The unlikely friendship between Virgil Exner, Chrysler’s design boss, and Luigi “Gigi” Segre, Commercial Director for Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy, sparked a fruitful period for the marque, as Italian style met American bravado with Chrysler’s spectacular line of “Idea Cars.” One of these was a stylish New Yorker, built for Chrysler’s Export Boss C.B. Thomas. This car spurred plans for a line of prestigious coupes, sold exclusively through the official French Chrysler distributor, Société French Motors. However, official support from Chrysler quickly waned, as domestic business took precedence, so just a smattering of cars in three series – the Ghia Special, the GS-1, and the ST – were built. The Idea Cars project revitalized Chrysler’s image, injecting Mr. Exner’s team with the inspiration needed to turn out beautiful production cars in the ensuing years.

Hailing from 1954, chassis 7252857 counts among the GS-1 Series cars, defined by its distinct body swage lines. However, what truly sets this car apart are its unique, low-set quad headlamps, flanking a rounded grille not seen on any other Chrysler Ghia Specials – recalling another famous Ghia-bodied car: Rita Hayworth’s fabulous 1953 Cadillac Special. Little is known about the early history of 7252857, as it is believed to have gone to Argentina early on. Its time there is shrouded in mystery, but the story picks up in the late 1990s, when rumor of the car’s existence found its way to respected car collector Robert Pass of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Pass exported the car from Argentina to Miami, reportedly with considerable difficulty. In 1996, the current owner found it advertised by Mr. Pass as needing restoration, and took the plunge on the project.

Between 2000 and 2010, chassis 7252857 was restored in California to its current state. Upon stripping back the old paint, restorers noted the front-end metalwork bore tool marks and a construction style consistent with the rest of the body, suggesting that the unique headlamp treatment dates to the car’s original construction.

Finished handsomely in a lively deep blue over tan upholstery, the Chrysler has been minimally shown since its restoration – with appearances at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2012 and the Hillsborough Concours in 2016. Stylish and unique, it presents a significant opportunity for concours display or touring pleasure. A milestone automobile for both Chrysler and Carrozzeria Ghia, the Chrysler Ghia GS Special represents a fascinating crossroads of Italian styling and American engineering. Its next owner will have the privilege to enjoy one of the most glamorous motorcars of the 1950s, restored to an exquisite level.