1953 Ghia 205A 1100 Sport

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.

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