Chrysler Ghia Special Coupé by Ghia 1953 - World Of Classic Cars -

Chrysler Ghia Special Coupé by Ghia 1953

Chrysler President K.T. Keller deserves much of the credit for Chrysler’s stylistic renaissance of the early 1950s. In particular, he hired Virgil Exner to design several “Idea Cars” and contracted Ghia to build them. Exner’s resulting Italian-built dream cars were all usable and running examples that were based mostly on the New Yorker chassis and had “FirePower” Hemi V-8 engines.
One of the first of these dream cars was the Chrysler Special, which was a three-passenger coupé on a shortened chassis. It debuted at Paris in 1952 with Continental-inspired styling elements, which included a long bonnet/short deck profile, knife-edge wings, and a trapezoidal grille. The Thomas Special, built for C.B. Thomas, the president of Chrysler’s export division, retained this overall styling, as it had a notchback profile and seating for five, which was based upon the standard-length New Yorker chassis.

Chrysler Ghia Special Coupé by Ghia 1953

The Thomas Special was highly acclaimed, and series production of the car was heavily contemplated, with sales ultimately being handled by Chrysler’s French distribution arm, Société France Motors. Over the years, these cars were known alternatively as the GS-1, the Chrysler Special, and the Ghia Special. Ultimately, just six vehicles were produced for Chrysler, whilst Ghia built another twelve for themselves. With beautiful proportions, fully exposed wheels, minimal brightwork, and powerful engines, these cars provided a stylistic benchmark that continues to inspire designers to this day.

Chrysler Ghia Special Coupé by Ghia 1953

The Ghia Special offered here was delivered by Société France Motors to Leon Coulibeuf, and it was later shown by his wife at the 1953 Concours d’Elegance d’Enghien-les-Bains, as featured in the September 1953 issue of L’Action Automobile. Coulibeuf made his fortune by manufacturing the iconic concrete electric poles that were used by the millions when rebuilding post-war Europe. Coulibeuf was a passionate enthusiast and invested his fortune in owning and racing such vehicles as a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a Porsche 356, and an Alfa Romeo 1900. In 1957, he competed at Le Mans alongside José Behra in a Maserati 200S, with famous Bugatti and Gordini Works mechanic Albert Aumaire providing support. Coulibeuf and Aumaire also ran the Tour de France Automobile together in 1953.

Chrysler Ghia Special Coupé by Ghia 1953

Coulibeuf’s Ghia Special has always remained in France, and in 1990, it was restored by the previous owner of 30 years, a Chrysler dealer in Brittany. When stripping the body to bare metal, it was reported that the body was found to be extremely solid. New, correct leather upholstery was installed. Whilst the drivetrain was removed from the car and checked completely, and the engine seems to run smoothly, it is recommended that the steering and gearbox be checked before further use.