The story of Ghia – part 1
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
The Plymouth Cabana, designed by Carrozzeria Ghia, was a unique station wagon concept with an all-glass roof and suicide doors.
The Plymouth Cabana, the last of the Plymouth dream cars, made its debut in 1958 as an innovative station wagon concept designed by the esteemed Carrozzeria Ghia from Turin, Italy. This remarkable vehicle showcased bold design and creativity, featuring an unusual roof configuration that set it apart from its contemporaries. The most striking aspect of the Cabana was its all-glass rear third of the roof, which not only provided a panoramic view for passengers but also functioned as the side and rear windows, enhancing the car’s open and airy feel. Additionally, the Cabana included several avant-garde design elements, such as the suicide doors. These rear-hinged doors added a unique aesthetic and improved accessibility to the rear seats, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. However, unlike Plymouth’s other dream cars, which often featured fully functional prototypes, the Cabana was merely a body mockup mounted on a rolling chassis, lacking a running automobile configuration. This limited its practical application but allowed for an artistic expression of design possibilities. The 1958 Plymouth Cabana was classified as a 5-door wagon, boasting characteristic dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence. With an outside length of 5,486 mm (216 inches) and a width of 2,032 mm (80 inches), the Cabana commanded attention on the road. Its wheelbase measured 3,150 mm (124 inches), contributing to its stable handling and spacious interior layout. Although the Cabana never entered production, it remains a fascinating example of mid-century American automotive design, highlighting the collaboration between American manufacturers and European coachbuilders like Ghia. The Cabana exemplifies the era’s spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of traditional station wagon design while capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts and designers alike. Today, it stands as a symbol of the creative potential of automotive design during the late 1950s, leaving a lasting impression on the legacy of Plymouth dream cars.
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
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