One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran
Regal Engineering - In a world where car design was rapidly evolving and nations vied to showcase their cultural and technological advancements through luxury, the mid-20th century gave birth to some of the most extraordinary automotive creations. Among these, one car still manages to turn heads and spark conversation even decades later: the 1956 Chrysler K300 Special by Ghia. A harmonious blend of American power and Italian craftsmanship, this vehicle wasn’t just a mode of transport—it was a royal statement on wheels, born from a unique fusion of prestige, innovation, and international collaboration.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)
The story of the Chrysler K300 begins not in Detroit, but in Turin, Italy, where the renowned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia was tasked with creating something extraordinary. Ghia, already known for their artistry and custom builds, as commissioned by none other than the Shah of Iran. The car was intended as a gift fowr Queen Soraya, the Shah's second wife, and it needed to reflect nothing less than opulence and forward-thinking design. The result was a luxury coupe that would become an emblem of royal sophistication and mechanical prowess.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Before it found its way to the royal garage in Tehran, the K300 made its grand debut at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, capturing the admiration of enthusiasts and designers alike. Its striking silhouette, inspired by both American muscle and Italian elegance, immediately set it apart. Built on a customized Chrysler New Yorker chassis, it housed a formidable 5.8-liter Hemi V8 engine pushing 375 horsepower—a staggering output for its time, placing it among the most powerful road cars of the era.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Visually, the K300 was unlike anything else on the road. Its bold front grille took cues from Ghia’s earlier GS-1 concept, while the rear fins evoked the dramatic flair of jet-age design. The two-tone body—silver matched with metallic blue—was fashioned entirely from steel, reflecting Ghia’s meticulous attention to detail. Inside, the craftsmanship continued with plush white leather seats, brushed aluminum panels, and features that were years ahead of their time. Power windows, power seats, and even a push-button transmission made it feel futuristic in the 1950s.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: mralma30i on X)
Yet what truly set the K300 apart was its retractable hardtop—a feature that was almost unheard of back then. Controlled via a dashboard switch, it was a marvel of engineering that added both aesthetic charm and mechanical intrigue. Complementing this innovation was a suite of luxury appointments rarely seen in any car at the time: a record player discreetly tucked into the glove box, a mini fridge behind the seats, a radio telephone, a full air conditioning system, and gold-plated interior instruments—each detail tailored for royalty.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Wikimedia)
The original car shipped to Iran came with an unassembled engine as per the Shah’s request for a larger 392 cubic inch motor with dual four-barrel carburetors. This upgrade was completed by Reza Dardashti, the head mechanic of the Royal Garage. The K300 then became Queen Soraya’s personal vehicle, used regularly until an unfortunate crash damaged its front section. Not long after, in 1958, Queen Soraya left Iran following her divorce, and the car was essentially forgotten.
One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: mralma30i on X)
As political tides shifted, the car’s fate also changed dramatically. During the 1979 revolution, it was confiscated along with other vehicles from the royal fleet and stored away in a hangar. For years, it remained hidden from public view, a relic of a vanished era. But in 1991, a team led by Iranian restoration expert Mansour Kamranfar breathed new life into the K300, painstakingly reviving it to its former glory. It now resides at the National Car Museum of Iran in Tehran, serving as both an artifact of automotive brilliance and a window into a remarkable historical narrative. | NHnSojdkda8 |
The Chrysler K300 Special by Ghia is much more than a rare classic—it is a symbol of cross-cultural ambition, design excellence, and royal prestige. With only two examples ever produced, and just one surviving today, it holds a unique place in automotive history. It tells a story not only of luxury and performance but of the people and moments that shaped its journey. Even now, its presence continues to captivate those who see it, a timeless reminder of what happens when passion, power, and artistry come together in the name of elegance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORYCARS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | EXCLUSIVECRREGESTRY | CARSTYLING.RU | THEFOUDRE ]
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One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran
The story of the Chrysler K300 begins not in Detroit, but in Turin, Italy, where the renowned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia was tasked with creating something extraordinary. Ghia, already known for their artistry and custom builds, as commissioned by none other than the Shah of Iran. The car was intended as a gift fowr Queen Soraya, the Shah's second wife, and it needed to reflect nothing less than opulence and forward-thinking design. The result was a luxury coupe that would become an emblem of royal sophistication and mechanical prowess.
The Chrysler K300 Special by Ghia is much more than a rare classic—it is a symbol of cross-cultural ambition, design excellence, and royal prestige. With only two examples ever produced, and just one surviving today, it holds a unique place in automotive history. It tells a story not only of luxury and performance but of the people and moments that shaped its journey. Even now, its presence continues to captivate those who see it, a timeless reminder of what happens when passion, power, and artistry come together in the name of elegance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORYCARS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | EXCLUSIVECRREGESTRY | CARSTYLING.RU | THEFOUDRE ]
