INTERMECCANICA ITALIA SPYDER 1971 310BHP 4-SPEED

With coachwork designed by Franco Scaglione, the rare Italia Spyder stands with the great supercars of Italy. It shares the same 4V 351 Cleveland that propelled the Pantera and the ISO Grifo A3L, and the Grifo Series II back in 1971. In those days a "Hybrid" meant Italian chassis and American V8s in many other legendary forms like the Mangusta, most Bizzarrinis, and the Ghia 450 SS.

From 1967 to 1973 fewer than 400 Italia models were built in Turin from an original design by Robert Cumberford, (later only 222 convertibles were produced). The Italia married sleek Italian design with American drivetrains, dazzling enthusiasts with dramatic styling and brutal power. The car featured a long, low hood line, a snug cabin and a chopped rear deck reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari and Maserati models. A hand-shaped steel body concealed the cars athletic prowess; a potent 351 Ford V-8 that could accelerate from 0–60 in just 6.2 seconds and then quickly rocket to 155mph.

This example was brought to the U.S. in the 1970s and to date has only accumulated 35,000 miles. Sold at RM Sotheby’s in 2016, the car has undergone a comprehensive restoration including undercarriage and drivetrain to concourse original specifications. A new tonneau cover and sturdy Haartz Stayfast cloth top offer weather protection. The Spyder cruises on new Pirelli P4 four-season touring tyres with Dayton knock-off wire wheels and independent front suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Inside features new black leather seating and sisal floor mats, along with a sympathetic dash restoration creating a handsome and comfortable driver experience. Under the bonnet power comes from a factory 310 hp Ford 4v 351 Cleveland V-8 engine and four-speed manual transmission, Highlights include an overhaul of the chassis, sandblasting and freshly powder coated suspension components, new shocks absorbers and bushes, a rebuilt gearbox, engine refresh with new gaskets, water pump, camshafts, lifters, rebuilt distributor and rebuilt cylinder heads.

Intermeccanica production lasted until spring 1972, by which point around 400 examples had been made. In 1975 the Reisners moved back to Canada. Frank Reisner died in 2001, but Intermeccanica is still going, run by Frank’s son Henry who continues to produce 356 lookalikes, along with his own version of the Volkswagen Kubelwagen.

On YouTube under the title: 1971 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder 351C 4V 4-speed. Restoration by Mike Lauria