#ghia

1953 Chrysler Special by Ghia.

De Tomaso Mangusta 1972 by Ghia. - source Amazing Classic Cars.

Chrysler had a long history of experimenting with turbine power, beginning in the late 1930s with the world’s first turbine-powered car, a Plymouth Belvedere, beginning testing in 1954. By 1963, they were entering customer trials. Fifty-five cars were built by Ghia in Italy, designed by Elwood Engel. They were powered by the 130hp A-831 turbine engine that could run on virtually any combustible liquid. The engine operated with roughly 80% fewer moving parts than a standard V8, providing a vibration-free, smooth gliding ride. Chrysler launched a massive public relations and engineering user programme, lending 50 of the cars to 203 everyday families across 133 U.S. cities for three months at a time. The programme officially wrapped up in January 1966 after some glaring drawbacks were highlighted, including a complex, multi-step startup procedure and inconsistent power delivery. Of the original 55 test vehicles, 46 were scrapped, leaving 9 still in existence. 

A timeless classic, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe combines sleek design with German engineering.

Price: Originally listed for approximately $11,800 to $13,200, it was roughly four times more expensive than a Plymouth Barracuda at the time.

Hairy Karmann Ghia packing a turbocharged 2.3-litre powerplant developing 504 horsepower at the wheels.