1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia

Description


(602) 245-7200
(602) 245-7200
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Full size photos
Full size photos
1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia 33000 Miles Gray
Stock #:
30311
Exterior Color:
Gray
Interior Color:
Red Leather
Mileage:
33,000
Complete photos, videos, and inspection report available at Classic Promenade is pleased to offer on behalf of its Southern California owner this stunning 1953 Chrysler Special Ghia. Having been owned by our friend and client for the past 41 years, this has been a significant feature of his collection of important motorcars. This is one of about 16 Chrysler Special coupes that were hand-built in Torino, Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia (production of these hand-built cars are not well documented). These Chrysler Specials were show stoppers at the time of their introduction and were reserved for celebrities the world over. This Chrysler Ghia has never been restored and has been incredibly well preserved by its owner, having amassed a total of 58,000 km (33,000 miles). This Ghia was sold new in 1953 to the famous jockey Johnny Longden by France Motors in Paris. Records indicate that by September 1953 Mr. Longden booked passage of the Ghia on board the SS Liberte. He then registered it to his residential address in Arcadia, California. Later in the 1950s, it was owned by a woman in the affluent neighborhood of San Marino, California. Under her ownership, the Ghia had received supplemental bumpers to protect the hand formed front and rear end features of the car for her suburban use. Holes are still present where these additional bumpers had been mounted. By 1960, the Ghia was acquired by a well-known Chrysler collector and authority, Robert Frumkin of Los Angeles. Mr. Frumkin received a handwritten letter from Mr. Longden confirming the Ghias provenance as well as the original color combination of gray over maroon. Mr. Frumkin retained ownership of the Ghia for two decades. In 1979, this Ghia was acquired by our friend and client. He has a wonderful collection of largely preserved cars that he has enjoyed for decades. This Ghia has rarely ever been seen in public. The livery of this Ghia is in an elegant Dove Gray. The paint has a patina of originality, but it was presumably repainted long ago. The chrome and stainless are all original and show well for 67 years of age. We love the smooth and sexy lines that are timeless. It is a truly impressive car no matter what angle its viewed from. The interior is also very original, with the maroon leather seats and carpet having been redone at some point. The rest of the interior appears to be in overall nice condition. The interior is absolutely stunning in its design and execution. The heart of the engine compartment is the venerable Chrysler 331 CID hemi V8. The engine fires up willingly and sounds terrific through the dual exhausts. The motor has a 1954 4-barrel carburetor, though the original carburetor is also included. The Ghia has the Fluid-Matic automatic transmission that is smooth and confident. This car also has a new power brake booster, but it has not been installed. Sitting behind the wheel is quite a thrill. It is obvious that this car was a design statement. This Ghia is a largely original car that has been maintained in its present form for the past four decades. Whether kept as a preservation example or used as the basis of an easy restoration, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire an iconic motorcar. For more details and information, please call or text Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email us at . The Ghia remains with its owner in the Los Angeles area.
