1955 Chrysler ST Special (Ghia-bodied)
- Engine
- Hemi V8, 250 hp, paired with two-speed automatic gearbox
- Colour
- Copper with ivory roof
One of only four Chrysler ST Specials produced by Ghia in 1954–1955, this car is among the rarest of the limited-edition 'Chrysler Specials' sold through French importer Charles Ladouch. Built on the New Yorker platform with a 250-hp Hemi V-8 and styled freely by Ghia, it debuted at the 1955 Turin Motor Show in copper with an ivory roof. After several French owners it was fully restored to its original specification by a specialist workshop in the southern United States.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$527,500
- 1955-10-01 →Private saleOscar Lacroixpartial documentation
CEO of French plastics firm Gilac; registered the car in Paris in October 1955 under plate 8996 EK 75.
- 2014 →Acquisition unknownCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Took on the car as a project with bodywork largely prepared and drivetrain already rebuilt; commissioned a full nut-and-bolt restoration at a well-regarded shop in the southern United States, returning it to its original finish.
- Date unknownUnidentified successive owners (up to three)none documentation
Reportedly changed hands three times after Lacroix before reaching a Chrysler dealership in Puteaux.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownChrysler dealership in Puteauxnone documentation
Car reportedly ended up at this suburban Paris dealership in the late 1960s before being rescued by an early enthusiast.
- Date unknownPrivate saleEarly automotive enthusiastnone documentation
Acquired the car from the Puteaux dealership; subsequently kept it in Normandy for a period.
Competition
- 19551955 Turin Motor ShowExhibited
Car was displayed in its current copper-and-ivory livery; this was its debut public appearance as a new vehicle.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2014Engine rebuild
The Hemi V-8 engine and gearbox were overhauled prior to the current owner's acquisition, apparently by the previous custodian.
Work was already completed when the current owner purchased the car in 2014.
- 2014Bodywork
The body had been substantially prepared for refinishing before the current owner took delivery.
Bodywork preparation was part of the project state in which the car was acquired.
- —RestorationUnnamed specialist shop, southern United States
A comprehensive nut-and-bolt rebuild was carried out by a well-regarded workshop in the southern United States, returning the car to its original copper-and-ivory color scheme as displayed in Turin.
Commissioned by the current owner after 2014; the level of finish was described as concours-ready.
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