You can always count on RM Auctions to come up with something truly rare and exotic at their major events. This year's Sports & Classics of Monterey auction, on August 15th and 16th, promises to continue the tradition as it offers a one-of-a-kind 1957 Chrysler Diablo, a survivor from the Virgil Exner era of extravagant but exciting concept cars. Built on a 1955 chrysler 300 series chassis, the Diablo is rather large for a sporty concept though no less impressive. This car had a lucky escape from an early demise when some last-minute details spared it from being shipped aboard the ill-fated Andrea Doria. The SS Andrea Doria was a beautiful Italian luxury liner that sank off the coast of Nantucket after colliding in thick fog with the MS Stockholm, resulting in a loss of 46 lives. The Chrysler Norseman, a prototype which had been built for Chrysler by Ghia in Italy, went down with the great liner. Ironically, I won't be at Monterey this year because I'm saving for a first-ever vacation on a cruise ship. No concept cars allowed.
I was looking at this car, and I think I sat in it in my childhood, and the Andrea Doria mention is what triggered the memory. Who would know about its history before the current owner?
May 26, 2008 @ 8:21 pmMark in PA