In the late 1970s, Peter Monteverdi, a former Formula 1 driver, redefined the luxury SUV market by transforming the utilitarian International Scout into the opulent Monteverdi Safari and Sahara. While the original Scout was designed for practical use, Monteverdi enhanced it with a luxurious interior and powerful engine options, including a standard 150-horsepower V8 and larger alternatives. The Safari boasted features like air conditioning, power windows, and customizable finishes, appealing to affluent buyers. Despite its success, production was limited to just a few hundred units before it ceased in 1982. Today, owning a Monteverdi is a challenge due to their rarity, with prices for the Safari estimated between $115,000 and $140,000. Maintenance is relatively manageable, thanks to shared components with the International Harvester Scout, making these luxury SUVs more accessible than some competitors.