Intermeccanica Italia (1970)

Luxury Brokers International is pleased to offer an excellent example of one of the rarest Italian/American hybrids, the Intermeccanica Italia/Torino Barchetta. These unusual cars were hand crafted from 1967 through 1973 in Turin, Italy, by Frank Reisner. Utilizing the powerful and reliable Ford 351 Windsor, an in house designed chassis and body, and a variety of parts from the likes of: Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Simca, Peugot, and Ford; this car retained many of the qualities ones seeks in both a stylish Italian sports car and an American muscle car. While an estimated 425 roadsters were built, this excellent example has come to us as a very well cared for car.

Starting life in Italy in 1970 this car was first sold to a local vineyard owner, only to be moved two years later to his CA Vineyard. In 1970/71 this car was brought to the Santa Barbara. Here it remained a dry, completely rust free example, and still is. In about 1980, the car did receive a light cosmetic restoration including a resprayto its present color and reupholstered interior, also in the original color. It is believed that the car was never 100% put back together and remained in the garage up until 2004 where it was purchased by its current enthusiast owner. Upon acquiring the car, it received a no expense spared mechanical restoration and upgrades, all completed to a very high standard.

Mechanically this car was completely taken apart. The original 351 Windsor received a complete rebuild by a notable Ford Expert. The rebuild included being bored.030 over, installing upgraded pistons, crankshaft, lightened flywheel, modern Roush Heads and special camshaft with roller lifters and special valve springs to bring the rev's to 6,800 RPM. Carburetion is by way of aHolley through a Edelbrock dual plane aluminum manifold and included is a more aggressive Barry Grant Demon 750 CFM with mechanical secondaries and electric choke. All mated to a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed close ratio gearbox, replacing the original Ford "top loader" transmission. The power is put the road via the original, but completely rebuilt Ford 9" narrowed rear end, utilizing new limited slip 3.52 gears. Using a dynamiter,this car has been carefully tuned to produce an impressive 440hp on 93 octane. While the entire drive train has seen a thorough and tasteful updates, so have the rest of the systems. The cooling has been updated with a new oversized aluminum radiator and electric fan, all custom designed and built. The fuel system includes a high output electric fuel pump and re-sealed original gas tank.

The suspension has also seen many modern improvements such as rebuilt original Bilstein shocks and 4 new springs; fully adjustable lower control arms (replacing the original Fiat Truck derived units) and adjustable rear shocks. Braking comes from the original but rebuilt (on all four corners including vacuum assist) Girling Jaguar/Volvo Disc Brakes. The steering is provided through a Peugot 504 steering rack, which has also been rebuilt. All electrical systems in this car are completely up to date with new harness to replace the old Simca Harness and newly restored gauges completed by Palo Alto Speedometer. The original AC system is not rebuilt and included in the sale but is not currently installed. The original Alfa Romeo heater core and control systems have been replaced and work as originally designed. All of this is sitting on new 15" Dayton wire wheels.

Condition wise this car resembles an excellent driver cosmetically, and a fully restored car mechanically. All glass is present and crack or fade free, as is the rubber trim throughout the car. The top is in good condition overall besides one small tear near the left front snap near the door jamb which shows a very small tear. The paint is excellent throughout with very minor blemishes that could be found on the rockers from being enjoyed. Otherwise the paint is consistent and shows very well. The interior is excellent as well having been barely used since being replaced in 1980 in proper trim. No cracks or issues with the dash and all trim pieces and accessories are present. A keyless entry and aftermarket sound system has been tastefully integrated for modern convenience.

Overall this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a nicely updated Italian/American hybrid that will not disappoint. As a turnkey opportunity for any enthusiast or collector, offers welcome please inquire with any additional interest.

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