One of 52 made, made is Italy, convertible with hardtop, owned by Johnnie Carson

The Ghia 450 SS is a very interesting hybrid of Italian coachwork with American power plant. Although the exact number is not known. best estimates are 52 cars were built. Of those 26 are known to exist with one confirmed destroyed. The other 25 may or may not have been built. Most of the cars were sold through a dealership in Beverly Hill. California. All were spyders (convertibles) and used the 273 Commando V 8 engine from a Plymouth Barracuda matted to an automatic tranny. All cars were fitted with Borrani wire wheels and had a removable metal cover that would expose two rear seats.

There were two options. a removable hard top and air conditioner this car has both of these options. The Ghia 450 SS was an expensive car. The window sticker price on this car (which I have) was $13. 00 which was about the same price as a Maserati or Ferrari. and far more what would cost to buy a Corvette.

Do not think of the Ghia 450 SS as simply a Barracuda with a fancy Italian sheet metal. In fact the monocote chassis was specifically designed and built by Ghia in Turin. Italy for this car and then the beautiful sheet metal wrapped around it to create the incredible shape. The design was by none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro. who also designed the Maserati Ghibli Iso Grifo and many other great cars. One thing I find very interesting is minimal use of chrome on this car. At a time when most cars had a ton of chrome this car let the curves of the bodywork do most of the talking. The shape of the bumpers and the way they integrate into the bodywork is just a work of art.

Do to the fact that most 450 SS were sold by Beverly Hills Ghia. many first owners were somehow related to the Hollywood scene. The first owner of this car was TV personality Johnny Carson. Apparently Johnnie did not like to drive and gave this car to his personal pilot so he could travel as a passenger in style.

Paint is very nice. body is straight and rust free (California car) with superb body gaps. chrome is also very nice. all five Borrani wire wheels were just done and sport new tires. soft top is in fair but very usable condition. interior is very nice and most likely the original leather. hard top is in steel and is nicely finished. Mechanically she runs and drives as it should. Of course parts and people that can work on the Chrysler components are readily available.

The seats have a very unique design. What looks like headrests are in fact adjustable back supports. Leather appears to be the original and is in very good condition. The gauges are unique to the 450 SS and have the Ghia script. All gauges are in working order.

This car was featured on the cover of the December 1995 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine. A link to the article can be found on this webpage:

thecarnut. com/Ghia 450 ss. html

It was recently photographed for an upcoming issue of Hemmings Sports and Exotics magazine.

Car includes the optional removable hardtop. rear metal cover (which is missing on many cars). rear leather cover. spare tire. jack. Borrani knock off hammer. period magazines. original manuals. original specification sheet (very rare) and original window sticker.

Rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful and unique car with an interesting history.

You

should see a photo collage above this description which contains additional photos. Some computers and most mobile devices are not Adobe Flash enabled and will not show the collage. If that is the case. try viewing this auction on a different computer. If the first few images are green. press your browser's refresh key and that should fix it. There is an icon on the bottom right of the

collage that will display the images full screen.

Feel free to call me if you have questions:

Ivan
There are additional photos at:

thecarnut. com/Ghia 450 ss. html

Terms of Sale

Buyer

is responsible for shipping and insurance

costs.

Please

only serious bidders. I have described the above

mentioned vehicle to the best of my ability.

However. with all pre-owned automobiles. the

condition is subjective. so I recommend that the

potential buyer inspects as well as test drives

the vehicle before finalizing purchase.

NO

BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK WITHOUT

FIRST CHECKING WITH ME!

THIS

VEHICLE IS BEING ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AND

COULD BE SOLD BEFORE THE AUCTION HAS COMPLETED. I

RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE AUCTION AT ANY

TIME.

I

realize buying a car based on a few photos on an

internet auction may carry some risks. I want to

make sure the buyer feels comfortable with his/her

purchase.

I will promptly respond to e-mail

questions.

-

$1. 00 deposit 24 hours after the end of the auction. Paypal is accepted for the deposit

-

Balance to be paid via bank wire within 5 days of end of auction

-

Seller reserves the right to end auction

prior to its end.

-

If

the vehicle is not as represented upon personal

inspection. I will promptly refund your deposit.

No refund after final Bill of Sale is

signed.

-

I always strongly encourage a pre-purchase

inspection before making final

payment.

My

intent is for you to be 100% satisfied with your

purchase! Please check my e Bay rating

Want to buy this car?