8. 1951 to 1955 Chrysler Ghia Specials
The story of those Chrysler Specials the Italian coachbuilding company Ghia built is unique in automotive history. In the early `50s, the American car industry had just started promoting wild concept cars. They were busy turning those new jet-influenced shapes into production models. Chrysler, on the other hand, presented several elegant concepts, all of which drew much attention from the crowds.
Interestingly, those Chryslers were all fully-operational prototypes, they built on standard car chassis and drivetrains. However, Chrysler’s top managers realized the potential for a limited production of prestigious coupes. They wanted to build them in cooperation with Ghia, which had already designed and produced several concept cars. So, in 1951 they offered the first Chrysler Special they called the K-301 for sale. And they continued with several other models until 1955.
From this perspective, the Chrysler Specials from the early â50s weren’t production models because Ghia produced and assembled them at the request of wealthy owners. Chrysler basically sold its concept cars with regular technology to people mesmerized by the sensual lines. So, in four years, they built just 18 cars, highly customizing them according to their customer’s wishes.