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'63 Ghia 1500 GT

1963 Ghia 1500 GT  |  Manual  |  1.5L  |  35k Miles

Carrozzeria Ghia was founded by Giacinto Ghia in Turin in 1919, soon establishing a reputation not just for luxury coachwork but also for bodying competition cars, achieving fame with the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500, winning Mille Miglia in 1929. After WW2, the company gave the world the futuristic bodies of Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Fiat 8V chassis in the Fifties; and, under de Tomaso's ownership in the Sixties, styled the Mangusta and the Pantera. However, the FIAT Ghia 1500 GT (later renamed Ghia 1500 GT), was Ghia's own idea, designed by Sergio Sartorelli and built upon sturdy Fiat underpinnings. This nicely proportioned fastback was a hand-built grand tourer with extremely limited production. Ghia only produced 846 of these handsome cars with only about 35 shipped to the U.S. market.

Specs

Production: 1963

VIN: 1160384668

Designer: Ghia Carrozzeria

 

Powertrain

Engine: Fiat OHV I-4; 1,481-cc (90.4-cu.in.)

Horsepower: 67 @ 5,200 rpm

Torque: 87 @ 3,200 rpm

Transmission: Four-speed manual

Transaxle Number: 0784

 

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 92.1 in

Length: 164.2 in

Weight: 2,160 lb

This particular car was in the care of the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California, and proudly displayed in its Classic Car collection. While under the possession of the Blackhawk Museum, the body was repainted in the 70’s. In 1990, the car was acquired by its second owner and kept in its original state, aging gracefully in his private collection throughout the years. The original listing on Sotheby’s auction page from the second owner stated, “the car is in older condition, with numerous bubbles, cracks, and flaws visible in the paint and some rust visible on the sills and undercarriage.” However, this was just what third owner, Joe Tseng was looking for.

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On September 25, 2020, Tseng purchased the car to give it the life it was born for. His intention was to ship the pre-1974 era classic car to Japan solely for rallying.

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The GT showes Ghia's careful attention to detail, from the chromed ring around its grille that doubled as a bumper to its Kamm tail and upturned rear bumper. The fastback coupé was built on a sheet steel box-section and tubular frame. The wheelbase was reduced to 92.1 inches, and the four-cylinder engine and gearbox were moved rearward, resulting in an even 50/50 distribution of weight. As its designation suggests, Ghia's 1500 was intended to be an exclusive Gran Turismo, affording its occupants comfortable seating on contoured sports seats. Staggered dual cooling vents behind the front wheels gave an impression of speed, while the relatively tall windshield allowed enough interior space and excellent all-round visibility. In the cabin, the black leather upholstery is in excellent condition, with no damage or discoloration, and only slight signs of use. The door panels, carpets and mats are also appropriately worn, but not at all aged. The instrument gauges, switches, and other main controls are all in perfect working order and no cracks are visible in the headliner.

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In order to get the Ghia 1500 rally ready once again, Tseng had an automotive repair shop, Alfa Italia in Burbank, California give it a full inspection and make sure the mechanical integrity of the car was fully maintained. In a turn of events, Tseng decided to rally another car instead, Carrozzeria Bertone's Alfa Sprint Speciale. Although this Ghia did not meet the rally after all, mechanically, it has come back to its youthful self, by 1963’s standards. The Ghia 1500 GT is both a drivers car, as well as a connoisseur’s. It is estimated that some 70 survive worldwide in the present day. 

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Prior History

1963

Circa 1970-80's

Circa 1990's

September 28, 2020

October 2022

The Ghia 1500 GT was manufactured.

Car was purchased by the Blackhawk Museum. During the time of ownership, the exterior was repainted and displayed at the museum.

The Ghia was purchased from the museum by a private collector and kept in his collection for about 30 years. During this time it was maintained, driven on occasion, and garaged most of the time. 

This car was offered at auction by RMSoutheby's, and purchased by the current owner Joe Tseng to be used in rallies in Japan. However, after a complete maintenance to ensure it was up to the task, Joe purchased an Alfa Romeo to use for the rally instead. 

The vehicle is now being auctioned and in search of it's new caretaker. If interested in this Ghia before it goes to auction, please contact us directly. 

Condition

Exterior

Windshield free of cracks

Body panel colors match

Not original paint job

Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned

Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned

Free of body dents

Windshields wipers and blades fully functional

Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional

 

Tires

Tires are all of the same make

Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks

Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)

Original spare tire

Engine

Battery terminals free of corrosion

Oil dipstick free of dark, black oil

Free of odors while engine is running

Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue or black

*$6,000 worth of maintenance done in the last year*

Suspension

Vehicle rests levelly

When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made

All corners respond the same when bouncing

 

Interior

Seats have normal wear and are free of cracks

All doors open and close freely

Trunk opens and closes freely

All gauges work

No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated

Windshield wipers work

All seats equipped with functional seat belts

All seats adjust properly

Manual windows operate properly

Hazard lights function properly

Headlights, including High beams, work properly

 

Frame

Chassis is neither bent nor cracked

No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk

No accidents

Manual 4 Speed Transmission

Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty

Clutch doesn't slip when driving

Reverse gear and all other gears work properly

All gears shift smoothly 

Brakes

Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes

Parking brake engages and disengages freely

No grinding noises when applying

Wheels do not lock when applying brakes

 

Steering

Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating

No resistance in the steering wheel when turning

No clicking or clunking when turning

 

Miscellaneous

Service and repair records available

Owner has title

Car is sold AS IS

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