Of all the beautiful concept cars to come out of the Chrysler design studios, this is one of my favorites. Known as the "1953 Chrysler Thomas Special Coupe," it was designed by Virgil Exner and built in Italy by Ghia. It appeals to me for a number of reasons, not the least of which are the European lines, so utterly clean and simple in an era when Detroit automobiles were beginning to grow larger and over-decorated. The wheel openings are fully rounded, exactly matching the radius of those lovely wire wheels. Avoiding the postwar trend to jelly-mould body sides, the Thomas Special subtly recognises all four fenders. The grille is reminiscent of Ferrari GP cars. What's not to love?
Under that elegant skin is a stock Chrysler chassis with New Yorker mechanicals and 331 cu. in. Hemi power, delivering 180 bhp. Unfortunately it gets little help from a PowerFlite two-speed automatic transmission though smooth delivery with a minimum of gear changes perhaps suits the character of the car. It is not, after all, a Grand Tourer meant for crossing Europe at high cruising speeds. Riding on a 125.5" wheelbase, the coupe depends on an independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Perfectly normal for the period, I should add.
Six of these vehicles were produced for Chrysler while Ghia built another twelve for themselves. Over the years, the Thomas Special-based cars were known alternatively as the GS-1, the Chrysler Special and the Ghia Special. After its show duties ended our subject car was presented to C.B. Thomas, then-President of Chrysler's Export Division; hence the name. Though a show car, series-production was contemplated with responsibility for sales to be handled by Chrysler's French distribution arm, Société France Motors. When that failed to happen the Thomas Special was sold to American restorer Fran Roxas and became his personal car, which he restored to concours-level condition. A true perfectionist, Roxas later restored the Thomas Special for a second time.
This beautiful automobile is being offered by RM Auctions at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadowbrook sale on July 24. Michigan's Meadowbrook affair, I should add, is the scene of one of North America's finest concours d'elegance. You can enjoy the YouTube video presentation by clicking here.