By Dean Larson

Many classic car enthusiasts would easily recognize the name Intermeccanica for its respected and established Porsche 356 Speedster recreations. However, there’s much more to the history of the company, which stretches back to 1959 and across half the globe.

After getting its start building speed parts in Turin, Italy, Intermeccanica began building complete vehicles, starting with a 500 cc Puch-powered two-seater called the IMP. Next, Intermeccanica moved to larger, American V8-powered sports cars with custom steel bodywork. Its second model, the Apollo GT, featured a stylish body in convertible and coupe configurations, with aluminum Buick V8 power and Borrani wire wheels.

In 1966, Intermeccanica began developing the car seen here, a 1970 Italia Coupe, which would catapult the company to a new level of productivity and provenance. Originally developed with Jack Griffith and called the Griffith 600, this steel bodied sports car would go through a couple different iterations, finally settling on the Italia name. Ford running gear and Windsor engines formed the base of the Italia followed up with a well-designed chassis and stunning bodywork. The Italia sold well worldwide, especially in convertible form, but the coupe body is likely the more sought-after design today as far fewer were made.

The Italia is a wonderful mix of cues that crosses party lines. The finished body is as exotic as it gets in a ’60s sports car. Its pointed nose and stubby, streamlined roofline echo great Ferraris, yet the Magnum 500 wheels hint that this is no prancing pony. The push-button doors are a masterpiece in shape and the large trunk should actually provide a bit of practicality. The car is exotic, yet dignified, and (dare I say) on par with the great Ferraris and Lamborghinis of its day.

The news isn’t all good though, and a car like this can’t slip under the radar forever. Search the web and you’ll find restored examples selling between $130,000 and $200,000 — and these are the more common convertible version as well! So how about our little coupe here on eBay then?

Well, first impressions can be deceiving, and this Italia is actually darn good. It’s probably more complete than most, and retains an original Ford Cobra engine, grill, gauges, interior, wiring and most of the glass. There actually aren’t any obvious pieces missing, other than the rear glass, as items like the fan, air cleaner and brake rotors are inside the car. In its current condition, the car does deserve a proper restoration, but its not necessarily required. Fully restored, this car would surely be the priciest Italia on the market, and north of $200,000 would be shocking.

See the seller's ad here on eBay.