1979 Intermeccanica Porsche Speedster Replica For Sale
One of the most iconic and highly prized Porsche model is that of the 356 Speedster.
With original examples selling well into the six figure range these days,
the cars are sadly at a point where they are too valuable to drive and enjoy.
Fortunately the 356 Speedster has been reproduced again and again by the
aftermarket industry, and there are affordable alternatives to driving something as valuable as a house down the highway.
There have been several manufacturers that have produced these over the years, but
the most well respected is that of Intermeccanica.
Automobilli Intermeccanica was founded in 1959 in Turin Italy.
The sole purpose of the firm was to construct limited edition automobiles.
With memorable creations such as the Apollo GT and the Italia under its belt
the company truly found long success with the construction of the Speedster.
The company is still going strong today, now located in Canada.
You can commission the build of one of these brand new to your specs and they even offer
a fully electric model.
This particular example is a pretty early Intermeccanica , being produced in 1979.
Body number 9BO363. It is based on a 1974 VW chassis and is a well preserved original build
showing nice minor wear and patina that now, 40 years after its constuction, makes the
car look even more convincing as an original Porsche example.
All the right details are in place such as the Porsche script emblems and such.
Under the front hood is a matching spare wheel with leather strap.
The battery is stowed below the spare and the fuel tank as well is here up front.
The car at one point was registered to the body number,
but now is titled to the factory VW chassis number as a 1974 VW.
Not much room for luggage up front!
The windshield is in nice shape as are the rubber seals.
The wipers are functional.
Nicely fit carpets inside show minor wear and sun fade after 40 years, but the joy of this is
that it all looks that much more "real".
Nice detail of the aluminum heater flaps down below and of course the
Porsche script on the dash and chrome grab handle.
The joy of having an example that shows a little wear is that there is no need to fret over it.
If the dog wants a ride...you don't worry about it.
If the kids drop their ice cream, you aren't going to hang them by their toenails.
Its well worn and comfortable and still very presentable and clean.
Lots of special details on this car that make it stand out in the crowd such as this Nardi signature wheel
Nice wood rim and aluminum spokes.
The Porsche style instruments are all functional as are the switches for lights, wipers and emergency flasher.
Nice and clean in the door jams, hinges are firm
and the body feels very tight and strong.
Many of the lesser quality replicas are lacking when it comes to inner structure
and feel very floppy and rattly on the road...but not the Intermeccanica
The factory VW chassis number is stamped on the floor pan under the back seat
but access is less than convenient. This great body tag in the door jam makes identification a breeze.
Comfortable Speedster seats...you sit deep within these cars.
They totally surround you. The term "bathtub" makes even more sense when you sit in one.
Odometer reads 33k miles
Nice color combination.
Small rear seat area with access panel to the engine room.
This car has a very nice roll bar fitted that not only looks cool
certainly adds a safety aspect to the car.
The car comes with a fitted parking cover that snaps on over the windshield and interior.
This is a great option for parking when you are out and about and want to keep the sun off the seats.
The car also has side curtains and a full top.
The top is well worn canvas, raggedy but functional.
The top makes the car look like a real "barn find".
The tops on these cars are really pretty silly actually...they are so low that access into the car
is horribly difficult, and visibility is even worse.
These have always been and always will be...fair weather cars.
And why put a top on that gorgeous body anyway?
Out back in this car is a very strong running dual port 1600cc engine that really feels like it is
larger and more powerful than a 1600. It might possibly be a 1641 or 1776 by the seat of the pants feel of it.
The car runs and drives strong!
Pretty clean in here, no big leaks or messes.
Electric fuel pump, 12 volt electrics with alternator.
Bosch 009 distributor, aluminum crank pulley
Dog house fan shroud and oil cooler.
Dual port manifolds have new boots and all the hoses and belt seem fresh as well.
New plug wires and such as well.
The exhaust is a beefy sounding ceramic coated header.
Check out the spin on oil filter set up and the super cool
finned valve covers. Very dry underneath the engine and trans...it is not a leaker.
Front suspension is in good shape with expected wear and road grime.
Chassis is super solid and straight
The body does have a few stress cracks here and there if you look close.
A couple are visible in this pic to the right of the taillight.
This is all original finish on the car by the looks of it, and considering the age of the build
it has held up impressively well.
Also nice to see details and original parts used on the car that make it look and feel
more authentic. The SWF taillight rings are a nice touch and I love the amber and red Euro style lenses.
The wide 5 wheels and brakes are a big stand out over the more common 4 lug wheels.
These reproduction painted silver 356 slotted wheels look fantastic and the spun aluminum
brake drum covers really make things look like the original 356 drums.
Lots of little details here and there that help create the image.
Its never going to be a "real" Porsche, but if you dont say anything, most people that see it will think it is.
The Speedster script and the Mobil Pegasus are other cool touches.
Another cool touch is this original Reutter body badge.
Love it
Brand new tires on the car just this year.
Porsche 1600 script emblems are another very nice touch.
Even the side view mirror is a Made in Germany part.
The more you look on this car...the cooler it gets.
Such a great looking ride.
Incredibly fun for that sunny day drive down the coast or back on the two lane roads.
As mentioned before...there are some small chips and stress cracks here and there on the body.
No signs of any damage or repair, just age. For a 40 year old fiberglass body car it looks great.
Oh yeah! It makes you smile just looking at it.
Clean California title with current registration.
registered as a 1974 VW. No smog check needed.
The car was once registered to the body number as a 1979 Intermeccanica.
In the event of an export sale, either could be used depending on the rules and regulations in your country.
A thick file of original literature and paperwork is included with the car
including this awesome Intermeccanica fold out brochure.
Copy of the assembly manual is here as well as other great information.
Even a few wonderful factory photos from Intermeccanica!
Nice level of documentation.
In closing this is just plain fun on four wheels.
Great car, nice vibe to it, well sorted and detailed with all the cool vintage Porsche bits.
I took it for a spin around the valley and you couldn't have wiped the smile off my face with a belt sander!
Way fun!!
Asking
$26,500 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net