Vehicle Description
This 1972 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder is another great
Anglo-Italian supercar, combining old world craftsmanship with
proven American mechanicals, but its story is even more interesting
than most. Built by an American engineer who moved to Torino,
Italy, the Italia was a pure vision of performance distilled down
to its core. With a bespoke body, gorgeous Italian leather
interior, and only 400 examples having been built, it's a tier-one
collectable that's still an absolute thrill to drive.
The Spyder's body was completely hand-made from steel and draped
over a tubular frame. It has the characteristic long nose/short
deck look that was in fashion at the time, looking a bit like a
Ferrari from some angles, like a Corvette from others, and maybe
even a little AC Frua thrown in. Nevertheless, it's got a look
that's unique and there isn't a bad line anywhere on the car.
Graceful curves, the pointed snout with covered headlights, and
just enough ornamentation to make it look expensive all add up to a
car that delivers exotic looks without the exotic hassles. This one
was beautifully restored a few years ago and thanks to a recent
professional buff, the silver paint simply glows. Panel gaps are
quite good for a hand-built car and it shows well no matter where
you look. The only possible demerit might be a small mark on the
hood, but it's so subtle that we can't even get a decent photo of
it. The chrome bumperettes were also restored, the headlight covers
are crystal clear, and the detailing is simply exquisite everywhere
you look.
The striking black and red leather interior is certainly up to the
standards you'd expect from a low-slung Italian sports car. Nicely
contoured bucket seats flank a matching center console, and the
driving position is typically Italian with the long arm/short leg
feel. Of note, the gauges are familiar Jaeger pieces that you'd
find in a Jaguar E-Type, so they look suitably purposeful. The
4-speed shifter should feel familiar to anyone who has driven a
vintage Mustang, and over the years, this Italia has been upgraded
with modern conveniences like power windows and a newer AM/FM
stereo radio with Pioneer speakers behind the seats. Peel back the
black boot and you'll find a folding canvas top that does a decent
job of keeping out the elements, and there's even a
reasonably-sized trunk with full-sized spare and jack assembly.
It's familiar under the hood, which is what makes this car so
intriguing. That's a Ford 351 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel
carburetor and all the proven reliability that comes with it. How
cool is it to be able to take a wrench to your exotic sports car
without a PhD. in Italian? There's a lot of recent work under the
hood, including an upgraded alternator, master cylinder, and power
booster, as well as a fresh tune up with plugs, wires, and other
parts. It starts with a sound very much like your vintage Mustang
and settles into a rumbling V8 idle that seems a bit out of
character for the delicately sculpted bodywork. The Toploader
4-speed manual gearbox is still a joy to run through the gears and
the rear end is a familiar 9-inch Ford. 4-wheel disc brakes are a
welcome sight in a car with this much performance on tap and the
handling is pretty impressive with coil-overs all around. Recent
16-inch Minilite-style wheels have been fitted, and they're exactly
the right choice, which also allows fatter 205/60/16 performance
radials.
This is an awesome opportunity to own a rare Italian sports car
that resonates with American audiences. Everyone will have
questions when they see it and nobody will enjoy it more than the
driver. Call today!