Specifications: c. 300 hp 351 cu. in. Ford Cleveland V8 four-speed manual transmission live rear axle front and rear disc brakes with booster. Wheelbase: 94.5" In 1959 chemical engineer Frank Reisner combined his fascination with automobiles and professional talents to establish Carrozzeria Automobile Intermeccanica. Born in Hungary in 1932 and raised in Canada he raced sports cars and "specials" in the late fifties before moving to Italy. Here he designed a racing chassis for Giannini Automobile Spa Rome but soon relocated to Turin to build speed equipment. Over the next few years Reisner built numerous cars including the Apollo GT which was based on Buick mechanicals for International Motor Cars of San Francisco. These stylish Italian-bodied sports cars helped firmly establish Carrozzeria Intermeccanica as an automobile manufacturer despite the fact 1963-65 production was limited to about one hundred units. Other Intermeccanica models followed -- from one-off prototypes to the Corvair-powered Phoenix constructed for John Fitch. After a few sour arrangements Reisner was left with 142 completed chassis in Turin. He went to Ford and secured a steady supply of 289 cubic inch V8 engines (later Cleveland and Windsor 351 cubic inch V8s) and drivetrains for shipment back to his factory in Italy. He arranged for a new distributor to sell his first true production car the Torino but in 1967 the similarly styled 5-liter later the 5.7-litre Italia was unveiled. The Corvette-like Italia in Ferrari-inspired clothing sold well in America. Sports Car Graphic said in 1970 “…it has the potential to be the Ford Motor Company’s version of the ’Vette. And it’s a lot more exciting.” The 0-60mph time was 6.2 seconds. This Italia is fitted with the rarely seen factory air conditioning and powered by the preferred Ford 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 mated with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine is fitted with custom valve covers a new Edelbrock 650cfm 4V carb and Edelbrock Performer intake manifold. Its recent freshening also included addition of a new electronic ignition rebuilt front end rebuilt front and rear disc brakes new wiring harness stainless steel exhaust system as well as a new fuel pump The fuel system and lines hoses and belts and much more have been inspected repaired or replaced where necessary. Riding on new tires mounted on vintage Magnum 500 wheels this Italia in fresh Milano Russo paint mates the best of Italian design and American Muscle. The fresh paintwork is in excellent condition as is its tan leather interior with black piping and tan cloth convertible top. The dash and controls are all business exemplifying the Italia’s supercar nature while the leather seats tan carpets and power windows are concessions to the Gran Turismo side of the Italia. Approximately 376 Italia coupes and convertibles were built which in comparison to some far more expensive Ferrari models is very few in number making an Italia a truly rare American-powered international supercar.