You Probably Don’t Know About This SUV. But It’s One of the Off-Roading World’s Best Kept Secrets

BringATrailer may have its ups and downs, but the biggest up is catching some of the coolest cars ever made as they hit the market. One of which is this 1989 Laforza, which immediately caught our eyes and had us swooning.

If you’ve never heard of a Laforza, that’s okay. It’s one automotive history’s best kept secrets, on top of being one of the most awesomely obscure automobiles ever made. And no, it’s not an extension of today’s epic Xbox arcade racing simulator.

Italy’s first-crack at the Range Rover

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Flashback to the 1980s. SUVs were just taking off in popularity and at a hugely rapid rate. Thanks to the likes of the Range Rover, the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, Japan’s influx of four-by-fours, and Detroit’s own love for them.

Such examples of the latter include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero, GM’s K5-Series trucks, Ford’s Bronco, Dodge’s Ramcharger, Jeep’s long list of offerings and so-on.

Because the world saw the SUV’s potential in the then world’s largest car market, they also saw lots of potential dollar signs. And thus, many automakers, big and small, came out of the woodwork to try and jump on the American SUV bandwagon. That trend would ultimately become one of the industry’s biggest cash cows.

That was the inspiration behind Rayton-Fissore‘s decision to concoct the Laforza. Formerly known as Carrozzeria Fissore, it is one of Italy’s oldest coachbuilders, automotive manufacturers and design firms.

Rayton-Fissore and its predecessor were known for creating some of Italy’s most unique automobiles. Clients included Germany’s DKW (one part of Auto Union, or Audi’s predecessor), Britain’s TVR, and even DeTomaso. One of its highest profile creations was also the Monteverdi High Speed. Or, perhaps, Switzerland’s only mass-produced (somewhat) automaker.

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Like many Italian automakers in the 1970s and 1980s, Rayton-Fissore was desperate for a homerun to help pay some bills. Italian automakers were also on a high-note with brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini proving how sensational the country’s auto industry could be.

So, the firm reached out to heavy-duty automaker Iveco to brew up a luxury SUV to one-up the Range Rover.

A military off-roader adapted for normal folk

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As such, Rayton-Fissore, took the rugged ladder frame from Iveco’s 40 PM 10, a multi-purpose-built military off-roader. The 40 PM 10 would eventually become one of the Italian military’s most widely-used transport vehicles, the VM 90.

Rayton-Fissore then modified the chassis so that it could graft a custom-made five-passenger wagon body from Pininfarina over the frame. Then, the firm essentially carried all of the 40 PM 10’s running gear, including the differentials, suspension and brakes.

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The company also swiped the same, tough part-time four-wheel-drive system from the era’s Iveco Daily. The latter is arguably one of Europe’s most popular workhorse multipurpose vans, next to the Ford Transit.

They also added a hefty BorgWarner transfer case for the low-range. And the result was an incredibly capable four-by-four that was ready to put every competitor in their place.

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Rayton-Fissore called it the Magnum in most markets. But for America, they badged and marketed it as the Laforza.

Powertrains varied greatly, depending on the market. Some got BMW’s venerable 3.5-liter “M30B35” inline-six. Others received a 2.5-liter Alfa Romeo V6, a supercharged Fiat/Lancia inline-four and a plethora of diesel options.

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But American-destined Laforzas got Ford’s 302 5.0-liter Windsor V8. Yes, to sum it up, this off-roader was a Mustang-powered Italian beast. Later models after 1998 up until the Laforza’s discontinuation in 2003 also gained an optional supercharged 6.0-liter Vortec V8 from GM.

A spectacular find, no matter the circumstances

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Because of its complex assembly and Rayton-Fissore pitching the Laforza as a rugged luxury SUV, they weren’t cheap. Some bits on the Internet say a Laforza stickered in America for around $45,000. Which, at today’s conversion rates, is around $120,000 in today’s money.

As such, not many were made. Rayton-Fissore reportedly only built a total of 6,000 Laforzas throughout its 18-year production run. Of those 6,000, only 1,200 made it to the States.

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Which is why, whenever any Laforza pops up on the second-hand market, let alone seeing one move under its own power (or even rotting away behind a shed), it’s always an occasion.

This specific Laforza on BaT is one of those 1,200 US-spec cars, complete with the Mustang V8 and all. According to its history, it’s also lived a very well-cared for life, undergoing all necessary maintenance and gaining some noteworty and beneficial upgrades in the meantime.

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It’s also incredibly clean and with low miles, with around 54,000 on the odometer.

Because of its well-documented history and tasteful modifications, this could be a really awesome ticket to own one of the coolest cars ever made. And with the current bid sitting at $9,500 as of this article, less than a day until the gavel comes down, it’s easily a collectible bargain for what is ultimately one show-stopping automobile.

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