Born in 1959 Turin, Italy, Intermeccanica started by tinkering with European cars. But founder Frank Reisner craved more. He envisioned American muscle in an Italian suit, leading him to import V8s for his custom chassis. These early creations, the Apollo GTs, laid the groundwork for the legendary Italia.
Arriving in the US in 1968, the Italia stunned car enthusiasts. Its price was high, but for some, it was an automotive masterpiece. The prancing bull emblem hinted at its Italian roots, while the design was a captivating mix of classic Italian lines and vintage Ferrari.
But the Italia wasn’t just a looker. Its powerful Ford V8 engine propelled it from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The steel body was hand-formed in Italy, while the chassis was a network of strong tubular steel.
With less than 400 built between 1967 and 1973, the Italia is a rare gem. It stands as a testament to a golden age of Italian car manufacturing, a coveted Italian-American hybrid with sleek lines and sophisticated engineering.
Photos by Darin Schnabel courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