Vehicle Description
Complete photos, videos, and inspection report available at Classic Promenade is pleased to offer on behalf of its Southern California owner this stunning 1953 Chrysler Special Ghia. Having been owned by our friend and client for the past 41 years, this has been a significant feature of his collection of important motorcars. This is one of about 16 Chrysler Special coupes that were hand-built in Torino, Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia (production of these hand-built cars are not well documented). These Chrysler Specials were show stoppers at the time of their introduction and were reserved for celebrities the world over. This Chrysler Ghia has never been restored and has been incredibly well preserved by its owner, having amassed a total of 58,000 km (33,000 miles). This Ghia was sold new in 1953 to the famous jockey Johnny Longden by France Motors in Paris. Records indicate that by September 1953 Mr. Longden booked passage of the Ghia on board the SS Liberte. He then registered it to his residential address in Arcadia, California. Later in the 1950s, it was owned by a woman in the affluent neighborhood of San Marino, California. Under her ownership, the Ghia had received supplemental bumpers to protect the hand formed front and rear end features of the car for her suburban use. Holes are still present where these additional bumpers had been mounted. By 1960, the Ghia was acquired by a well-known Chrysler collector and authority, Robert Frumkin of Los Angeles. Mr. Frumkin received a handwritten letter from Mr. Longden confirming the Ghias provenance as well as the original color combination of gray over maroon. Mr. Frumkin retained ownership of the Ghia for two decades. In 1979, this Ghia was acquired by our friend and client. He has a wonderful collection of largely preserved cars that he has enjoyed for decades. This Ghia has rarely ever been seen in public. The livery of this Ghia is in an elegant Dove Gray. The paint has a patina of originality, but it was presumably repainted long ago. The chrome and stainless are all original and show well for 67 years of age. We love the smooth and sexy lines that are timeless. It is a truly impressive car no matter what angle its viewed from. The interior is also very original, with the maroon leather seats and carpet having been redone at some point. The rest of the interior appears to be in overall nice condition. The interior is absolutely stunning in its design and execution. The heart of the engine compartment is the venerable Chrysler 331 CID hemi V8. The engine fires up willingly and sounds terrific through the dual exhausts. The motor has a 1954 4-barrel carburetor, though the original carburetor is also included. The Ghia has the Fluid-Matic automatic transmission that is smooth and confident. This car also has a new power brake booster, but it has not been installed. Sitting behind the wheel is quite a thrill. It is obvious that this car was a design statement. This Ghia is a largely original car that has been maintained in its present form for the past four decades. Whether kept as a preservation example or used as the basis of an easy restoration, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire an iconic motorcar. For more details and information, please call or text Harry Clark at 1.602.245.7200 or email us at . The Ghia remains with its owner in the Los Angeles area.
Vehicle Warranty
AS IS - No Warranty:
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
Limited Warranty:
Bid with confidence this vehicle is being offered with a Limited Warranty. Please contact us via e-mail to obtain specific information about this warranty.
Remaining Factory Warranty:
Have the utmost confidence when bidding on this vehicle! This vehicle is being offered with the remainder of its full factory warranty. Please inquire for the specifics on this warranty.
Full Factory Warranty:
Have the utmost confidence when bidding on this vehicle! This vehicle is being offered with the Full Factory Warranty. Please inquire for the specifics on this warranty.
About Classic Promenade
We Buy, Sell, Consign and Store collector cars for our clients. Our clients have ranged from major collections to helping a new enthusiast enter the hobby. Classic Promenade is a dba for Classic Consultants, LLC. Prior to being in Arizona we were in California, serving the classic car hobby since 2002. We are dedicated professionals with a passion for antique, classic and vintage motorcars. Our owners have distinguished careers in business and have been life long collectors of fine motorcars. We are Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen in the Collector Car Hobby.
We Buy, Sell, Consign and Store collector cars for our clients. Our clients have ranged from major collections to helping a new enthusiast enter the hobby. Classic Promenade is a dba for Classic Consultants, LLC. Prior to being in Arizona we were in California, serving the classic car hobby since 2002. We are dedicated professionals with a passion for antique, classic and vintage motorcars. Our owners have distinguished careers in business and have been life long collectors of fine motorcars. We are Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen in the Collector Car Hobby.
Contact us for more details
(602) 245-7200
(602) 245-7200
Terms and Conditions
Payment Options
We accept the following payment methods:
- Cash (in person)
Vehicle Pickup & Shipping
All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility.
Finance, Warranty, Shipping question?
Call the dealer at (602) 245-7200
General Terms
Classic Promenade is pleased to assist with worldwide shipping and transportation (costs not included).  We normally transact payments with bank to bank wire transfers, but other arrangements can be made.  We will also accept certain trades of collector vehicles.
All sales are subject to local sales at any time.  We pride ourselves on accurate descriptions, but collector cars are all subject to "issues" and we encourage personal inspection.
Fees and Taxes
Taxes and Fees: Out of state buyers are not charged tax, title, or license but are responsible for the documentation fee. The customer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their home state. You will receive 30-day in-transit tags.