1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia

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Unsold

Auction End Date

09/24/2021

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At a Glance

Location
Los Angeles, CA
Vehicle Make/Model
Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia
Chassis No.
7236150

Exterior
Dove Gray
Interior
Maroon Leather
Mileage
58,218 km
Engine
FirePower Hemi V8
Engine No.
1587

Transmission
Powerflite 2-Speed Automatic

The 1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia

The 1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia was a limited production series of coupes utilizing a Chrysler chassis, with bodies designed and hand-built by Carrozzeria Ghia in Torino, of which just eighteen examples were ever produced.

In period, Chrysler automobiles had power and speed while Ghia was still looking for enough work to sustain themselves, as Europe continued its slow post-war economic recovery in the early 50’s. Ultimately, the collaboration served both Chrysler and Ghia quite well. The Chrysler Special Coupes were only sold in Europe, though this example quickly found its way into the U.S. imported by its first owner.

This particular Ghia was originally purchased in 1953 by the well-known horse jockey Jonny Longden, delivered to him by France Motors in Paris. That same year, he imported the car into the U.S. continuing its life in Arcadia, California. Later that decade it was registered to a woman in San Marino, California, who had the extra bumper protection installed during her ownership. In 1960, the car was purchased by Robert Frumkin in Los Angeles. Frumkin was a notable Chrysler collector, and he kept the Coupe for almost two decades. Finally, in 1979, the Coupe was purchased by the current owner, stored in a collection and well cared for through to the present day.

Finished in Dove Gray over a maroon leather interior, this Chrysler has lived nearly its entire life in Southern California and presents beautifully after decades of being well kept. While there are small defects to be found, the custom body is in remarkable shape, and is one of only 8 remaining Ghia coupes that can be accounted for.

Exterior

The Special Coupe lives up to its name with the incredible Ghia coach-built bodywork. This collaboration between Chrysler and Ghia came about when Ghia was struggling for business, and looking for work post war in the early 1950’s. Essentially making a sales cold call, Ghia approached the American car company about producing bodies that were much more attractive than the plain wrapper styling Chrysler had in that era. A styling exercise presented to Chrysler execs impressed them enough to commission special editions cars, based on the regular Chrysler chassis, for positive public attention. The end result was this Ghia Special, resulting in a total run of eighteen coupes.

The bodywork of this example is original and in remarkably good shape. The vertical chrome bumperettes at the ends of both the front and rear fenders are intact and in very good shape. The bodywork is mostly straight, with consistent panel gaps and remarkably few imperfections. There is a small crease dent in the passenger front fender next to the chrome, and some waviness along the bottom edge of the body along the sides and in the rear. Interestingly, there are small vertical rectangular cutouts under both the front and rear bumpers, apparently the result of a previous owner installing extra bumpers for better protection of the bodywork.

Interior

The interior of the Ghia special is rendered in a deep red color, with leather seats. As noted, the interior of this car is mostly original with the exception of the front seat having been reupholstered, with patina and evidence of use, but no tears or cracks. The dash chrome and plastic is clean and present, showing some evidence of age but no deterioration. Interior trim along the door and side panels are intact and in good shape, with consistent color and very little evidence of fade.

Drive Train

The Ghia Special is powered by Chrysler’s 331ci Hemi V8, with a four-barrel carburetor, using the Powerflite automatic transmission. The carburetor is not original, though that removed part does come with the sale. The engine and transmission are in good working condition, with no drivability issues.

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