Intermeccanica Italia
The Intermeccanica Italia was designed by legendary stylist Franco Scaglione and built by Frank Reisner's Intermeccanica company, which moved production from Turin to California during the car's production run. The dramatic bodywork featured pop-up headlights, aggressive fender flares, and a fastback roofline that turned heads everywhere. Customers could choose between Ford or Chevrolet V8 engines, typically producing 300-350 horsepower. The fiberglass body kept weight down to around 2,800 pounds, providing impressive performance. Unlike more exotic Italian cars, the American mechanicals meant parts were readily available and maintenance could be done by any competent mechanic. Only about 500 examples were built between 1967 and 1978, making the Italia quite rare today. Build quality varied as production moved locations and suppliers changed.
Verify authenticity and production period as build quality varied significantly. Check fiberglass body for cracks, stress fractures, and poor repairs. Inspect the steel chassis for rust thoroughly. Determine which V8 engine is fitted (Ford or Chevy) and verify it's in good condition. Test all electrical systems including pop-up headlights. Check panel gaps and fit - wide gaps indicate poor construction or accident damage. Look for any documentation or history available. Join Intermeccanica owner groups for support. Be prepared for a car that needs attention - these weren't built to Ferrari standards. Values range from $40k-$80k depending on condition, with California-built cars generally preferred. Offers exotic looks with American reliability.