Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1971 - World Of Classic Cars -

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1971

When an Intermeccanica Italia Spyder comes to market, aficionados take notice. From 1967 to 1973, fewer than 400 Italia models were built, and only 222 were convertibles, making the Spyder a true rarity.
The Intermeccanica Italia was the culmination of Frank and Paula Reisner’s dream of building beautiful and powerful sports cars. Mr. Reisner, a Hungarian chemical engineer raised in Canada, raced cars and was continuously involved in speed-related automotive ventures. In 1959, the Reisners moved to Italy, eventually settling in Turin, where they formed their own company, Carrozzeria Automobile Intermeccanica, and began manufacturing tuning kits for Renault, Simca, Peugeot, and other European brands. Within a few years, competing against Italy’s world-class automobiles, the Reisners began producing their own cars.

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1971

Early efforts yielded several performance-focused prototypes and concept vehicles. In 1963, with the introduction of his Apollo GT Coupe at the Turin Motor Show, Mr. Reisner won respect as a builder of high-performance sports cars. The Italian-designed Apollo used Buick engines and running gear foreshadowing Mr. Reisner’s future inclinations. However, the best was yet to come: the Intermeccanica Italia.
The Italia continued Mr. Reisner’s propensity to marry sleek Italian design with American drivetrains. The Italia entered the U.S. market in 1968, dazzling enthusiasts with dramatic styling that paid homage to its exotic Italian compatriots. The car featured a long, low hood line, a snug cabin, and a chopped rear deck reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari and Maserati models. When admirers looked closer, they were even more impressed by the car’s makeup: a tubular steel chassis and hand-shaped steel body. Nor could they ignore its athletic prowess: the Italia was eminently drivable at all speeds. With its potent 351 Ford V-8, it could accelerate from 0–60 in just 6.2 seconds and then quickly rocket to 155 mph. A high price-tag affirmed that this exceptional automobile was not for everyone, a reality that made it even more desirable and prestigious.

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1971

The Italia Spyder presented here is a stunning example of one of Intermeccanica’s finest models and offers the credentials that make it as attractive today as it was when it debuted. The car was reportedly brought to the U.S. later in the 1970s and has been well maintained throughout. It has fewer than 33,000 miles and recently underwent a comprehensive restoration that brought it back to notable head-turning condition. The mechanicals have all been replaced or restored, and the engine has been rebuilt and uprated to approximately 400 horsepower. With new black leather seating and sisal floor mats, the redone interior affords a handsome and comfortable environment. A new tonneau cover and sturdy Haartz Stayfast cloth top offer weather protection. The Spyder cruises on new Pirelli P4 four-season touring tires, complemented with Dayton knock-off wire wheels. The body gleams, with its Rosso Corsa finish giving the car its extroverted presence.

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1968 - World Of Classic Cars -

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1968

Knowledgeable sports car enthusiasts are quick to perk up when they hear the name Intermeccanica—and with good reason. The company 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 zealous car buffs 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, and in 1967, after a series of ownership and engineering changes within the company, the Reisners began production of the stunning Italia Spyder.

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1968

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 dear price tag of $8,500, only the well-to-do could afford them. To many aficionados, the 1968 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder was an automotive masterpiece. The car’s “prancing bull” badging was a gracious nod to Lamborghini’s fighting bull. Its styling, which was classic Italian with vintage Ferrari undertones, was 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 fewer than 400 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.

Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 1968

The Italia Spyder presented here is a pristine example, one that has been enjoyed by a sole owner for the past 37 years. It underwent a complete restoration by the craftsmen at R&A Engineering in Manchester, Michigan, and no expense was spared, with receipts totaling more than $200,000. The consignor notes that all of the mechanical systems have been rebuilt or replaced, including the Ford V-9 engine, which has been disassembled and reconstructed, reportedly with a few performance-enhancing upgrades. The body was completely stripped, meticulously examined, and refinished in a lustrous blue tone, and all of the chrome and brightwork were re-plated. The interior was completely redone with tan leather and matching carpets. Chrome wire wheels with knock-off hubs were put on as a finishing touch. The end result is a spectacular Italia, one whose looks qualified it for display at the 2010 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance.