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.

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

Inside was an executive affair with four bucket seats. An ample stereo, air conditioning and automatic rumble window, which separated the rear from the passenger space, made the car certainly habitable.

Seating four people comfortably, the Murena weighed in at 3770 lbs which was 1000 less than the Thunderbird. This was paramount, since the Murena used the Thunderbird’s V8 engine and 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.

At $14,500, way more than a thunderbird, the Murena was a tough sell. Although over 35 orders were reported, under ten of these specialist wagons were ever made.