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.