The Monteverdi Hai 450 SS was a prototype and follow on to the 375 High Speed. It was intended to be a direct competitor to the top of the list super sports cars of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati.
A magenta Hai 450 SS prototype debuted at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show. It had a 6,974-cubic-centimetre (425.6 cu in) V8 from Chrysler positioned behind the two front seats. It took its name from the output of the engine, and the German word for shark, Hai. The body was presumably designed by Trevor Fiore, of Carrozzeria Fissore, although some sources credit Pietro Frua. A second car was made with a longer wheelbase and minor detail changes like door handles and red bodywork. This car was named the Hai 450 GTS to mark the changes.
Monteverdi initially planned to produce 49 copies, but the production was halted after the two prototypes. In the 1990s, two additional replicas from spare parts were made by Monteverdi, those now reside in the official Monteverdi Museum in Basel-Binningen.
Paul Frère tested the 450 SS obtaining 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 270.6 km/h (168 mph).
The 450 GTS reached 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) tested by Autozeitung.
Curb weight of the 450 SS was tested 1,756 kg (3,871 lb), much more than the factory claim.
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