Vehicle Description
• Exceptionally rare; 1 of just 18 built • Offered from 45 years of
singular ownership • Previous ownership includes Chrysler collector
Robert Frumkin for 20 years • A largely original example with just
33,000 miles from new First introduced to the world at the Paris
Salon in October 1952, the Chrysler Special was a show car designed
by Virgil Exner and constructed by Italian coachbuilder Ghia. Built
on a New Yorker chassis and featuring smooth flowing body lines,
the Special was well-received by the public, but the high-ups at
Chrysler were hesitant. Chrysler export manager C.B. Thomas would
eventually convince the board and it was approved for a very
limited run of just 18 units in total. Today, Chrysler Special
Ghia's are cherished by collectors, thanks to their rarity,
impressive performance, unique Italian coachwork and scarcity to
acquire. 1 of just 18 examples to be crafted from the Turin
factory, this 1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia is a rare and
seldom seen motor car with rich ownership history. Sold new in '53
to famous jockey, Johnny Longden by France Motors in Paris, Mr.
Longden would ship this example on the SS Liberte to his
residential home in Arcadia, California, in September of that year.
By the 1950s, this Ghia had passed to a resident in the affluent
neighborhood of San Marino, California. Under her ownership, this
Special Coupe received supplemental bumpers to protect the hand
formed front and rear body, which explains the holes present today.
This Ghia would then find the home of well-known Chrysler collector
and authority, Robert Frumkin of Los Angeles in the '60s. Mr.
Frumkin would retain this wonderful example for two decades, during
which he would receive a handwritten letter from original owner
Johnny Longden, confirming the Ghia's provenance, as well as its
originality and color. In 1979, this example would trade hands for
the last time to the current owner and be a welcomed edition to his
own collection. Finished in its original and elegant Dove Gray,
this Ghia is believed to have received just one professional
exterior respray since it was sold new in 1953. The chrome and
stainless are original and show well for 71 years of age. The
smooth and classic Ghia body contours and lines are timeless and
show well from all angles. Following suit to the exterior, the
interior is also largely original, with comfortable maroon leather
seats and presents quite nicely. The lifeline of this high society
automobile is a Chrysler 331-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine that is
mated to a 1954 PowerFlite automatic transmission that shifts
smoothly. Currently equipped with a 1954 four-barrel carburetor,
this Ghia is accompanied by the original carburetor as well. A
significant automobile, cherished by the current owner for over 45
years, this 1953 Chrysler Special Coupe with Coachwork by Ghia,
with its limited roster of owners, would make for a delightful
addition to one's collection. Known at the time of design as 'The
Styling Special', it has become sought-after by collectors across
the globe. This Special is highly authentic and accurately portrays
the vision of its legendary creator, Virgil Exner. This 1953
Chrysler Special Coupe is located in Auburn, Indiana, which is
centrally located and a short couple hour drive from Indianapolis,
Indiana, Detroit, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, and Cleveland, Ohio.
