Intermeccanica Indra classic cars for sale

History of the Intermeccanica Indra

Launched in 1971, the Intermeccanica Indra emerged from a unique collaboration: Italian sports car tradition combined with German automotive expertise and robust American mechanics. Born from the partnership between Intermeccanica’s Franco Scaglione, GM, and Opel, the Indra was aimed at combining the best of European chassis design with the reliability and power of GM-supplied engines. Production took place in Italy, but the Indra was mainly sold through Opel’s dealership network, especially in Germany and Switzerland. Its discontinuation in 1974 was precipitated by GM’s sudden withdrawal of support, effectively ending the model’s short yet eventful run.

Model History: Variants and Development

The Indra line comprised several body styles: coupé, convertible, and a rare notchback. The earliest cars were equipped with a Chevrolet 5.4-litre V8, later models received Opel’s inline six, depending on the market. The blend of Italian hand-built coachwork and mainstream GM mechanicals positioned the Indra as a practical exotic, setting it apart from purely Italian or German competitors. No direct predecessors exist within the Intermeccanica lineage; the Indra remained the highlight of the brand’s 1970s endeavour before production ceased and Intermeccanica shifted focus back to replica and bespoke vehicles.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Indra stands out for its international heritage: Italian design from Franco Scaglione, reliable GM and Opel engines, and hand-built chassis. Its rarity – with fewer than 130 units produced – contributes to a distinctive aura. The Indra features pop-up headlights, a distinctive fastback rear, and a refined interior with attention to detail unusual for small-series vehicles.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Given its very small production numbers, even standard Indra cars are rare. Some vehicles were customised to individual order, and a handful were built with special equipment or unique colour schemes for certain clients. Factory convertibles and the few notchback versions are especially sought after due to their lower numbers.

Engine, Performance, Transmission, and Handling

With GM’s V8 under the bonnet, the Indra delivers well-balanced performance, blending raw torque with a manageable chassis. Handling is characterised by a long wheelbase and weight distribution optimised for road use rather than outright agility. The Opel-derived suspension parts keep maintenance straightforward for Continental owners. Transmission options allow for relaxed touring (automatic) or more engaging manual driving. Feedback through the steering is communicative for the era, but the car’s dynamics remain focused on high-speed comfort. Most common are the coupé and convertible versions with the Chevrolet V8, prized for their straightforward servicing and classic GT character.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior, and Design

Franco Scaglione’s design gave the Indra a distinctive silhouette, marked by a low-slung nose, pop-up headlights and a crisp, fastback bodyline. Interiors feature luxurious materials, such as leather and fine wood trim, tailored to client specifications. Unusual options included metallic paints and individualised upholstery. Instrumentation is rich for a 1970s GT and reflects both Italian design and German functional clarity. Factory accessories sometimes included Borrani wire wheels, extra fog lights, or contemporary audio systems.

Other Features

Some Indras were delivered with bespoke options depending on customer wishes, including air conditioning, sport wheels, and special order paintwork. The hand-built nature of each car means specification can vary considerably between individual vehicles.

Summary

The Intermeccanica Indra represents a fascinating crossroads of Italian, German, and American automotive engineering. Rooted in Franco Scaglione’s design, brought to life with robust GM and Opel hardware, and offered in minuscule numbers, the Indra has carved out its own niche in the classic car world. Its exclusivity on the classic market and unique story make it especially interesting to enthusiasts and collectors seeking something truly unconventional.