Automotive enthusiasts are often obsessed to the point of distraction by high performance and racing pedigree, and that allows unbelievably lovely classics like this trio of Chrysler Ghia show cars to go underappreciated. Set to roll across the auction block later this month, they may now get some of the attention they richly deserve.
The classic cars were built between 1954 and 1962. Based on American platforms, and powered by big V8s, they all sport exceptionally gorgeous bodies wrought out of steel formed by the Italian artisans at Carrozzeria Ghia.
The oldest of the trio is the 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Coupe that’s powered by a 331 cubic-inch FirePower Hemi V8 that made 200 hp (149 kW/203 PS) with a single four-barrel carb. The body, meanwhile, was handmade by Ghia, and this model was introduced shortly after the companies began working together in 1950, with the Italian company attempting to get back on its feet after the devastation of the war, and the American company looking to shake off its conservative image.
Read: 1953 Chrysler Ghia Special Is A Gorgeous $575,000 Coupe
Its turquoise over tan color scheme was inspired by Virgil Exner, the man in charge of Chrysler’s design team at the time, and this is one of just nine examples ever built, only five of which are known to still exist. A three-time class winner at Pebble Beach, this model is expected to bring in between $600,000 and $800,000.
Three years later, the 1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400 was being shown off at the Torino and New York auto shows. Powered by a 392 cubic-inch FirePower Hemi V8 with twice as many carbs as the previous car, it made twice as much power, too, with estimates rating it at an impressive 400 hp (298 kW/405 PS).
The soft yellow paint and black Nappa roof present just as they did when this car was unveiled. A futuristic look ahead, its wraparound trim that tied the front and rear bumpers together ended up inspiring Chrysler’s later design direction. Considered the most significant car in this collection, the one-off model with 49,000 miles (78,857 km) on the odometer is expected to fetch between $750,000 and $950,000 when it rolls across the auction block.
Finally, the 1962 Chrysler Ghia L6.2 rounds out this trio of cars from the Ramshead collection that was curated by the late John White. Introduced at the Paris auto show in 1960, it was actually put into production and the series counts Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball among its customers.
One of just 26 examples ever built (of which only 17 survive), it’s powered by a 383 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that makes 335 hp (250 kW/340 PS). The design, meanwhile, is almost cartoonishly ’60s thanks to the massive greenhouse. With 33,000 miles (53,108 km) on the odometer, estimates suggest that it will go for between $450,000 and $650,000.
All three will be offered for sale at Bonhams‘ auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is set to take place on January 27.
