In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Intermeccanica was a fascinating player in the Italian-American “hybrid” market, taking the fight to much bigger firms through sheer passion and determination. Despite almost sinking the company with its first model, Intermeccanica persevered and founder Frank Reisner struck out on his own to ultimately produce over 500 Italias from 1967 to 1972. All that heartache was worth it; today collectors recognize the Intermeccanica Italia and its siblings as some of the finest examples of the Italian-American hybrid formula.

This 1971 Italia Spyder is a very attractive and very well sorted example of Intermeccanica’s most successful model. Finished in a striking shade of dark metallic red, this Italia Spyder once belonged to the famed Jeopardy! host, Alex Trebek. The Scaglione-penned steel body is in excellent order, with excellent paintwork. The delicate chrome bumpers and rocker trims are in very good condition, with good quality plating and fine details such as period Marchal headlamps and properly finished Magnum 500 wheels – one of several factory options available – wrapped in fresh, period-correct Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tires. The interior trim remains excellent, with what appears to be the original upholstery covering the seats and door panels.

Under the forward-hinged bonnet is the period-original Ford 351-cu. in. Windsor V-8. Thanks to recent discreet performance enhancements such as high-performance valvetrain components, the Italia runs like a beast, with tire-shredding ability just a flex of the right foot away. To handle the additional power, the chassis has been carefully and subtly sorted with Bilstein dampers and firmer bushings, imparting this Italia with outstanding road manners.

This example presents in excellent condition throughout, returning effortless performance, and is ready to be enjoyed to the fullest.