Monteverdi Sierra

Vehicle Overview

The Monteverdi Sierra represents an intriguing chapter in the history of automotive design and collaboration, bridging Swiss precision with Italian flair and American muscle. Created between 1977 and 1980, this unique vehicle emerged from a partnership between the Swiss firm Monteverdi and the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Fissore. The result was a luxury automobile that combined the robust engineering of American cars with the elegance and style characteristic of European design. At its core, the Monteverdi Sierra was based on the platforms of the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, two quintessentially American cars known for their practicality rather than their panache. However, Monteverdi’s vision was far from ordinary. The firm sought to transform these everyday vehicles into objects of desire, imbuing them with a level of sophistication and luxury previously unseen in their American counterparts. This ambition was particularly evident in the two convertible versions of the Sierra, which were adapted from the Dodge Diplomat coupes, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and appeal. The transformation was comprehensive. Carrozzeria Fissore, known for its expert craftsmanship and elegant designs, reimagined the vehicles with new front and rear end styling. This included integrating Fiat 125 headlight assemblies and Renault 12 taillights, along with fitting the cars with stylish Wolf Race mag wheels, creating a visual appeal that blended elements from various automotive cultures into a cohesive and attractive package. The interior of the Monteverdi Sierra received equally thoughtful treatment. Custom Italian leather interiors, bespoke gauge clusters, and specially designed consoles elevated the driving experience, setting these vehicles apart from their more mundane origins. Mechanically, the Sierra underwent significant upgrades. The suspension system was overhauled, moving away from the Chrysler torsion bar design to a more sophisticated setup featuring independent suspension with upper wishbones, lower horizontal arms, trailing radius rods, coil springs, adjustable shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. This not only improved the car’s handling and ride quality but also underscored the Sierra’s position as a luxury vehicle. Powering the Sierra was a robust 175 hp (130 kW) Chrysler 318 cubic inch Small Block V8 engine, paired with a Chrysler TorqueFlite A-904 3-speed automatic transmission. This combination ensured that the Sierra was not only a pleasure to behold but also a pleasure to drive, offering ample power and smooth performance. In conclusion, the Monteverdi Sierra stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when different automotive cultures and specialties converge. Through the collaboration of Monteverdi and Carrozzeria Fissore, a vehicle was created that offered the best of Swiss, Italian, and American automotive craftsmanship, making the Sierra a truly unique and memorable piece of automotive history.