A little while ago I came across an advert from someone who was searching for luxury cars independant it's state and the Monteverdi was mentioned as well - else I would not have found this advert.
I ignored it but kept a screenshot though. I also figured we would never obtain a fair price. Besides we were not interested in selling it either. It's such an unique car despite it's current state (and the first one build!). Furthermore it does fit in so nicely with the other cars I have. Clearly the front and back was inspired by the Fiat 130 Coupe. With it's fancy (leather) interior and V8 it has also a hint of a 8.32 avant la lettre:
I have the space and time so that's not an issue either. Chances are very slim I will ever be in a position again to obtain a Monteverdi.
Admittedly it has been a very slow progressing project and especially the bodywork was going to be an issue, as we don't have the skills nor the equipment. For now the aim was at least to get the car functional and capable of riding. With the engine up and running this was already a huge step forward. By then we already decided to keep the car with a "rat look" and only make an attempt to fix the floor panels. With the recent miss out of obtaining a donor car I was slightly annoyed though. At the time when trying to get the car registered in the Netherlands I was hugely disappointed too as it failed due to some silly items (mostly the weighting of the car and the removed interior). Well, if you have been following or reading this blog you know all of this already. Next I build up quite a bit of knowhow on this car and collected a fair amount of documentation (some quite expensive). Luckily the car parts we obtained were mostly affordable but adding all up we did had spend quite a bit as well; new tail lights, new ignition/steering lock, new starter motor, new carburettor, new fuel pump, rims and tyres, etc.
Somehow this advert popped up again so I reached out to Jos to get a feel if he was willing to depart with the car (knowing about his potential future plans as well). In the end we concluded it can go, but only if we would get a good price. Meaning we would make at least break-even. Else it would simply stay.
So we made contact and offered the car for sale. It did not took long to come to an acceptable agreement. Something I did not had expected at all. I felt a little confused, on one hand I rather would have kept it given it's uniqueness and knowing it's history. On the other hand; realistically we would never get the car in a very decent state, unless we had deeper pockets. And surely it would have taken ages. So if it ends up at the right party this would be a good thing as well.
Yesterday the car has been collected and it arrived safely at it's new place. We will make an effort to visit this place as we still have to deliver the rear bench (long story). But also to meet up with the actual owner and his shop. Looking forward to that. I'm very curious to follow the next stage of this car. What an adventure this has been, it has been a true pleasure. Hurray for car aficionado's!
The last photo's before departing:
