Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale
event, March 31-2, 2017.
Chassis No.
59248314
Estimate:
$120,000 - $150,000 US
Knowledgeable sports car devotees are quick to take note when they
hear the name Intermeccanica, and with good cause. Intermeccanica
was established in 1959 by chemical engineer Frank Reisner and his
wife, Paula, and their cars combined Italian artistry with an
American powertrain. The Reisners were ardent car enthusiasts who
loved sports cars and racing. They traveled to Europe and settled
in Torino, Italy, where they opened their company and began
manufacturing aftermarket speed kits. Their dream was to build
beautiful performance cars. In 1967, after a series of name,
ownership, and engineering changes within the company, the Reisners
began production of the stunning Italia Spyder.
The first Italias were exported to the United States in 1968. The
cars were unlike anything else on the market and quickly gained the
attention of discerning American car lovers. However, with limited
production and a hefty price tag of $8,500, only the well-off could
afford them. To many aficionados, the Intermeccanica Italia Spyder
was an automotive masterpiece. The car's "prancing bull" badging
was a gracious nod to Torino's coat of arms. Its styling, which was
classic Italian with vintage Ferrari undertones, was elegant. Its
performance was equally impressive; as it could reach 0- to 60-mph
in 6.2 seconds and had a top speed of 155-mph, which was attained
through a powerful and proven Ford V-8 engine.
This particular Intermeccanica Italia Spyder is believed to be a
largely correct example and is reported to retain its original
engine, transmission, body and chassis. The Italia is powered by a
351-cid Windsor V-8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission.
The car has never been fully restored and has been in the same
family ownership for 30 years.
The engine has been rebuilt within the last 1,000 miles and it
recently received full body work and fresh paint. The brakes have
been fully rebuilt by a former Alfa Romeo executive at Ricambi in
Milano Italy (with receipt copy) and is equipped with a new master
cylinder. Additional new pieces include an accessory electric fuel
pump, radio delete panel, Edelbrock four-barrel 1406 Performer
Series carburetor, clutch, throw-out bearing and pressure plate,
mechanical fuel pump, rear bumper (fabricated from 7-gauge 304
stainless steel), rear shocks (fronts rebuilt), bushings and rubber
components; windshield gasket plus many miscellaneous items. While
the car is equipped with air conditioning, it is currently
non-functional. All of the components are present and the
compressor and clutch do work.
The Italia's steel body was hand-formed, and its chassis was made
from tubular steel and is fully reinforced. Sports Car Graphic was
very complementary of the car in their November 1970 issue by
stating: "Sometimes it seems that automotive development and detail
refinement is directly proportional to production volume and
completely independent of cost. The Italia is a beautiful
exception....."
With fewer than 400 of these models being built during its
production run from 1967 to 1973, the Italia has since taken on an
appealing mystique as a rare automobile.
