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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Cadillac Series 62 Coupé

1953Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1953
Body style
Coupé
Engine
V8
Type
Limited

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Cadillac Series 62 Ghia is an extraordinary vehicle, one of only two Cadillacs designed and built by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Ghia in 1953. This unique car was showcased at various prestigious European auto shows, with its debut at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon. Ghia aimed to demonstrate the elegance and craftsmanship of Italian coachwork on an American chassis, blending the best of both worlds—Italian design finesse and American engineering prowess. In the early 1950s, Ghia’s reputation was on the rise, especially after securing contracts with Chrysler, which expanded its international reach. Known for producing one-off “Idea” cars, Ghia was celebrated for its innovative designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and relatively low production costs. The Cadillac Series 62 Ghia is a prime example of this creativity, showcasing a unique and stunning design that left a lasting impression on the automotive world. Following its exhibition tour at international car shows, this particular Cadillac caught the attention of Saudi Prince Aly Khan. He purchased the car and gave it as a gift to his then-wife, Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth, adding a layer of glamour and celebrity appeal to the car’s legacy. The car’s elegant lines, combined with its association with the prince and the famous actress, further cemented its status as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Built on a Cadillac 62 chassis, the Ghia coupe was more than just a beautiful show car; it was a symbol of the fusion of European artistry and American engineering. Its significance was further highlighted when it graced the cover of Road & Track magazine in January 1955, solidifying its place in automotive history. The Cadillac Series 62 Ghia remains a rare and cherished example of mid-century automotive design excellence.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Cadillac

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Ownership & provenance

Ownership & history · Legacy attribution
Royal Family
Chassis 536253053
Chassis number
536253053
Year
1953

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

Paris General · legacy_preserved
Date
1953
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Paris

THE CONVERSATION

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