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Monica 560 (1972-75)
The Monica 560, introduced in **1972**, was envisioned as a **luxurious French grand tourer**, designed to rival prestigious European marques like **Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Maserati**. Created by **Jean Tastevin**, an industrialist who sought to revive the tradition of high-end French automobiles after the demise of **Facel Vega**, the Monica 560 aimed to blend **refinement, exclusivity, and performance**.
Initially, the car was developed with a **Triumph-based 2.6-litre engine**, but it was later upgraded to a **5.6-litre Chrysler V8**, producing **285 bhp**, to ensure it met expectations for effortless speed and power. With its **sleek styling, handcrafted interior, and advanced engineering**, the Monica 560 was expected to attract **wealthy professionals and aristocrats** who valued bespoke craftsmanship.
Despite its ambitious goals, the **1973 oil crisis** severely impacted demand for high-performance luxury cars, leading to the **closure of the Monica factory in 1974**. With only **around 40 examples produced**, the Monica 560 remains a **rare and collectible classic**, reflecting a bold but short-lived attempt to establish a new era of French automotive excellence - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_%28automobile%29).
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