1978 Porsche Speedster Intermeccanica Replica For Sale
Sale Price: $99,995
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and rare 356 Speedster replica by Intermeccanica.
The story of Intermeccanica is an interesting one. Intermeccanica was founded in Turin, Italy, in 1959 by Frank Reisner. Initially producing aftermarket tuning kits and small race cars, the company soon specialized in blending gorgeous, coach-built Italian styling with reliable American V8 muscle.
They built the bodies for the Buick-powered Apollo GT before finding mainstream success with their own flagship sports car, the Ford-powered Italia. Following an alliance with Opel to produce the Indra, supply changes forced a shift. The company relocated to California in 1975, and later to Canada, transitioning into a premium builder of Porsche 356 and Kübelwagen replicas. Today their cars are very collectable and the 356 replicas are often regarded as one of the best made anywhere.
Our car was produced in 1978 whilst the operation was still in California, and we believe only around 600 Intermeccanica cars were made between 1976 and 1979 before the relocation to Canada. Our car has an Intermeccanica Identity tag on the door jam and the hinges for the boot and bonnet are correctly stamped ‘Intermeccanica’.
It is likely the car left California as a LHD car, and we are uncertain when it was converted. We have an import approval for the car dated 2017 and information regarding the car on the old ad used to sell the car to the current owner. This denotes it had recent work to the brakes, trim and recent fitment of a 2115cc EMPI engine. There is a QLD modification plate fitted to the car dated 2017.
The current owner has had the car for just over 3 years but now lives overseas so its time for the car to find a new owner.
Under the current ownership the car has had regular maintenance and a colour change. It was previously ‘Monza Red’ and it now wears a metallic silver which looks stunning and very appropriate for the car.
The quality of the paint is generally very good as is the brightwork. The interior is lovely with unmarked carpets and lovely bucket seats. The spot lamps on the front bumper and period correct badging add an authentic touch and really look the part.
Out on the open road the car performs well, and the engine gives the car a useful turn of speed and sounds the part with the induction noise from its twin Weber carbs. The original drum brakes do the job although if the owner wants more stopping power a front wheel disc brake conversion is a common upgrade. The steering is responsive and the gearbox is excellent with lovely precise short throws.
Overall, the car is a delight to drive and be in. It is also a real ‘head turner’!
The black tonneau on the car is in excellent condition, and the underside is as good as it is on top.The car comes with a fresh service from a specialist, and a compression test provided excellent results. The car is registered and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.
At a fraction of the cost of an original Speedster this Intermeccanica replica presents something of a bargain given its rarity, quality and in RHD form.
