This rare and gorgeous 1964 Crown Imperial Ghia Presidential
Limousine became part of the White House Motor Pool and was used by
Jacqueline Kennedy and President Johnson. This is a true time
capsule with 15,000 documented and original miles from new. Nearly
every detail appears to be original to the car as it was delivered
from the factory (even the tires are thought to be original). This
is a true and stunning survivor. This Ghia limousine will become a
major centerpiece to a collection or museum, whether it be focused
on Americana, American history or simply significant automobiles.
With only limited effort, we found several photos of Mrs. Kennedy,
LBJ and the First Lady with this Ghia in front of the White house,
as well as photos of the limousine at Camp David and videos of her
being used in President Johnson inauguration parade. We have
collected several newspaper articles, period videos and photographs
of this presidential limousine in use, which will be included in
the sale. This is nearly completely original, even down to the
tires. Covering a mere 15,000 miles from new, she is a stunning
example of Ghia Coachwork and an important part of American
History. Only ten (10) Crown Imperial Ghia Limousines were built in
1964. Her base price was $18,500. Nearly twice the price of a 1964
Cadillac Limousine and equal to three Crown Imperial sedans. She
would be a perfect addition to any historical automotive collection
or an automotive museum. This Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine started
life as a 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron hardtop mounted on a
convertible frame which was assembled in the Chrysler Corporation
vehicle assembly facility on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, MI.
The Chrysler Corporation sent the Imperial to Italy to be custom
crafted by Ghia to become a six-window custom limousine to be used
by the Kennedy Administration in the White House Motor Pool. Upon
completion, she was loaned to the Motor Pool for the sum of $1 per
year. The Imperial was then bought from The Chrysler Corporation at
auction by Hugh McVeigh, owner of Redford Chrysler in Redford MI.
At the time she had 9,000 original miles. Mr. McVeigh wasnt aware
of the historical significance of the Imperial until after Chrysler
offered to repurchase her. Mr. McVeigh rarely drove her and kept
her garaged under a fleece-lined canvas cover. He realized she was
too historically significant to drive any longer, so he sold her to
the Eppert Oil Company in 1979. She was used by the owner of Eppert
Oil until the Imperial was purchased by the current owner, Steve
Foster, in 1998. Mr. Foster has had the Imperial on blocks for the
past 10 years. The Formal Black livery applied at the Ghia factory
can be as much as a 30-day, numerous step process. The original
paint shows well overall, but there is the normal lacquer
imperfections. There are numerous small touchups, mainly on the
side body panels. The body is incredibly straight and the fit and
finish appears to be as it was when she left the Ghia factory. Her
black landau top is in excellent condition. She comes complete with
recently applied gold pinstriping, badges and red parade
headlights. Her chrome and stainless show well and are original.
The white wall tires are in nice condition and are also original.
The passengers are treated to the ultimate in elegance with its
hand-crafted Italian workmanship. The interior is completely
original and shows very well throughout. The passenger compartment
is complete in gray wool broadcloth trim complimented by gray
leather and is in very nice condition overall. There are several
very minor defects such as soiling, but it is all original and very
nice. She has her original gray sheered mouton floor carpeting,
also in nice condition and recently re-dyed. The two jump seats
fold flush with the partition and show well. The rear compartment
also comes complete with remote radio controls in the right armrest
and an electronically operated partition window. The wood accents
are original and look stunning. The Chauffeurs compartment is
finished in narrow-piped black leather with black nylon floor
carpeting. The steering wheel is in amazing condition as is the
dash. Again, this is all original and has never been restored. The
engine compartment is nicely detailed and shows well throughout. We
did not repaint the valve covers to retain its original patina. The
Imperial is powered by a 413 cid Wedge-Head, 16 valve, 340 hp, V-8.
The power is transmitted through a push button, 3-speed automatic
Torque Flite transmission. The engine compartment has some light
surface rust that we were reluctant to remove since it is a
survivor. She comes complete with a new fuel tank and fuel lines.
She has 15,000 miles since new and runs and drives very well. The
original tires show no age cracking, but care needs to be
considered when driving her, especially at higher speeds. We have
cleaned and painted much of the undercarriage. The undercarriage is
now very presentable, and we have removed its accumulated surface
rust. She comes complete with several past ownership documents, a
copy of the original build sheet, Certified Car Care Booklet and
several copies of historically significant photos and videos. This
is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an important
part of world history. For more information and details, please
call, text or email Chip Henson at 1.602.509.4776 or Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected] . This Imperial Ghia
Limousine is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We
are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections
and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing
partners if you are interested in financing.
