The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Ghia Selene II designed by Tom Tjaarda.
The Ghia Selene II, unveiled at the 1962 Turin Auto Salon, was a stunning example of forward-thinking automotive design. Built by Carrozzeria Ghia and designed by the talented Tom Tjaarda, the Selene II followed in the conceptual footsteps of its predecessor, the Selene I, while introducing new design elements and configurations that made it even more futuristic. The Selene II embraced a distinctive layout, swapping the six-passenger arrangement of the Selene I for a five-person configuration. The most striking feature was its central driving position, flanked by two rear-facing seats and two forward-facing seats in the back. This setup aimed to create a unique and luxurious cabin environment, with a focus on comfort and social interaction among passengers. Like the Selene I, the Selene II retained the cab-forward design, which maximized interior space and gave the car its unconventional, almost spaceship-like proportions. Stylistically, the Selene II was heavily influenced by the 1950s trend of incorporating fighter jet aesthetics into car design. Sleek lines, dramatic curves, and an overall aerodynamic profile made the Selene II look like it belonged in a science fiction film rather than on the roads of the 1960s. Its cutting-edge appearance attracted considerable attention at the time and demonstrated Ghia’s ability to push design boundaries. Although the Selene II was never intended for production, it garnered significant publicity and reflected Ghia’s experimental approach to automotive styling. This concept also prefigured the increasing collaboration between Ghia and Ford, which culminated in Ford acquiring Carrozzeria Ghia in the 1970s. The Selene II became a symbol of Ghia’s innovative spirit during this era of creativity. After years in the small Ghia museum in Turin, the Selene II was eventually sold off in 2002 for approximately $88,000, a reflection of its historical significance and enduring appeal as a design masterpiece. Today, it remains a testament to Tom Tjaarda’s visionary talent and Ghia’s legacy of bold and imaginative concepts.
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.
