The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
On commission from the King of Saudi Arabia, in 1956 the Ghia produced two almost identical cars, a Cabriolet and a Sedan, on the MB 300C chassis (W186 IV) of the “Adenauer” series.
The Mercedes-Benz 300C Cabriolet Ghia and its accompanying closed sedan garnered significant attention when they were featured in the May 1957 issue of *Quattroruote*. The article, titled “The King of Arabia Changes Cars,” highlighted these luxurious vehicles, which were tailored to the preferences of an Arabian monarch. The 300C Cabriolet Ghia was originally finished in a striking medina red with an ivory band, complemented by ivory leather interiors accented with a black upper and lower band. The closed sedan was painted green with a silver band, featuring a black interior for the front seats and ivory for the rear. These colors reflected a sense of opulence and exclusivity, befitting the regal owner. In the subsequent years, the King had the color scheme of these cars revised to better suit his tastes. The Cabriolet was repainted in a sophisticated black with metallic silver gray accents and a black band, while the sedan retained its new color scheme. The sedan eventually made its way to California in the late 1960s, where it continued to be appreciated by enthusiasts. It was not until 2009 that the vehicle returned to Italy, where it underwent a thorough conservative restoration. This restoration aimed to preserve the car’s historical integrity while rejuvenating its classic elegance. Both the Cabriolet and the sedan exemplify the luxurious and bespoke nature of mid-20th-century automotive design, with the restoration ensuring that the sedan remains a testament to its rich history and unique past. The story of these cars underscores their significance not only as symbols of royal luxury but also as cherished pieces of automotive heritage.
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.
