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 Berlina Allungata cars, built by Carrozzeria Ghia, were highlighted in the May 1957 issue of *Quattroruote* in an article titled “The King of Arabia Changes Cars.” These vehicles, crafted with exquisite attention to detail, were commissioned for an Arabian monarch and featured distinctive and luxurious finishes. The 300C Berlina Allungata sedan was originally painted in a refined green with a silver band, and its interior was appointed with a black front seat area and ivory upholstery for the rear. The accompanying Cabriolet was finished in medina red with an ivory band and featured ivory leather interiors with a black upper and lower band. These color choices reflected the opulent tastes of the royal owner. In time, the King had the color schemes updated to better suit his evolving preferences. The Cabriolet was repainted in a sleek black with metallic silver gray accents and a black band, while the sedan’s color scheme was similarly adjusted to match this new aesthetic. The Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata sedan eventually made its way to California in the late 1960s, where it was appreciated by car enthusiasts. It returned to Italy in 2009, where it underwent a comprehensive conservative restoration. This meticulous restoration aimed to preserve the car’s original charm and historical significance while rejuvenating its appearance to reflect its classic elegance. Today, the Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata stands as a testament to mid-20th-century luxury and bespoke automotive design, with its restored condition and rich history continuing to captivate collectors and enthusiasts. The car’s journey from royal ownership to restoration underscores its enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of Ghia’s craftsmanship.
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.
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
