Intermeccanica International, the auto builder founded in Italy in 1959, is best known today for finely crafted vintage Porsche replicas. However, in the 1960s and ’70s, the company built sleek sports cars that combined Italian style with the power of American running gear. A beautifully restored 1968 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder was recently sold in Warminster, Pa.
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Apollo to Italia
Frank Reisner and his wife, Paula, were Canadians who transplanted to Turin, Italy. That’s where the couple transformed the company from a maker of speed parts to a producer of race and road cars. The Reisners collaborated with designers and financial backers to handcraft exotic-looking vehicles that were also mechanically reliable.
The Buick-powered Apollo GT, Intermeccanica’s first sports car, won Best in Show at the 1962 New York Auto Show. However, that excitement was short-lived. Intermeccanica built just 88 Apollos before its financial partner went bankrupt. Nonetheless, the Apollo led to another partnership to produce a sports car called the Griffith.
But its backer also suffered financial difficulties after Intermeccanica built just a handful of Griffiths. Reisner realized his best shot at being a successful manufacturer was to take on production himself. He made changes to the Griffith and released it as the Torino, then renamed it Italia after hearing from Ford’s lawyers.
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Robert Cumberford and Franco Scaglione penned the Italia’s sleek steel body. Its split front bumperettes, mesh grille, covered headlights, and prancing bull emblem evoke Ferrari styling. But there’s no hard-to-tune, multi-carbureted V-12 under the hood.
Instead, all Intermeccanica Italias have Ford powertrains. The engine in the Spyder sold on eBay is the original 302-cubic-inch V-8 paired with a Toploader four-speed manual transmission. Gear changes come via a Hurst shifter - opens in new window or tab..
The owner said the 302 “runs well.” A recent engine refresh included a number of new components:
- Fuel tank and fuel lines - opens in new window or tab.
- Battery, alternator, and starter
- Water pump
Upgraded Chassis
Intermeccanica Italias utilize a square-tube chassis designed by Formula 1 engineer John Crosthwaite. It features a control arm front suspension, modified Mustang live rear axle, and four-wheel power disc brakes. The example on eBay had a suspension upgraded with adjustable coilover shocks - opens in new window or tab..
A previous owner restored the Italia in the early 2000s. Despite its age, the Rosso red finish still looks fresh, and the 15-inch knock-off wire wheels gleam. The convertible top is a new reproduction matching the original.
The Intermeccanica Italia’s black upholstery looks supple. The Italian-made Jaeger gauges - opens in new window or tab. are functional, as are all the original switches. A Becker Europa - opens in new window or tab. AM/FM stereo with power antenna “works great,” says the owner. The odometer shows just over 45,000 miles. The owner believed the mileage is original, though the Pennsylvania title lists the car as odometer-exempt.
The Italia was a success for Intermeccanica, relatively speaking. The company produced only a few dozen Apollos and Griffiths. However, the firm made about 400 Italias between 1967 and 1972. Just over 200 are convertible Spyder models like this one, offered with a $174,500 Buy-It-Now price. The asking price reflected the rarity of the Italian/American exotic, and it was in line with recent sales trends.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.