1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Coupe
- Engine
- 5.4L (331ci) OHV Hemi V8, single four-barrel carburetor, approx. 200 bhp at 4,400 rpm
- Colour
- Turquoise over tan
The 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Coupe (chassis 7253351) is one of only nine bespoke examples constructed by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin to a design by Chrysler's visionary styling chief Virgil Exner, with as few as five believed to survive today. Powered by a 331ci FirePower Hemi V8, the car embodies the celebrated transatlantic collaboration between Chrysler and Ghia. Originally sourced in France and imported to the United States in the 1980s, it subsequently underwent a multi-year, concours-level nut-and-bolt restoration before appearing three times at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it earned awards. It is offered from the John White Ramshead Collection.
Ownership
- 2023-01-27Auction saleSold US$725,000
- → 1988Private saleMartin Swigfull documentation
Pioneering collector, luxury car dealer, and co-founder of the California Mille who identified the car in France and imported it to the United States before selling it on.
- 1988 →Private saleMichael Pomerancefull documentation
Cambridge, Massachusetts owner during whose tenure a multi-year concours-level restoration was undertaken by a Hyannis restoration firm, completed in time for the 1995 Pebble Beach showing.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGuido Bartolomeopartial documentation
Owned the vehicle in Lorrez le Bocage, France during the 1980s, from whom Martin Swig purchased it.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJohn Whitepartial documentation
Owner of the Ramshead Collection; maintained the car to concours standard following the Hyannis restoration, with two further Pebble Beach entries during his tenure.
Competition
- 19951995 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceAward winner
Debut showing after completion of the multi-year Hyannis restoration; car presented in turquoise over tan livery.
- 1997Louis Vuitton Classic Concours, Rockefeller Center
Invited appearance at the New York City concours event.
- —Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceAward winner
One of two additional Pebble Beach showings after the 1995 debut, during John White's ownership; total of three entries overall with award recognition noted.
- —Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceAward winner
Second additional Pebble Beach appearance during John White's ownership, completing the vehicle's record of three total entries.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationHyannis restoration firm
A comprehensive, multi-year nut-and-bolt concours-level restoration carried out while the car was in Massachusetts ownership, documented by an extensive photographic record covering all stages of the work along with a detailed restoration report and supporting invoices.
Restoration completed prior to 1995; finished in Turquoise over tan. Documentation file includes pre-, during-, and post-restoration photographs, a thick written restoration report, and invoices.
- —Service
Ongoing servicing and maintenance to preserve the car at concours standard following the completion of the major restoration.
Carried out during the Ramshead Collection ownership period; no specific workshop or dates identified in the prose.
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