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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ghia 450 SS Convertible

1966Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1966
Body style
Roadster / Cabriolet
Engine
V8
Type
Limited
Production
52–57

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 Ghia 450 SS Coupé, a stunning example of Italian craftsmanship and automotive design, was first unveiled in 1966 at the Turin International Auto Show. Designed by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro, the 450 SS was a striking combination of sleek styling, powerful performance, and luxurious detailing. The car made use of many Chrysler components, including its engine and drivetrain, as part of a collaboration between Ghia and Chrysler. Hand-fabricated by Ghia, the production of the 450 SS was intentionally low, with only 52 units being built. This exclusivity, coupled with its Italian craftsmanship and innovative design, made the Ghia 450 SS a rare gem in the automotive world. When it was released, the car carried a hefty sticker price of $13,000—a significant sum in 1966, placing it firmly in the luxury sports car category. In today’s market, however, these cars have become highly sought after and are considered priceless by collectors and automotive enthusiasts. The design of the 450 SS Coupé is a testament to Giorgetto Giugiaro’s vision, featuring elegant lines, a low profile, and a sophisticated, yet sporty appearance. The front end is dominated by a bold grille and sharp, aggressive lines that give the car a sense of motion even when it’s standing still. The sleek curves and smooth bodywork reflect the best of mid-century Italian automotive design, while the interior offered luxury appointments with a focus on comfort and style. The Ghia 450 SS Coupé, though produced in limited numbers, remains one of the most desirable classic cars, its rarity and design making it a true collector’s item. The collaboration between Ghia and Chrysler, coupled with Giugiaro’s design genius, resulted in a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate car enthusiasts around the world.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
52–57
Production type
Limited
Production notes
Independent sources support the Ghia 450 SS production family but disagree on primary stylist attribution (Sergio Sartorelli versus Giorgetto Giugiaro) and total production (approximately 52–57). Align this family route with the existing conflict-safe record: Sartorelli candidate, Units blank, min 52/max 57. NO_AUTO_INHERIT.

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Manufacturer / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Designer · Candidate
Sergio Sartorelli

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

48° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1966
Chassis
General

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
RM Sotheby's — 1966 Ghia 450 SS, Monterey 2024 rmsothebys.com Auction exact vehicle history
Jornal dos Clássicos — Ghia 450 SS www.jornaldosclassicos.com Independent specialist history

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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