Chassis Number: 7252368
During the 1950s, Italian coachbuilder Ghia built numerous one-off “dream cars” for Chrysler Corporation. One, the slab-sided and extremely modern “Thomas Special,” named for Chrysler export executive C.B. Thomas, was so well received at European shows that a limited run of duplicates was produced for European customers. Others soon followed, including the so-called Ghia Special.
Chrysler’s Export Division had two 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe chassis, each with a 125.5-inch wheelbase frame, a 235-horsepower Hemi V8, and a PowerFlite automatic transmission, and they were delivered to Ghia to be bodied with variants of the Special design. These two cars were distinguished from other Ghia Specials by their 4-passenger interiors and flat exhaust tips, and they borrowed numerous Chrysler parts throughout, including the bumpers, taillights, steering wheel, dashboard gauges, and even the sexy wire wheels, which were a dealer accessory on Grandma’s Chrysler.
These two GS-1 Specials are believed to have been used during Chrysler promotions on the European continent, including the Turin show of 1954.
The car offered here is one of the two Chrysler-ordered, 4-passenger GS-1 Specials. In the 1950s, the Ghia-bodied Chryslers thrilled show crowds worldwide with their Italian flair and American brawn. The GS-1 Special packs the power to impress. It is a beautiful machine — special then and special now.
