Intermeccanica with AUTOMATIC trans (??)

I am looking at an IM which has a 3 speed automatic trans. Something for the rest of the family (daughters and wife) - who don't drive sticks, to enjoy. Does anyone have any info on the success of the car with that configuration. And, does IM offer the car that way, or was that done afterward? It may be heresy, but I'm interested in how it performs. Any advice?

Herb: I believe IM make them that way. Henry had a white roadster at Carlisle that I swear had the auto. in it. I had to do a double take when I looked into the interior.

BD

Yes Herb, it can be done. There was a used auto IM on Ebay about 6 months ago. Low mileage and looked really nice. Went for a good piece of coin too. Someone in the New York area, I think.
I wonder if Henry could install a newer VW van auto tranny in an IM with a 2165 (170 hp)? Than would be a nice combo.
Ron

Ron/Bill:
Thanks for the help. The car I'm looking at is in Texas. It's an '01 with 8000 miles. Black with tan interior / Roadster. It was on eBay a few weeks ago and closed without being sold. It has a 1600 engine, with auto trans, a lot of extras and a/c -- which has me a bit concerned. Auto trans / 1600 engine and a/c is not exactly a powerhouse combo for pick-up. But, pick-up is not why we drive these cars anyway. Thanks again.

If you have a high output engine, a Porsche 911 "Sportmatic" transaxle would be the answer.

When I built my D I did the Automatic.

I like it

Just , Pop it in drive and go.

Ask Charles Navarone Of LN Engineering He has a Squareback with a T-4 and he said it can take it just fine.

I thought that car in texas had a bigger bore then that....you may want to ask again. I drove a 1776 yesterday in a bug and it felt every bit as powerful as my 2007, but it did top out on speed much sooner.

George, funny you should mention the Porsche Sportmatic transmission. On more than one occasion I've thought about the possibility of changing the 901 in my single cab for an automatic tranny. Shifting the 901 with that long bus throw is PITA, (even though I'm using an Empi short shifter).
Ron

This is a copy of the listing. The one thing the owners says about the auto trans is that it goes from 1st to 2nd a bit too soon, and stays in 2nd a bit too long. Plus, with 3 speeds, it's probably turning a good bit of RPM's at highway speed. Otherwise, looks pretty good. Can the gear ratio be adjusted?


1600 Super 90HP engine with two 40mm Weber Carburetors, Automatic 3 speed transmission, tuned custom exhaust, special full flow oil cooler with oil therm. (170deg. F) Power fan with tempature switch, four wheel independent suspension with trailing arms and torsion bars, 24mm reinforced rear torsion bars, power brakes,gas shock absorbers, dual circuit brakes, front disc, 165 SR Michelin XZX performance radial tires on 5 1/2 " x 15" chrome wheels with chrome baby moon hubcaps, Glasurit urethane non-metallic black paint, Haartz Stayfast cloth top with zippered rear window and mataching boot, Porsche 356 A style low bumper guards, tinted glass, full leather seats, original square weave carpting with matching floor mats, Porsche 356 type seats with headrests, Porsche 356 type door panels with pockets, 3 point seat belts with retractors, Nardi leather steering wheel and mataching Nardi leather shift knob, 2 speed windshield wipers, electric windshield washers, Air Conditioning CFC free, high efficency heating/defrosting, 3 speed fan, Blaupunkt AM/FM CD "Santa Monica" model with four Blaupunkt speakers, automatic antenna, MPH speedometer, cigar lighter/12 volt power outlet, courtesy lights, and carpeted trunk.

Herb:

Henry builds IM's with automatic transmissions when requested. He had one at Carlisle that was almost new. I don't think he does that many, but they are nicely done. I believe it's a Borg-Warner three speed automatic.

Herb, this is a car that I would drive before I bought it. And by drive I mean turn the air on and then drive it around, including some freeway driving. I can see a 2110 or 2165 not being 'driveable' with an auto trans and air cond., but a 1600 super 90....could be really slow. I know you said that power is not really that important, but there is such a thing as being too slow, and that can be dangerous.
ron

The audi automatic T-3 is the same unit as the T-4 bus automatic, and is a borg warner unit. the diferincal gearing is different.

The T-3 is the best gearing for your money. And Charles said it was plenty strong enough for even a larger T-4.

He is wanting to up his to 103 jugs or even more to inprove his power ban.

This tranny would luv a T-4 of 2300 cc's or more< but I'd be tickled with a 2.0 for my laid back stylin

Ron,
Thanks for your help. I am going to take a trip to Texas next week to drive the car. I figure it is the kind of thing I'll be able to decide on quickly. The quality of an IM speaks for itself. As for the power, that should be self evident within a short distance. I am interested in any experiences with an auto trans, (3 speed) from the mechanical point of view. Thanks again for all the helpful advices.

The Texas Bug Stop can build a automatic for you. As far as shift point changes, They can be adjusted in car on a dyno.

I'd have a aluminum finned pan made for it, if you live in a hot climate. It helps cool the tranny.

My Bently manual gives details. on the procedure. for changeing shift points, So YES It is Do able.