1953 Cadillac Series 62 Ghia Coupe (coachwork by Ghia, design by Luigi Segre)
- Engine
- 5.4L OHV V8, 210 bhp, paired with four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
A 1953 Cadillac Series 62 convertible chassis bodied by Italian coachbuilder Ghia to a design by Luigi Segre, this bespoke coupe is one of only two such examples constructed. Distinguished from its sibling by a unique gold-anodized aluminium grille, different lighting details, and half bumperettes, it was restored by noted Californian restorer Mike Fennel, featured in several automotive publications, and displayed twice at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Its sister car now resides in the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,430,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJohn Peronanone documentation
Perona was proprietor of a celebrated Manhattan nightclub and a known Ghia patron; attribution to him is based on persistent rumor rather than confirmed documentation.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent owners, via Blackhawk Collection acquisitionpartial documentation
Don Williams of the Blackhawk Collection sourced the car for its present owners roughly twenty years before cataloguing; at acquisition it was described as a sound, unrestored example, subsequently entrusted to restorer Mike Fennel of Santa Clarita for a full restoration.
Competition
- 19891989 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceExhibition-only entry
Car was shown in a non-competitive exhibition capacity rather than as a judged concours entrant.
- 20022002 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceExhibition-only entry
The car was reunited at this event with its sister Ghia-bodied Cadillac, now part of the Petersen Automotive Museum collection.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationMike Fennel
Full restoration carried out by Mike Fennel, a well-regarded restorer based in Santa Clarita, California, following the car's acquisition for its current owners.
Restoration predated the Summer 1991 appearance in Exotic Cars Quarterly, establishing an approximate upper bound for completion.
- —Service
Engine bay comprehensively detailed ahead of the auction, with the remainder of the car reported in good condition showing only minor interior and paintwork wear.
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