The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Dodge Flite-Wing by Ghia.
The Dodge Flite-Wing, a groundbreaking concept car introduced by Dodge in 1961, marked a bold departure from conventional automotive design. Unveiled amidst much anticipation in New York’s Central Park on December 5, 1961, the Flite-Wing captivated audiences with its innovative features and futuristic aesthetic. One of its most striking features was the revolutionary flip-up windows, a departure from traditional roll-down glass. Upon opening the door, a window-roof canopy elegantly cantilevered upward, creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. This innovative design element not only enhanced the car’s aesthetic appeal but also underscored its forward-thinking approach to automotive engineering. Inside the Flite-Wing, the speedometer boasted a distinctive configuration, comprising 13 individual elliptical windows. This departure from the conventional dial setup exemplified the car’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. Unlike many of its contemporaries, which were merely conceptual mock-ups, most Chrysler dream machines, including the Flite-Wing, were fully functional vehicles. Built by Carrozzeria Ghia, renowned for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Flite-Wing featured a potent 330-horsepower 383-cubic-inch wedge V-8 engine with ram-air induction, ensuring impressive performance to match its striking appearance. Though the Dodge Flite-Wing ultimately remained a concept car, its legacy endures as a testament to Chrysler’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. Its futuristic features and cutting-edge engineering continue to inspire automotive enthusiasts and designers alike, leaving an indelible mark on the history of automotive design.
There are in the history of companies, just as in the history of nations, certain fateful episodes, which have an influence on the course of events well in excess of their actual importance. Chrysler’s request to Ghia to build for them, to their design, a special body on a Plymouth chassis, is one of these episodes.
