1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400
The 1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400 is an exemplary piece of automotive history, a testament to the collaboration between American engineering and Italian design flair.
This remarkable vehicle was the result of a partnership between Chrysler and the Italian coachbuilding company Carrozzeria Ghia. It was a show car, designed not only to exhibit at auto shows but also to showcase the potential of what a luxury car could embody in the late 1950s.
Under the hood, the Super Dart 400 was powered by a formidable 392 cubic inch (6.4-liter) OHV FirePower Hemi V8 engine, equipped with dual 4-barrel carburetors, enabling it to produce a robust 400 horsepower at 5400 rpm.
This powerful engine was paired with a push-button Torqueflite automatic transmission, which was a novel feature at the time and added to the car’s futuristic appeal.
The exterior of the Super Dart 400 was nothing short of striking. It featured a low and wide stance, accentuated by a dramatic hood scoop that fed cold air into the Hemi V8.
The design, while rooted in the aesthetics of the 1950s, gave off a sense of speed and elegance that was ahead of its time. Its sleek lines and aircraft-inspired tail fins embodied the era’s fascination with jet propulsion and space exploration.
Inside, the Super Dart 400 was just as luxurious, with a flowing front-to-rear center console and rich materials throughout the cabin. It was a car that blended performance with grand touring comfort, making it a desirable vehicle for the wealthy and style-conscious individuals of its day.
Only one Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400 was ever made, making it an incredibly rare and valuable collector’s item. Its unique blend of American muscle and Italian craftsmanship, along with its rarity, has cemented the Super Dart 400’s legacy as one of the most interesting and desirable concept cars of the 1950s.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
