Design Pioneer - There was a time when the automotive world looked toward the skies for inspiration. In the 1950s, as jet aircraft captured public imagination with their speed and futuristic appearance, car designers began translating that same sense of progress into road-going machines. One of the most fascinating results of this movement was the Chrysler 613 Ghia, a concept car that reflected a bold vision of the future while helping reshape Chrysler’s identity during a pivotal period in its history.
 |
| The Chrysler 613 Ghia was created through a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Italy’s renowned Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani) |
The Chrysler 613 Ghia was created through a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Italy’s renowned Carrozzeria Ghia,
guided by the creative leadership of Virgil Exner. At the time,
Exner headed Chrysler’s Advanced Styling Studio and was determined to move the company away from conservative styling trends. His team developed a series of fully functional concept vehicles designed to explore new ideas, and
the 613 emerged as one of the most significant examples. More than a styling exercise, it represented
Exner’s broader ambition to redefine how American cars could look and feel.
 |
| The Chrysler 613 Ghia projected motion even while standing still, combining elegance with a distinctly forward-looking character. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani) |
Its design embraced smooth, flowing lines and a streamlined silhouette that clearly echoed the influence of contemporary aviation. The body projected motion even while standing still, combining elegance with a distinctly forward-looking character. These styling themes would not remain confined to a concept car.
The Chrysler 613 became an important design bridge to the celebrated
1957 Chrysler 300C, with its influence visible in the model’s bold grille treatment, sculpted body surfaces, and confident road presence.
 |
| The Chrysler 613 Ghia remains an important chapter in automotive design history because it demonstrated how advanced engineering and imaginative styling could work together to shape the future. (Picture from: Carrozzeria-Italiani) |
Today, the Chrysler 613 Ghia remains an important chapter in automotive design history because it demonstrated how advanced engineering and imaginative styling could work together to shape the future.
 |
| Chrysler enthusiast Édouard Rodrigue of Québec constructed a faithful replica of the Ghia prototype using a ’57 Plymouth platform and ’57 Chrysler sheet metal components. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage) |
The project highlighted the creative partnership between Virgil Exner and Ghia while helping establish the visual direction that became known as Chrysler’s “Forward Look” era. Decades later, the car still serves as a reminder that some of the most influential vehicles are not those built in large numbers, but those daring enough to introduce ideas that change an entire industry.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZERIA-ITALIANI | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
