1971 INTERMECCANICA ITALIA SPYDER
Designer: Franco Scaglione and Frank Reisner

Estimate: $110,000­ - $125,000

Chassis Number: 50408414
Decoded: 50=Spyder Body; 408=Serial Number; 4=1970/71 Production Year; 14=Italia
Engine: 5.8 Liter Ford Cleveland V8
310 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Power Assisted Four­ Wheel Disk Brakes
Mileage: 41,551

● Beautiful Thoroughbred Italian Styling
● Classic American V­8 Mechanicals
● Rare Breed With Fewer Than 400 Italias Built

The Model: The collapse of the Griffith project left Intermeccanica of Torino, Italy stuck with expensive tooling and a stockpile of completed bodies. With no choice but to undertake in-house production, owner Frank Reisner struck a deal with Ford to supply complete drive trains and other components to bring this Italian­-American hybrid to fruition. The setbacks in production served to prolong the Italia’s development period and resulted in a vehicle of such higher quality and driving characteristics that expected of such a small manufacturer. Riding on a wave of positive reviews from the motoring press, the Italia sold strongly in West Germany and the United states. With styling cues channeling Ferraris of the period and reliable V­8 horsepower, the beautiful Italia became one of the few successful limited ­production cars of the period. Despite the Italia’s success, the entire production run ended with less than 400 cars completed.

The Car: Resplendent in new Pearl White with a black top and beautiful new full-­leather interior, this Italia represents an outstanding example of this rare exotic. Benefitting from a recent frame­-on restoration this car has excellent brightwork and wood veneers. There were very few options on Italias when new. This car has rare factory air conditioning in fine working order and power windows. The interior detailing includes complete new trunk and hood linings. The proven American drivetrain is the correct Ford 351 Cleveland engine, four­-speed manual transmission and power disk brakes. Outside, brand new wire wheels and new glass headlamp covers set it off. The performance of other Italian exotica has driven strong recent sale results for Italias. With fewer than 400 Italias produced and strong recent sales, another opportunity to acquire one in this condition may not happen for some time.