Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Intermeccanica

Intermeccanica is a boutique automobile manufacturer with a fascinating and international history. Founded in Italy in the late 1950s, the company became known for creating hand-crafted sports cars that blended European design flair with powerful American engines. Over the decades, Intermeccanica evolved into a globally recognized brand, especially known for its high-quality replicas of Porsche Speedsters and Roadsters.

Founding and Early Years

Establishment in Italy

Intermeccanica was founded in 1959 by Hungarian-born chemical engineer Frank Reisner in Turin, Italy. Originally, the company was named “Construzione Automobili Intermeccanica” and began by producing tuning kits for European cars, especially Renault, Peugeot, and Simca models. These kits improved engine performance and gained early recognition for the young firm.

First Complete Cars

By the early 1960s, Intermeccanica began designing and building complete automobiles. One of their first original efforts was the Intermeccanica-Puch IMP, a small sports car built on an Austrian Puch 500 platform. The vehicle was lightweight, stylish, and well-received in niche racing circles, especially due to its fiberglass body and performance tuning.

Golden Era: The American Connection

Griffith GT and Italia

In the mid-1960s, Intermeccanica entered a significant partnership with American car entrepreneur Jack Griffith. The result was the Griffith GT, which paired a sleek Italian body with a Ford V8 engine. When Griffith’s company failed financially, Intermeccanica rebranded the car as the Intermeccanica Italia.

The Italia became Intermeccanica’s most iconic model. Produced from 1967 to 1972, it featured elegant styling by Franco Scaglione and boasted robust American performance. With a tubular steel chassis, fiberglass body, and options for large-displacement V8 engines, the Italia was both exotic and accessible, aimed at the American market.

Murena GT and Indra

After the Italia, Intermeccanica introduced the rare and luxurious Murena GT, a large convertible designed for the American market. It had Italian styling, American power, and only a handful were produced.

The final major Intermeccanica car from this era was the Indra (1971–1975), created in collaboration with Opel and GM. Styled by Franco Scaglione and built with Opel mechanicals and Chevrolet V8 engines, the Indra had a more refined European character. Unfortunately, due to shifting political and commercial pressures, particularly from GM, production ceased in the mid-1970s.

Move to North America

Relocation to Canada

In the mid-1970s, Frank Reisner and his family moved to Canada, taking Intermeccanica with them. The company re-established itself in Vancouver, British Columbia, shifting focus to hand-crafted replicas and specialty vehicles.

Porsche 356 Replicas

Starting in the late 1970s and continuing into the 1980s and beyond, Intermeccanica became known for its high-quality replicas of the Porsche 356 Speedster and Roadster. Unlike some replica builders, Intermeccanica focused on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and engineering accuracy. Their cars used air-cooled Volkswagen or Porsche mechanicals and faithfully replicated the aesthetic of the originals.

Modern Era and Legacy

Transition to Electric and Custom Builds

In recent years, Intermeccanica has explored electrified versions of its replica cars. The company has continued to evolve under the leadership of Frank’s son, Henry Reisner. Intermeccanica now operates under the brand ElectraMeccanica, which focuses on electric mobility and urban transportation solutions.

ElectraMeccanica and the SOLO

One of the most recent innovations is the ElectraMeccanica SOLO, a single-passenger electric vehicle designed for short-distance urban commuting. It represents a significant pivot from the company’s sports car roots, but continues the tradition of compact, niche vehicles.

Notable Intermeccanica Models

• IMP (1960–1963) – A small, lightweight coupe built on a Puch platform with fiberglass bodywork.
• Italia (1967–1972) – The company’s best-known car, with Ford V8 power and Italian styling.
• Murena GT (1969–1970) – A large, luxurious convertible with limited production.
• Indra (1971–1975) – A European-American hybrid using Opel and Chevrolet components.
• 356 Speedster Replica (1976–present) – Hand-built Porsche 356 replicas known for craftsmanship.
• ElectraMeccanica SOLO (2020–present) – A modern, electric commuter car for urban use.

Conclusion

Intermeccanica is a remarkable example of a niche automaker that thrived through adaptability, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration. From its origins in post-war Italy to its reinvention in Canada, Intermeccanica has built a legacy of stylish, well-crafted vehicles. Whether through the Italia’s blend of muscle and grace or the faithful Porsche replicas still admired today, the company continues to occupy a unique place in automotive history.