1961 Ghia L6.4
- Engine
- 383 cu. in. (6.4L) OHV V8, Carter four-barrel carburetor, 335 bhp
A Ghia L6.4 fastback coupe, chassis 0308 and the eighth of only 26 examples produced, powered by a 383 cu. in. Chrysler V-8 and hand-built by Ghia in Italy on a Chrysler-derived chassis. One of six cars modified by Hollywood customiser George Barris with Cibie headlights and concealed turn signals — features shared with the L6.4s of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin — it also carries an early American Sunroof Company sliding sunroof and Chrysler Airtemp air conditioning. A full restoration completed in 2001 was followed by a Best of Show award at an Orange County WPC Club Show.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$297,000
- 1971 →Acquisition unknownBill Van Grovepartial documentation
Successful Beverly Hills auto accessory retailer who acquired the car in 1971; it remained within his family after his time as primary owner.
- Date unknownInheritanceBill Van Grove's son-in-lawpartial documentation
Current consignor who inherited or received the car within the family; commissioned a full restoration completed in 2001 and a minor mechanical refresh in 2015.
Competition
- —13th Annual Orange County WPC Club ShowBest of Show
Concours recognition awarded after the full restoration was finished in 2001.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2001RestorationSpecialty Automotive Restorations
Comprehensive restoration to original specification, begun in 1997 and finished in 2001; the work and its scope were documented in a September 2005 Hemmings Classic Car article.
Commissioned by the current owner; workshop located in Upland, California, operated by Jim Thedford.
- 2015Mechanical
Minor recommissioning work including a hydraulic brake system rebuild and replacement of belts, ignition wiring, and spark plugs.
Reported by the consignor.
- —ModificationGeorge Barris; American Sunroof Company
Car was among six L6.4s customised by George Barris with French Cibie headlights and concealed turn signals; a power-operated sliding sunroof was also installed by Heinz Prechter's American Sunroof Company, one of the earliest such installations.
Modifications appear to be period alterations; exact date not specified in the prose.
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