Ghia G230 S Spider

The Ghia G230S Spider prototype of 1965 was one of the last fully hand-built cars produced by Carrozzeria Ghia before the end of its independent coachbuilding activity. It belongs to the final phase of traditional Italian coachbuilding, when small series and one-off bodies were becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The project was developed during a period of transition for Ghia. As the market for bespoke coachbuilt cars declined, the Turin firm looked for new opportunities. American entrepreneur Burt Sugarman became involved with Ghia in the creation of an exclusive grand tourer that could also interest Chrysler. The result was the G230S, a low, elegant spider intended to combine Italian design with modern mechanical and structural solutions. The original design was by Sergio Sartorelli, with later refinements by the young Giorgetto Giugiaro. The body was made entirely by hand. Its construction was more complex than a simple rebody: the car used a purpose-built monocoque attached to a lightweight tubular frame designed by Gilberto Colombo, known for his work on several important Italian competition chassis of the period. The first G230S prototypes used Fiat-based mechanical components. Power came from an Abarth-tuned 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, producing around 150 hp in its initial form. At the same time, Ghia was developing a version capable of accepting the Chrysler Commando 5.9-litre V8. That later direction led to the better-known Ghia 450/SS. Between 1965 and 1966, Ghia built four G230S prototypes: two coupés and two spiders. The car described here is the first Spider prototype and is believed to be the only surviving open version. Although it still had Fiat-derived mechanicals, it was displayed at international motor shows under the 450/SS name, a detail that has caused confusion in later references. The prototype was first shown at the 1965 Turin Motor Show. It later appeared in San Francisco and at the 1966 Barcelona Motor Show before disappearing from public view for many years. Since 2002, it has remained with its current collector-owner and has been preserved in highly original condition.