Chrysler 300B Boano

In 1957, the Chrysler 300B Boano emerged as a unique collaboration between Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, also known as “L’Avvocato,” and Mario Boano, the renowned coachbuilder. Agnelli, during his tenure as vice president of Fiat, entrusted Boano with the task of creating a distinctive body for the Chrysler-Boano Coupe. Mario Boano, credited with rescuing Ghia from the aftermath of World War II, played a pivotal role in establishing Ghia’s fruitful association with Chrysler, resulting in the creation of various Chrysler concept cars. Boano, having ventured into his own shop, became a prominent coachbuilder for Ferrari in the mid-1950s, producing around 75 Boano-bodied Ferraris during the decade. The 1957 commission of the Chrysler 300B by then-President of Fiat, Giovanni Agnelli, marked another significant chapter in Boano’s illustrious career as a master craftsman and innovator in automotive design. According to documentation Agnelli wanted a powerful coupe designed on the order of an English Bentley. Sketches were drawn up by Boano. The Chrysler 300B drive train was selected and cut down some 18 inches to allow the car to be more European size. Production proceeded on this handmade car in 1956. Boano made only two cars with American drive trains. The first was The Lincoln Indianapolis made in 1955 and this Chrysler made for Agnelli of Fiat. Photo courtesy of Rare Classics Restorations.