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A rare fusion of American muscle and Italian design will take center stage at Mecum’s Monterey Auction on Saturday, August 16, when a one-of-a-kind 1958 Chrysler California Ghia Hardtop goes under the hammer.
Fresh from a 2025 restoration, the California Ghia represents a pivotal chapter in Chrysler’s push to redefine its postwar image through design innovation. Originally conceptualized by legendary Italian design house Ghia, the car was brought to life by Gordon Vann’s Speed Shop in Berkeley, California. Crafted as a fully functioning “Idea Car” — Chrysler’s answer to the era’s non-operational concept cars — this vehicle was built on a Chrysler 300C chassis and features a hand-formed aluminum body powered by a 392 cubic-inch dual-quad Hemi V8 engine.
That engine, now freshly rebuilt and driven just 25 miles, pairs with an automatic transmission and anchors a bespoke machine that merges luxury with raw performance. Finished in a striking black exterior over a white leather interior with black piping, the vehicle includes unique features such as four bucket seats, power windows, wide whitewall tires, and full-size wheel covers.
The Chrysler California Ghia, sometimes referred to as the “Vann Chrysler,” was built at a staggering cost of nearly $12,000 at the time — equivalent to over $130,000 today. Interior craftsmanship by George Annereau utilized five premium leather hides and required extensive roof modifications to accommodate the weight of the all-leather headliner.
This hand-built car’s journey has been chronicled in multiple publications over the decades, including Motor Life and Hemmings Classic Car. Offered as Lot S107 at Mecum Monterey 2025, the California Ghia is a rolling piece of automotive art and a testament to design collaboration across continents.
This amazing Ghia is selling at Mecum’s Daytime Auction in Monterey, California. There will be many amazing vehicles to choose from and you can see them here. To register to bid visit Mecum.com.
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