1953 Chrysler Special Coupé by Ghia - Special

The first of 18 production cars; a highly significant mid-century Chrysler

The only example understood to have been finished in its particular black-and-red exterior color scheme

Acquired in 2017 by the consignor from its second owner

Exhaustively researched, retains numbers-matching engine

Frame-off restoration to factory specifications completed in October 2023 while retaining original interior

Third in Class at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

History file with copy of original build card, copy of first Swiss registration, correspondence, restoration documents, and copies of period Chrysler materials

One of the first Chrysler show cars created by celebrated designer Virgil Exner and built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia, the appropriately named Chrysler Special debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1952. Constructed on a New Yorker chassis shortened by six inches, the prototype featured smooth sides, unusually high wheel arches, round headlights, a broad, trapezoidal grille, and stylish bumper guards beautifully integrated into the shapely fenders with subtle lighting elements. Its refined yet muscular lines made it the hit of the show.

Seizing upon a willing but admittedly limited market for the elegant coupes, M. Ladouch, head of French importer France Motors, secured the support of Chrysler export manager C.B. Thomas for a series-production version. It would be built on the standard-wheelbase New Yorker platform with a modified semi-fastback roofline to accommodate four adults and powered by the model’s 331-cubic-inch V-8 and Fluid Torque Drive automatic transmission. A total of 18 cars were produced from 1952 to 1953, with a dozen going to France Motors customers and the remaining to Ghia clients, including some in Switzerland. Among the most beautiful and impactful mid-century designs to emerge from the storied Chrysler and Ghia partnership, the Special represents a significant chapter in automotive history, a testament to the inspired combination of American boldness and Italian finesse that led to truly extraordinary creations.

SWISS SPECIAL

This Chrysler Special by Ghia is the first of 18 cars produced and was completed on 13 December 1952. It shipped on 17 December to Swiss importer Neue Amag und Automobile in Bad Schinznach, as confirmed by a copy of its original build card on file, supplied by the Stellantis Historical Services in Detroit (formerly FCA Historical Services). After exhibiting the car for a time, Neue Amag sold it to its first owner, a proprietor of a well-respected meatpacking company Frigaliment GmbH in St. Margrethen, Switzerland, according to a copy of its original Swiss registration also on file, supplied by the Swiss Confederation ASTRA Historical Archive. The car was first registered on 14 May 1953 and is said to have remained in the original owner’s possession for 17 years, after which it was discovered in an open barn in Basadingen, Switzerland, in 1970. The second owner, a Chrysler enthusiast based in Gottmadingen, Germany, acquired the car and undertook a five-year refurbishment, addressing mechanical issues and repainting the car in silver and black. With the work and import paperwork finally completed, the owner registered the car on 12 July 1976 and would enjoy it for 41 years on countless drives throughout Europe.

In April 2017, the Chrysler would pass to its third and current owner. Smitten at first sight, he set out to thoroughly document the car’s history and original specifications, enlisting the help of Stellantis Historical Services in Detroit, and going so far as to personally inspect four other Chrysler Specials, including the final example built, which was located at Chrysler’s offices in Detroit. A painstaking restoration in Germany with Schatz Historic and a boutique restorer in the Czech Republic began in August 2017 with the goal of preserving as much originality as possible, highlighted by the original interior with appealing patina.

The car was carefully disassembled, and the body stripped to bare metal, repaired, and finished in a rust inhibitor and seam sealer before being repainted in the factory-correct color scheme of Black with Pimento roof and sill panels, as noted on a copy of the first Swiss registration on file. Meanwhile, the numbers-matching engine, the transmission, and axles were overhauled, perished components replaced, and chrome parts properly refinished. The well-preserved maroon leather interior was reinstalled, reportedly retaining original components. Other parts said to be original are the front grille, steering wheel, and the flush-mounted exterior door handles—the latter a unique feature reportedly not included on any other Chrysler Special and reminiscent of those on the K-310 prototype, the first of Exner’s influential “Idea Cars.”

The consignor imported the Chrysler to California in 2024 and showed the car at the prestigious 2025 Pebble Concours d’Elegance, where it won Third in Class and successfully completed the Tour d’Elegance. With only 18 production vehicles of its type built, Chrysler Specials in restored condition with original components are extremely rare. An expertly restored example such as this, with established provenance supported by copies of original documentation are nearly impossible to come by, making it among the most sought-after Chrysler Specials to emerge in recent years. A history file containing copies of the original build card and first Swiss registration, correspondence, restoration documents, and copies of period Chrysler materials is included in the sale, along with four Kelsey Hayes 15-inch wheels, a spare PowerFlite transmission, and other small parts passed from the previous owner.

Please note the title for this lot is in transit.

To view this car and others currently available, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/ps00/.