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AutoPuzzles Today => Features, Stories and Photos => Rare Car of the Week => Topic started by: Allemano on September 04, 2008, 10:49:34 AM

Title: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on September 04, 2008, 10:49:34 AM
Engine and brand is demanded
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: D-type on September 04, 2008, 05:38:07 PM
Fiat
If by 'Brand' you mean the engine then it's an 1100TV; if you mean make of car as opposed to engine, I'll guess at Giannini
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 05, 2008, 06:56:57 AM
Sorry, neither nor!

'Brand' is the name of the company! 'Engine' means which company has produced the powerplant, respectively how much capacity and the number of cylinders it has.
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: alecwolf on September 05, 2008, 08:37:27 AM
Maybe it's a Ford Comete Monte Carlo, with 3.9 litre V8 Mistral engine?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Graber on September 05, 2008, 08:59:40 AM
Fiat engined Cisitalia ?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 06, 2008, 05:58:30 AM
Quote from: alecwolf on September 05, 2008, 08:37:27 AM
Maybe it's a Ford Comete Monte Carlo, with 3.9 litre V8 Mistral engine?

It actually had indeed a V8 engine, but that's all!


Quote from: graber on September 05, 2008, 08:59:40 AM
Fiat engined Cisitalia ?

Your're in the right country, but it neither has a Fiat engine nor it is a Cisitalia!
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Arunas on September 06, 2008, 03:26:08 PM
Quote from: Allemano on September 04, 2008, 10:49:34 AM
Engine and brand is demanded

Let me guess: Siata with Crosley engine ?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 07, 2008, 06:51:42 AM
No, I'm sorry!
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Graber on September 07, 2008, 01:19:47 PM
abarth 205 with cisital engine ?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 07, 2008, 01:52:10 PM
No, sorry!
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: D-type on September 08, 2008, 06:09:06 PM
Obviously Italian, so is the engine from a Fiat 8V?
The car?  A  Bandini?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 09, 2008, 03:09:20 AM
The company was Italian the powerplant wasn't.

Time for a second pic:
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allan L on September 09, 2008, 08:55:44 AM
That view looks less like the Ford Comete Monte Carlo that Alecwolf suggested.
Still don't know
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 09, 2008, 10:49:40 AM
Okay, maybe I give it away now!
It's as far as I know the only car ever built by this company. After its presantation the brand disappeared. The coachwork was made by a very famous, but also defunct carrozzeria.

The bit strange thing is that my sources reveal an one-off , but easy to see — the cars seems to be slightly different. The point is: the second pic probably is airbrush-retouched.
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Ehhxekt on September 13, 2008, 01:12:25 PM
Looks like the Italmeccanica prototype with Stabilimenti Farina body from 1950.
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 13, 2008, 01:21:02 PM
Brilliant! The first point is yours!
Welcome!
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 13, 2008, 01:24:49 PM
The point is yours, but do you also know the engine?
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Ray B. on September 13, 2008, 01:44:41 PM
The car would be the Italmeccanica IT 160, with a Mercury engine.
Title: Re: 11. of All.
Post by: Allemano on September 13, 2008, 01:55:11 PM
Correct! Hope it's okay that I've already allocated the point...
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Ray B. on September 13, 2008, 05:33:22 PM
No problemo, as they say in Milano (but why did you write above "the FIRST point is yours"...?)
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on September 14, 2008, 05:10:33 AM
Quote from: Ray B. on September 13, 2008, 05:33:22 PM
(but why did you write above "the FIRST point is yours"...?)

Because it was Ehhxekt's first point!  ;D
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Ray B. on September 19, 2008, 05:48:58 PM
I guess we both could use some lessons by anglo-american puzzlers, but I think you should have written "this is your FIRST point", then.
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on September 19, 2008, 06:18:40 PM
Quote from: Ray B. on September 19, 2008, 05:48:58 PM
I guess we both could use some lessons by anglo-american puzzlers, but I think you should have written "this is your FIRST point", then.

Obviousely!
Of course I'm not a native speaker, but believed there's no misunderstanding in that case.
Reading it again I'm not that sure anymore. :-\
Thanks for your advice, you're very accurate! Hope this is not mistakable.

Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on September 20, 2008, 12:07:28 AM
Quote from: Ray B. on September 13, 2008, 05:33:22 PM
No problemo, as they say in Milano.....

