Monteverdi Sierra: the ultimate luxury Volare
by Mike Sealey and David Zatz
From a specialty automaker known for their Mopar-powered exotics came the 1977 Monteverdi Sierra, closely based on Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. The photos in the brochure, provided by Alexander Beyer, show a completely different exterior and interior, albeit with a similar dashboard layout to the Volare.
Dietmar Frensemeyer wrote, "The Sierra was an Aspen body redesigned by Monteverdi (front, rear, and interior), built by my friend Rudi Wenger in Basel, Switzerland. About twenty were made, [including] one very nice convertible." (There were at least two convertibles; one silver one in the museum, and a red one that was being sold in early 2016.)
The Monteverdi brochure, scanned and sent by Alexander Beyer, said in both German and English:
The weight was given as 1,600 kg (2,350 kg fully loaded). The 318 was rated at 160 DIN hp (116 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 39.6 mkp (382.9 Nm) at 2,000 rpm, on 91 ROZ octane fuel. The TorqueFlite transmission was mentioned by name.
According to the brochure, the front suspension had upper wishbones and lower horizontal arms combined with trailing radius rods, progressively acting coil springs, adjustable shocks, and stabilizer bar - unlike the torsion-bar Volare suspension. Gunther Poecker wrote that he had seen the cars and there was no wishbone suspension or coil springs:
Again by the brochure, tires were 215/70 x 14, hubs 14x6. Brakes had an effective pad area of 900 cubic centimeters. The turning circle was 12.8 meters (wider than the Volare, but the tires were also wider). Acceleration was listed at around 10 seconds 0-60. Gas mileage was 14-20 liters/100km. Standard features included air, power windows, locks, and seats, steering wheel adjustment for rake and reach, cruise, and leather.
Chrysler itself would eventually bring out a LeBaron version of the Volare/Aspen, but it would not be nearly as stylish or luxurious as the Monteverdi.
Other exotics using Mopar bits and pieces
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by Mike Sealey and David Zatz
From a specialty automaker known for their Mopar-powered exotics came the 1977 Monteverdi Sierra, closely based on Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. The photos in the brochure, provided by Alexander Beyer, show a completely different exterior and interior, albeit with a similar dashboard layout to the Volare.
Dietmar Frensemeyer wrote, "The Sierra was an Aspen body redesigned by Monteverdi (front, rear, and interior), built by my friend Rudi Wenger in Basel, Switzerland. About twenty were made, [including] one very nice convertible." (There were at least two convertibles; one silver one in the museum, and a red one that was being sold in early 2016.)
The Monteverdi brochure, scanned and sent by Alexander Beyer, said in both German and English:
The weight was given as 1,600 kg (2,350 kg fully loaded). The 318 was rated at 160 DIN hp (116 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 39.6 mkp (382.9 Nm) at 2,000 rpm, on 91 ROZ octane fuel. The TorqueFlite transmission was mentioned by name.
According to the brochure, the front suspension had upper wishbones and lower horizontal arms combined with trailing radius rods, progressively acting coil springs, adjustable shocks, and stabilizer bar - unlike the torsion-bar Volare suspension. Gunther Poecker wrote that he had seen the cars and there was no wishbone suspension or coil springs:
Mr. Poecker did not provide photos but referred us to a car sales site which showed a Monteverdi with a nearly-stock Volare engine bay, showing no evidence of suspension changes.
Again by the brochure, tires were 215/70 x 14, hubs 14x6. Brakes had an effective pad area of 900 cubic centimeters. The turning circle was 12.8 meters (wider than the Volare, but the tires were also wider). Acceleration was listed at around 10 seconds 0-60. Gas mileage was 14-20 liters/100km. Standard features included air, power windows, locks, and seats, steering wheel adjustment for rake and reach, cruise, and leather.
Chrysler itself would eventually bring out a LeBaron version of the Volare/Aspen, but it would not be nearly as stylish or luxurious as the Monteverdi.
Other exotics using Mopar bits and pieces
- Monteverdi Hai, Monteverdi 375, and other Monteverdi cars
- Jensen Interceptor • Jensen FF (pioneering 4x4)
- Facel Vega ("early Hemi" powered, with TorqueFlites)
- The Consulier GTP was the fastest Chrysler 2.2 powered car ever made
- The 1966 Duesenberg Model D prototype used an Imperial chassis and powertrain; production was close when the company ran out of cash.
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
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We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.