1969 Murena Intermeccanica

One of only eleven built, this Intermeccanica Murena GT is a rare and unusual classic, even more so for the fact that it was owned by Elvis Presley. Packing a factory Ford 429 V8, as well as air conditioning and 4 seats, this lengthy shooting brake has styling that is very reminiscent of its time. Thought to have covered only 2,200 miles in its lifetime, this may easily be the nicest surviving example of the 11 that were built.

Called the “fastest wagon in the world” the Murena used American underpinnings and a unique wagon body from Intermeccanica of Italy. The Murena was built as sports wagon with luxury appointments, yet had the power of an American V8. It was the work of Franco Scaglione.

The concept was dreamed up by Charlie Schwendler and Jospeh Vos, the president of Murena Motors. He had Intermeccanica built the first prototype which was displayed at the 1969 New York Motor Show.

The Murena weighed in at 3770 lbs which was 1000 less than the Thunderbird. This was paramount, since the Murena used the Thunderbird’s 429 cubic in. V8 engine that produced 360 bhp. 3-speed automatic transmission. In 1970, Road & Track was able to reach 60mph in just 7.5 seconds and the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds.

Although over 35 orders were reported, only 11 were ever built. Elvis Presley bought two and legend has it that Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. were also early adopters.