1963 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL GHIA LIMOUSINE
ONE OF TWO BUILT
The fabulous Ghia Imperial limousine reigned supreme as some of the most expensive and exclusive limousines ever available.
From 1957 to 1965, these hand crafted, tastefully stretched, Italian built limousines were the zenith of Chrysler production and probably the pinnacle of all cars produced in those year models.
A semi-finished Chrysler Imperial was shipped to Turin, Italy, where Ghia designers, engineers, and craftsmen had their way with them.
To someone not acquainted with these cars, they appear just to be a slightly larger Imperials but in fact, probably 50+ percent of the body panels are either handmade or hand modified. Items like chrome moldings, glass, interior fitments, are all Ghia only and in many cases, handmade. Only the most discerning customer was invited by Chrysler to purchase an Imperial Ghia limousine. At a time when you could pay $9,724.00 for a 1963 Cadillac limousine, a Chrysler Imperial Ghia Limousine cost $18,500 plus the additional items that have been added to this vehicle.
It’s my intention to bring back as many of the Ghia limousines as possible. I currently own six out of a total production of approximately 132 vehicles over eight years of production. I have reproduced Ghia only glass, Ghia only moldings, and have extensively studied and chronicled Ghia assembly methods by disassembling the cars and reassembling them. This particular Ghia is one of only 12 built this year and to my knowledge, one of only two with the oval rear window and blind quarter window. The paint on this car is a mystery. It appears quite old, however, the car came from the Ghia factory in Turin, Italy as a black car. I have been told that either the Rockefellers or the Vanderbilts (not sure which) painted many of their limousines, boats, and airplanes this color. The burgundy paint is well applied, and has been meticulously kept up. However, it was not on the car originally. This vehicle along with the blind quarter option has again an optional interior that I have also only seen on one other Ghia. The rear seat has a wraparound design like a booth in a show room at Caesar’s palace. The car, at some point, went through extensive rust repair and the lower half of the car has been repainted. Although it is not well done, it takes a trained eye to detect it. In all honesty, this car probably needs re-restored but at 10 feet away, it looks like an absolute diamond.
Closing Statement: Ghia Limousines will someday be the next Dusenberg for collectability. They have a very limited following currently but are so incredibly exclusive in both production numbers, Italian craftsmanship, and celebrity ownership, that they can’t do anything but become one of the most desirable collector cars of the future.
The existing chrome on the car is exceptional for the year model, however I’ve done my best to find as many replacement pieces as I can. Additionally, a complete set of 8 Ghia reproduction side glasses are included. Mechanically the engine, transmission and rear end are either rebuilt or are perfectly serviceable. The front suspension and steering gear has been rebuilt/replaced as well as new bushings in the rear axle trailing arms. The Ghia correct exhaust system is new and all of the accessories (radios, gauges, cigarette lighters, windows, etc.) have been made to function. Of special note, I’m an air conditioning freak and have made the front and rear air conditioners (this is a dual unit) blow ice cold. New weather strips have also been applied to this car. Other items like replacement Leece-Neville alternator and various other NOS parts are included also. The Flite-Sweep trunk lid is incorrect, so a flat trunk lid will be included. Divider glass has already been replaced. The rear bumper has already been re-chromed with very high quality work. Notice in the engine bay shots, the different color of sealer (semi-white) from the 1957-59 cars. At one point this car had the firewall painted and it’s now coming back off.
