While we occasionally poke fun at the likes of the Chrysler TC by Maserati and Cadillac Allante for their over-zealous assembly procedures, the Laforza SUV was another example of putting luxury ahead of logic. Conceived when a military-grade SUV got together with a Ford F-150 wearing leather pants, the Laforza combined reliable American horsepower with a finely-crafted cabin and somewhat forgettable styling. This 1989 model is listed here on HearseLimo.com as a project truck offered for just $1,900.
The Laforza has an interesting backstory, like many of these ventures do. Italian coachbuilder Rayton-Fissore oversaw production while esteemed designer Tom Tjaarda – yes, the same guy who penned the Pantera – came up with the inoffensive design. Rayton-Fissore was founded by one of Fissore’s daughters who desired to carve out her own niche in the automotive world, and this is the result: an SUV based on an Iveco chassis that drew heavy inspiration from Monteverdi’s 4×4 Safari concept (also built by the Fissore brand.)
While the design exercise began several years earlier, it reached the USA in 1989. And like most of these ventures, American-made powerplants were sourced to both lower costs and make maintenance easier for first-time owners. The engines used ranged from Ford-sourced 5.0L and 5.8L V8s, along with an occasional upgrade package that included a Kenne Bell supercharger. Towards the end of production, a GM 6.0L V8 also appeared. The interiors were loaded up with wood trim, leather, and a Momo steering wheel. Selectable 4WD came standard, along with an AOD automatic transmission.
I always forget that the Laforza remained in production until the late 90s, with new models still arriving in 1999. Despite this, it was not a raving success. What’s surprising to me is that the Laforza isn’t all that different from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or any variety of Range Rover models. It’s a military-grade SUV decked out in all the trimmings, with generally reliable running gear. While the so-called G-Wagon is now almost as common in the local retail strip mall parking lot as a Hyundai, the Laforza has clearly faded into obscurity. Should oddball SUVs like this one be rescued?
That hood is awfully rusted. Not a good start. I wonder how difficult it would be to source body parts for one of these b/c it’s gonna need ’em. GLWTS.
Italian design with a Chevy motor. So, more like an Iso Grifo or a Cadillac Allante? Two entirely different cars for very different buyers..
Not a lot of these out our way, extremely few ever seen for that matter other than in valet parking at the big Lake Tahoe casinos. Sounds like it should’ve taken off but for the marketing, maybe. Of course, not been well recognized and having the “appeal” to the nouveau rich wanting to make a statement as seen with the endless parade of the Tri-Star cars, it was doomed here from the start.
A shame as it looks to be little different from the G Wagens other than having an engine that could be more easily serviced.
If it’s not a rust bucket this could be a fun project for someone looking for something a little different-and provided the buyer isn’t a flipper looking for a big flip profit. Comes time to put it together, remember the old axiom to “improvise, adapt and overcome”.
These were really cool in their day. If you own one, it’s probably worth the $1900.00 just for the parts.
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Can’t be too hard to find a replacement hood. :)
wonder how they mated that “LS” to the AOD? Easy? hard? no idea.
Dont do cross platforms here often.
Interesting
Love this Jeff >>Conceived when a military-grade SUV got together with a Ford F-150 wearing leather pants, the Laforza combined reliable American horsepower with a finely-crafted cabin and somewhat forgettable styling.
From the side it looks like an overgrown Civic wagon, 10 years ago I would be tempted to add it to my relicollection.
The Ad says that it is available in zip code 30303, which is Vinings, GA, a suburb of Altanta.