2005Restoration
Further comprehensive refurbishment encompassing fresh dark blue paintwork, re-plated chrome, re-trimmed interior, replacement exhaust silencers and new tyres.
Commissioned by John Ring of Brickfield, Wisconsin shortly after his acquisition in January 2005.
- —Restoration
Bodywork and paintwork overhauled, with the car refinished in metallic blue from its original yellow.
Carried out during the ownership of Aston Marshall of San Diego, California.
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