Chrysler ST Special Ghia

The Chrysler ST Special, crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia, has a captivating genesis deeply rooted in automotive elegance and Italian craftsmanship. It all began with the Chrysler D’Elegance, Virgil Exner‘s pioneering design for Chrysler, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1952. This groundbreaking creation sparked considerable interest, prompting Charles Ladouch, CEO of France Motor, alongside C.B. Thomas, Chrysler’s export manager, to secure authorization for a limited production run of specially-bodied Chryslers by Ghia. At the subsequent Paris Motor Show in October 1953, France Motors introduced the Chrysler GS Special, a design that quickly garnered acclaim. Building on this success, the Chrysler ST Special made its debut the following year, further refining the concept with distinctive features like its unique radiator grille, “Frenché” lights, and elongated rear wings. Ghia’s unmistakably Italian styling endowed the ST Special with a grandeur reminiscent of the prestigious Ferraris and Maseratis of its era. Among the handful produced, chassis number 7275388 holds a distinguished place. Originally delivered to Autofamosa, Chrysler’s dealer in Rome, it was one of just four identical cars commissioned. Purchased new by Rodolfo Berger of Milan, 7275388 originally sported a striking black exterior with a dark red roof complemented by a lavish interior adorned in red and black leather. Notably, it was showcased at prestigious events like the Paris Motor Show and the Enghien Concours d’Élégance in 1954, standing out as the sole black example among its lighter-colored counterparts. Over the years, 7275388 underwent transformations reflective of its owners’ tastes and eras, including a repaint in gold and alterations to its interior. Following decades of relative obscurity, it was rediscovered in the 1990s by an Italian collector who meticulously restored it to its former glory, adorning it in a striking green hue. Acquired in 2005 by its current owner from Paris, the Chrysler ST Special continues to captivate audiences at prestigious shows, reaffirming its status as a timeless automotive masterpiece. With just three owners over its 58-year history and maintaining much of its originality, including its potent V8 engine, automatic gearbox, and luxurious interior appointments, the Chrysler ST Special embodies not only the pinnacle of automotive design but also the enduring allure of classic car ownership. Each showcase event it graces serves as a testament to its enduring beauty and historical significance in the world of automotive elegance.