1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport

1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport
1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport Navigation
1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport Model Years

Four examples of the Abarth 205 competition chassis were constructed with only one receiving coachwork by Ghia and an engine and transmission developed from the new Fiat 1100-103. The unconventional design is believed to have been performed by Giovanni Michelotti and was constructed concurrently with the Ghia-bodied Chryslers of the same period. Several design cues from the Ghia-bodied Chryslers were incorporated into the Abarth including the broad oval grille opening, canopy-like roof element, and wide low stance.

1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport photo
Coupe by Ghia
Chassis #: 205-104
Engine #: 594933
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The Fiat 1100-103 made its debut at the 1953 Turin Salon alongside the Ghia-bodied Abarth. The Abarth was later sold to American Bill Vaughan, who displayed it at the 1954 New York Auto Show as the Vaughn SS Wildcat, with 'the first overhead camshaft V-8 in the USA.' History, however, has not recorded evidence that Vaughn re-powered the car with a V-8 engine, and the car never saw the limited production run that he envisioned.

The whereabouts of the car were lost until 1982, when it was discovered by Russ Baer in a barn in Ashton, Maryland, and ultimately saved by Pat Braden, both of whom helped to preserve the car. Two additional owners followed before entering the care of a collector in 2010 who spent the next five years on a thorough and correct restoration. The work involved researching the authenticity and accuracy of every component.

Upon completion, the car was shown at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won its class and was nominated for Best of Show.


by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020

Related Reading : Fiat 1100 History

In 1937 Fiat introduced an updated version of their 508 Balilla, more commonly known as the 508C, with the 1100. The Fiat 1100 had a similar design to the Fiat 500 Topolino and the 1500. A four-cylinder 1089cc engine with overhead valves provided the power and powered the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox. The Fiat 1100B was introduced when the 1100 was treated to partial restyling around....
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Related Reading : Fiat 1100 History

Produced by the legendary Italian carmaker Fiat, the compact 1100 was produced from 1937 through 1969. The 1100 began its life as an updated version of the 508 Balilla and a dual identity as the 508C. With similar looks to the 1936 Fiat 500 Topolino and the bigger 1500, the 1100 featured the characteristic heart-shaped front grille and styling by up-and-coming designer Dante Giacosa. Under....
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1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport Vehicle Profiles

1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport vehicle information
Coupe

Coachwork: Ghia
Designer: Giovanni Michelotti
Chassis #: 205-104
Engine #: 594933

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