1954 Chrysler GS-1 Ghia

During the early years of automobile production, especially in Europe, it was not uncommon for an automobile maker to supply only the chassis and mechanical components to the customer, who would then select a coachbuilder to complete the bodywork. By the 1940s, this practice had all but vanished in the United States but in Europe, it was still being utilized by companies such as Ferrari.

In 1950 Chrysler Corporation approached Pinin Farina, one of the more reputable custom coachbuilders, to produce a prototype body. Negotiation did not progress fruitfully, so Chrysler tasked Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin in 1951 to build a series of cars based on designs by Virgil Exner, Chrysler's chief stylist. This transatlantic agreement between Ghia and Chrysler lasted for fifteen years.

Chrysler's Export Division sent two 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe chassis to Ghia to be clothed with variants of the Special design. These two cars were unique from other Ghia Specials by their four-passenger interiors and flat exhaust tips. Numerous Chrysler components and design cues were used throughout, including the taillights, bumpers, dashboard gauges, wire wheels, and steering wheel. It is believed that these two GS-1 Specials toured the European continent as promotional vehicles for Chrysler, including a visit to the Turin Show of 1954.

In 1954, the limited-production Chrysler Ghia GS-1 coupe was introduced and sold exclusively in Europe by Societe France Motors. The vehicle was built atop a Chrysler 125.5-inch chassis, the same used on most Chrysler automobiles. Power was supplied by a Chrysler Hemi 331 cubic-inch V8 engine with overhead valves and 180 horsepower. It was backed with either a Fluid Torque transmission or the newer PowerFlite two-speed automatic. The front suspension was independent with coil springs while the rear used a live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power. Over a two-year period, approximately twelve GS-1s were built and only six cars are known to exist today.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2005