A trans-Atlantic trio of rare mid-century Chrysler Ghia show cars, offered from the prestigious Ramshead Collection, will bring a touch of La Dolce Vita to Bonhams in the New Year as highlights of the Scottsdale Auction on January 26, 2023.Leading the glamorous group is the unique 1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400 concept car which was displayed at that year’s Torino and New York Motor Shows and most recently won a class award at the esteemed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This striking, futuristic one-off showcased what was to come in automotive design and was equipped with Chrysler’s powerful 400hp Hemi V8 powerplant.This highly original and preserved example has covered just 49,000 miles with three owners from new and is offered with an estimate of $750,000 – 950,000.

Also displayed at the New York Auto Show was the 1962 Chrysler Ghia L6.4, which in later life was a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance entrant. Largely hand built in Italy at Ghia’s Carrozeria, the L6.4 had a limited production run of just 26, with owners including Frank Sinatra. Stunningly preserved, this treasured collector car – one of just 17 surviving – is another low mileage example with just 33,000 miles recorded and has an estimate of $450,000 – 650,000.

Completing the automotive triptych is the 1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Coupé, its striking turquoise over tan livery complementing its lines, inspired by Virgil Exner, the Chrysler designer known for creating the marque’s ‘Forward Look’. The elegant show car was one of nine examples produced, of which only five remain. The subject of an exceptional restoration, the GS-1 is a three-times class winner at Pebble Beach and is estimated at $600,000 – 800,000.

The three showstoppers are the headliners of the Ramshead Collection of 13 cars, curated by the late John White of California, a renowned and respected collector and frequent exhibitor at Pebble Beach and other prominent events.The son of a Dodge automobile dealer, Mr. White was a ‘petrolhead’ from an early age. His childhood collection of model cars developed into the curated Ramshead collection of mid-century Americana which was kept in a private museum that resembled a showroom of the era.

The impressive collection offers 13 collector cars, representing the great names of the American automobile industry, from Buick and Cadillac to Lincoln and Ford, mostly offered at No Reserve.Other highlights include a 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible, estimate $90,000-120,000; a one-off 1948 Dodge D24 Custom Coupé, $75,000-125,000 and a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible, $80,000-110,000.

“This is truly a spectacular collection. Each of the American/Italian Chrysler Ghias is unique and a headliner in its own right – so to offer three in one sale is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”The Collection presents a baker’s dozen of beautifully cared for and well-prepared automobiles, which are ready to show at Pebble Beach and other exclusive events. We are very proud to be presenting them all at Scottsdale.”

Jakob Greisen, International Senior Specialist, Bonhams Collector Cars

The 2023 Bonhams Scottsdale Auction will be the eleventh sale hosted at the prestigious Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Arizona. Further important collector cars are being invited through December 1. Contact motors.us@bonhams.com for more details.

THE SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
27 JANUARY 2023 | STARTING AT 10:00 MST

GENERAL, REGISTRATION AND BUYER INFORMATION

PREVIEW AND AUCTION LOCATION
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Pittman Lawn, West Lot
6902 E Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

PREVIEW
Wednesday, January 25, 9am to 6pm
Thursday, January 26, 9am to 6pm
Friday, January 27, 9am to 10am