KESS KE43061001 Intermeccanica Italia spider 1969 %

Kess — KE43061001 | Intermeccanica Italia Spider (1969)

Penned by Robert Cumberford and perfected by styling master Franco Scaglione, the Intermeccanica Italia Spider represents one of the finest embodiments of the "Euro-American hybrid" tradition, merging alluring Italian coachwork with rugged American V8 muscle. Hand-built in Turin by Frank Reisner's Costruzione Automobili Intermeccanica (originally badged as the Torino before Ford's trademark objection prompted the name change to Italia), it features a hand-formed steel skin draped over a sturdy tubular chassis. Highlights include its long sloping nose with retractable pop-up headlamps, sculpted fender flares, and a richly appointed leather interior accented by wood trim and classic instrumentation.

Set back beneath the elongated hood is a dependable Ford small-block V8—predominantly the 302 ci (4.9-liter) or 351 ci (5.8-liter) Windsor unit—fed by a 4-barrel carburetor to deliver 250 to 300 gross horsepower and prodigious low-end torque. Channeled through a Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual gearbox (or an optional 3-speed automatic) to a live rear axle, the 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) roadster surged from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.2 seconds onto a top speed near 150 mph (240 km/h). With fewer than 400 coupe and convertible examples manufactured across its entire production run through 1973, the Italia Spider stands as an exclusive, highly sought-after boutique classic.