Since we are in a language lesson...in Italy we say "nessun problema" ;)
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Ray B. on September 20, 2008, 05:56:34 AM
I didn't know, speaking no italian at all, but "nessun problema, as they say in Milano" doesn't rime as good does it?
"No problemo" is no italian, just one of Homer Simpson's favorite locutions (in the french version at least).

Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on September 22, 2008, 06:38:48 AM
Wasn't that Bart?
Ay Carramba!
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Ray B. on September 22, 2008, 08:08:39 AM
I haven't watched it for sometimes but yes, this rings a bell... Bart it is, you're right!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_problemo
Title: Re: Solved: Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on September 22, 2008, 08:36:46 AM
Huuummmm donuts....where is my point then?
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 09:40:53 AM
Another fine candidate for "Rare Car of The Week" fame!
I couldn't believe my eyes as I found it in that amazing condition today:

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ford Flathead V8 engine with two-bbl carburetor, three-speed column-mounted manual transmission, Dubonnet type independent front suspension, longitudinal leaf spring rear suspension and solid rear axle, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

- From the collection of Clyde Ensor, Sr.
- Possible Preservation Class or HPOF contender
- Italian styling with Ford mechanicals
- Unique vehicle, one of two known to be produced

The December 1952 issue of Speed Age featured on its cover what was described as the "World's Most Exclusive Automobile." Readers were treated to four pages of details on the prototype of a forthcoming vehicle to be produced by Italmeccanica of Torino, Italy. The author, Richard Adams, also one of the investors in the concept, notes, "We sought to manufacture a sports car combining the chassis, suspension, and luxurious body of European cars with the ease of maintenance and simplicity of the best American models. The IT160 is designed to take its place among the best American and foreign automobiles for speed and performance, but it may also be driven into an American garage and left with the simple instructions, 'Fix it!'"

Using a tubular chassis and simple suspension components, a modified Cadillac engine was fitted to the prototype while this example has a Ford "Flathead" V8. The aluminum body is credited to the coachbuilding firm of Stabilimenti Farina, with total vehicle weight claimed slightly in excess of 2,450 pounds. Performance with the Cadillac engine was estimated to have a top speed of 140 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 10 seconds – quite heady for 1950.

Little else is known about this unique and stylish vehicle. Painted a metallic red/copper with red vinyl and ivory cloth interior and tan headliner, the car is believed to be mostly original with upgrades as-needed. The chrome presents nicely as does the paint with few imperfections. The engine bay appears as original, and the car rides on period-correct bias-ply tires. Inside, the dash has Brevettato gauges including tachometer and speedometer. It is also equipped with an AM radio and a wire-bound two-spoke steering wheel.

Simple Ford mechanicals make this Italian-American hybrid reasonable to repair and maintain. From the collection of noted Ford enthusiast Clyde Ensor, Sr., its uniqueness and limited production will certainly raise eyebrows at any vintage car show or concours. And, its highly original condition makes it a strong contender in any HPOF or survivor class in which it will compete.


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Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on July 21, 2010, 12:51:56 PM
Great find Allemano.
And in the spirit of this new section, I'll upload other period pictures, very rare...
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 12:59:40 PM
Actually it's the current puzzle on another mystery car page, so, I wasn't the one who originally digged that out.
But as it popped up I was stunned!
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on July 21, 2010, 01:26:56 PM
Here you are:
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 01:27:58 PM
Wow, at least the last pic is very nice!
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on July 21, 2010, 01:32:34 PM
Did you know that there were actually 2 models?
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 01:35:34 PM
No, it was remained a mystery to me, as it is obvious that there had been two different body styles. All sources I know are mentioning only one car!
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on July 21, 2010, 01:39:39 PM
I saved the best for last...it was going to be a perfect puzzle!
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 01:40:41 PM
Wow! I meant it in a different way though... ;)
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 21, 2010, 01:43:22 PM
Watermarks added.. Is it okay like that?
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Paul Jaray on July 21, 2010, 01:46:44 PM
I can send the unmodified versions to anyone, but I'd like to see credit for Autopuzzles when these pics goes around...I took them from the net, so I have nothing against that  :) .
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: als15 on July 26, 2010, 01:24:31 PM
I think I could add a little tile to the puzzle saying that Italmeccanica was better known for its special sport accessoires. The picture shows a 1948 Fiat 1100 engine with volumetric compressor: a little jewel for that time.
Title: Re: Solved: 11. of All., Italmeccanica IT 160
Post by: Allemano on July 28, 2010, 06:11:27 PM
I've found a period pic in color  :) :