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1969 Murena 429 GT

1969 Murena 429 GT

1969 Murena 429 GT

Called the “fastest wagon in the world” the Murena used American underpinnings and a unique wagon body from Intermeccanica of Italy. The Murena was built as sports wagon with luxury appointments, yet had the power of an American V8.

The concept was dreamed up by Jospeh Vos, the president of Murena Motors. He had Intermeccanica built the first prototype which was displayed at the 1969 New York Motor Show.

Inside was an executive affair with four bucket seats. An ample stereo, air conditioning and automatic rumble window, which separated the rear from the passenger space, made the car certainly habitable.

Seating four people comfortably, the Murena weighed in at 3770 lbs which was 1000 less than the Thunderbird. This was paramount, since the Murena used the Thunderbird’s V8 engine and 3-speed automatic transmission. In 1970, Road & Track was able to reach 60mph in just 7.5 seconds and the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds.

At $14,500, way more than a thunderbird, the Murena was a tough sell. Although over 35 orders were reported, under ten of these specialist wagons were ever made.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
engine Ford Thunderbird 90 Degree V8
position $14,950 USD
valvetrain Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed 4 Barrel Autolite Carburetor
displacement 7030 cc / 429 in³
bore 111 mm / 4.37 in
stroke 91 mm / 3.58 in
compression 10.5:1
power 268.5 kw / 360 bhp @ 4600 rpm
specific output 51.21 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 210.53 bhp per tonne
torque 650.79 nm / 480 ft lbs @ 2800 rpm
body / frame Unit Steel
wheel type 5-Spoke Forged Aluminum
front tires 205VR15 Pirelli Cintureto
rear tires 205VR15 Pirelli Cintureto
front brakes Girling Discs
f brake size x 279 mm / x 11 in
rear brakes Girling Discs
r brake size x 254 mm / x 10 in
front wheels F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15 x 7 in
rear wheels R 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15 x 7 in
steering Rack & Pinion
f suspension Wishbones w/Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Trailing Arms, Panhard Rod
curb weight 1710 kg / 3770 lbs
wheelbase 2997 mm / 118 in
front track 1537 mm / 60.5 in
rear track 1537 mm / 60.5 in
length 5207 mm / 205 in
width 1930 mm / 76 in
height 1270 mm / 50 in
transmission Ford 3-Speed Automatic
gear ratios 2.46:1, 1.46:1, 1.00:1, :1
final drive 2.75:1
0 – 60 mph ~7.5 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~15.5 seconds