Known more for their role in lending a design edge to some Fords and Volkswagens over the years, Ghia developed a few of their own cars years ago, albeit in small numbers. The 450SS was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his stint at the design firm. Unveiled at the 1966 Turin International Auto Show, it was produced through 1967, with a limited number of 52 being built by hand. These cars were built on a Plymouth Barracuda chassis and were powered by Chrysler’s 273 V8 mated to a 3-speed Torqueflite transmission. Rarer than most Italian exotics, these Ghias are certainly attention getters and one of the most elegant looking roadsters of the period.

Year: 1967
Model: 450SS
Engine: 4.8 liter V8
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: N/A
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Ghia 450SS

Carriage House Motor Cars is pleased to offer a very special and unusual 1967 Ghia 450 SS for bid. This car is 1 of 52 ever produced and one of less than half that number known to still exist. It features it's original 273 Formula S Plymouth Barracuda V8 and 3 Speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission. The vision of Hollywood producer Burt Sugarman, these cars were produced for only a couple of years (1966-67) and were sold for the staggering sum at that time of $13,000. Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the original concept known as the Ghia GT based on a Fiat 2100 chassis and proudly displayed the car at the 1966 Turin Automobile Show.

This example was the property of a prominent collector here in the New York Area and originally a rust free car from Southern California. Cosmetically superb with very nice paint and chrome, Borrani Wire Wheels that were just detailed and the optional factory hardtop. The soft top is good condition and a very nice original leather interior. Mechanically the car is very nice with a smooth running original Barracuda drivetrain featuring the Formula S V8 and 3 Speed Torqueflite Automatic Transmission. This car is sold as is and for further information, please call Scott at 914-450-0568. Carriage House Motor Cars reserves the right to cancel this auction at any time.

A Ghia 450SS in good condition will range between $85,000 to $125,000. This particular car appears to have been restored at some point, although that is not confirmed in the ad. Italian American hybrids such as these are good for collectors who are a bit gun shy of taking on the challenge of exotic car ownership. With its Chrysler engine and drivetrain, parts are easier to source and reliability is much higher than if it would have come equipped with a bespoke Italian engine. The only problem I could see with this car is having to answer the never ending question to passers by: "what is it?"

-Paul