To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000
- Rare Italian-American sports car
- One of approximately 500 built
- Powered by a 351-cu. in. Ford Windsor V-8 engine
Please note that this lot is titled as an Italia.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Intermeccanica was a fascinating
player in the Italian-American "hybrid" market, taking the fight to
much bigger firms through sheer passion and determination. Despite
almost sinking the company with its first model, Intermeccanica
persevered and founder Frank Reisner struck out on his own to
ultimately produce approximately 500 Italias from 1967 to 1972.
Today, collectors recognize the Intermeccanica Italia and its
siblings as some of the finest examples of the Italian-American
hybrid formula.
This 1972 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder was dispatched from the
factory on 5 August 1970. A U.S.-specification example, it was
fitted with optional electric windows, head rests, and air
conditioning. Finished today in classic red over black, this Italia
Spyder is a beautiful example of the marque. Exterior features
include the "ITALIA" badging on the nose, rearing bull grille
emblem, and classic Cromadora alloy wheels fitted with
Intermeccanica-badged center caps. Some subtle revisions have been
made to this car, such as quad-round taillights, Plexiglass
headlight covers, and shaved fuel filler cap. The paintwork is
nice, and while a few minor touchups can be found on close
inspection, the car is very presentable overall. Brightwork is also
good, showing some minor polish marks in places but is otherwise
straight and attractive. The cockpit is similarly well presented
with black upholstery and top as originally equipped. The interior
features Jaeger instrumentation, an adjustable steering column, and
a classic Moto-Lita three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Throughout the production of the Italia, Carrozzeria Intermeccanica
used a series of different engines depending on what was available
at the time. As a later-production example, this car was fitted
with Ford's 351-cu. in. Windsor V-8 engine with a single
four-barrel Holley carburetor and mated to a four-speed manual
transmission. The engine bay is well detailed with
period-appropriate chrome valve covers and air cleaner.
This 1972 Intermeccanica Italia features breathtaking Italian
design and benefits from the power and reliability of an American
powertrain. One of approximately 500 Italias built between 1967 and
1972, this rare Italian-American sports car would make an excellent
addition to any collection of rare and unusual sports cars.To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.