by Mike Gulett –
I suspect that many of you have never seen a Ghia 450SS in person because they are so rare.
What does it mean for me to say that this is the best one that I have seen when I have only seen three or four in person?
The few that I have seen in person represent about 10% of the Ghia 450SSs in existence. I have also seen photos of a few more and this is still my favorite.
I love the copper color with white interior.
Ghia 450SS Background
The Hollywood producer, Burt Sugarman, saw a Ghia-bodied Fiat on the cover of Road & Track magazine in 1965. Sugarman loved the looks and wanted one for himself. He approached Ghia and persuaded the company to build a similar car. So, the Ghia 450SS was born.
Today the Ghia 450SS is an extremely rare car that combines the elegant styling of Giorgetto Giugiaro with Chrysler power.
Only fifty-two were made in 1966 and 1967 and all were sold by a dealer in Beverly Hills, California, which may explain why many of these cars were owned by Hollywood locals – including movie stars. Anyone would look good cruising down Sunset Boulevard in a Ghia 450SS!
This beauty was at the Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance in 2012.
More photos are in the slide show below.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Photos by Mike Gulett.
Hi Mike,
Since i have been wrestling with getting my restored Triumph TR3 steering wheel properly centered I was very aware that the steering wheel in the Ghia 450 SSI appears to be mis aligned. The wheels in the picture appear to be straight while the steering wheel is at an angle which surprises me in an otherwise beautiful and expensive car.
Art,
Good catch – I did not notice that before but now I cannot ignore it. That should be an easy fix.
All of the Ghia 450ss steering wheels are off center. There is a beautiful non-metalic grey one in the Palos Verdes are that use to come to the local C&C periodically. Awesome cars!
I have taken mine to PV many times over the years, maybe was me?
I’ve owned a couple of Ghia 450SS. Interesting car to look at but drives like a Barracuda (that was not a compliment). The Ghia feels like an American car pretending to look Italian. No where near the quality level nor the driving experience of an Iso Grifo.
Totally agree with Ivan. My car I can drive with I “pinky”, so the power steering is when too much. But a fun car the cruise for errands.
Mike: I sent the power steering unit to Firm Feel, Inc in Vancouver, WA and had it rebuilt to “police car” specs. It gave the car a much need firmer power steering. I must admit the 450SS did get much attention at the local Cars and Coffee..