Mock Ferrari

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1970 Intermeccanica Italia Spyder

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If Italias offered the styling as described in the Classic & Sports Car article and performance that lets you keep up with the big boys, why would one sell for under $50,000? Well, for one thing, their handling is a bit suspect. A 1971 Automobile Quarterly story reported that front suspension A-arms--sourced from Fiat pickups--could be bent by the weight of the V8 engine and thus alter the alignment.

I paid a premium for my car, as the previous owner had spent an inordinate amount of money having new springs and front suspension designed. The gas filler cap is also located low in the rear, which gives the unsuspecting an unpleasant surprise when the gas backs up during filling. I moved my filler to the top of the left fender.

All this aside, Kinney's Italia should have sold for more than what was realized here. He readily admits the venue was not conducive to selling a sports car, as the Swigart Collection was the attraction. There were only two bidders on his car, one a dealer who would have paid the $40,000 high bid, but no more, and the new owner who Kinney says would have gone at least another $5,000 if pushed.

Having admitted a prejudiced point of view, I'd still say the new owner got a heck of a buy on this car. Italias are getting stronger as collectors realize they offer an amazing amount of fun per dollar. They are relatively rare, as only 57 coupes and 354 open cars were produced during their six-year run, and they mate attractive styling with strong performance. Parts can be found at the local NAPA store, and the Ford V8 is no challenge to work on. My Italia won't leave my garage anytime soon; my wife and I have enjoyed 3,500 trouble-free, top-down miles so far.

Details

Years Produced: 1967-72

Number Produced: 411

Original List Price: $6,450 (1967), $10,000 (1971)

SCM Valuation: $40,000-$55,000

Tune-up Cost: $150

Distributor Caps: $10

Chassis # Location: Plate on firewall

Engine # Location: Under coil attaching bolt

Club Info: Intermeccanica Owners Registry, Tim Marriott, President 18699 E. Colorado Dr. Aurora, CO 80017; 303.752.2301

Website: click to visit

Alternatives: 1965-74 Iso Grifo, 1964-67 Sunbeam Tiger, 1965-69 Bizzarrini

Investment Grade: B

Provided by Sports Car Market—The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values and Trends