Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 300
1971 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder Chassis no. 50367414
Estimate: US$130,000 - US$180,000
Lot 300
1971 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder
1971 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder
Chassis no. 50367414
Chassis no. 50367414
351ci OHV Ford V8 Engine
Approx. 300bhp at 6,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Rare Italian-American hybrid sports car with V8 powertrain
*Beautifully restored in Portofino Blue Metallic
*One of just over 350 examples built
*High-performance Spyder from the golden era of Italian Automobile production
CONSTRUZIONE AUTOMOBILI INTERMECCANICA
Initially in the automotive tuning kit business, Construzione Automobili Intermeccanica was founded in 1959 in Italy's automobile manufacturing capital, Torino. The man behind the company was Frank Reisner, an entrepreneur who would later move the company to Canada. The first cars produced were Formula Junior racers, fitted with Peugeot engines, but Reisner had bigger plans and soon started to import American V8 engines for installation in his road going chassis. These cars were the Apollo GTs that would ultimately pave the way for their successor, the Omega, and then the Italia.
The first Italia's came to the US in 1968. The cars were unlike anything else on the market and quickly gained the attention of discerning American sports car enthusiasts. Expensive for the time, few could hope to own one, and to many car lovers, 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 striking yet elegant. Its performance was equally impressive, as it could reach 0–60 in 6.2 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, which was attained through a powerful and proven Ford V-8 engine. The Italia's steel body was hand-formed, and its chassis was made from tubular steel. With just over 350 of these models built during its production run from 1967 to 1973, the Italia has since taken on an appealing mystique as a rare automobile from one of the most exciting eras of Italian car manufacturing. The Intermeccanica Italia Spyder was among the most attractive and potent Italian-American hybrids of the 1960s and 1970s, and its sleek styling and sophisticated chassis made for a great combo.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The beautiful example of the rare Intermeccanica Italia Spyder offered here was completed at the Torino-based works near the end of the limited unit production run. A lovely example indeed, this Italia was treated to a comprehensive restoration some years ago, and it is evident that the job included both the mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the rare car. The body was stripped, meticulously examined, and refinished in the elegant silver blue metallic seen on the car today, while the chrome and bright work were refurbished to show its absolute best. The interior was redone in a nicely matching dark blue, with a light blue piping. The Intermeccanica Italia's comprehensive history file contains many restoration, maintenance and ownership records, as well as a rare owner's manual, adding to the provenance of this rare Italian sports car. chrome wire wheels are fitted, adding a great period-looking finishing touch, and a factory air conditioning system, keeping its occupants cool on a sunny day. A Tremec 5-speed transmission has been substituted for the traditional 4-speed Ford unit, adding to the drivability of the car, and enabling one to really utilize the massive torque and power of the 351 cubic inch V8 engine.
Only a small number of Intermeccanica Italia Spyders are known to survive. This handsome example presents very well and would be a great candidate for local concours judging, or touring on high-speed rallies such as the Copperstate 1000. As the prices of true thoroughbred Italian GT cars of the 1960s and 1970s have escalated drastically, Italian-American hybrids such as the Intermeccanica Italia Spyder offer a compelling alternative. The Italia, one of just over 350 examples produced, occupies a special place in history and awaits a new owner who appreciates its combination of Italian style and American V8 performance. The Italia's beauty and performance, combined with its scarcity, makes it a gorgeous and valued prize.
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