Long ago, a stately Imperial LeBaron hardtop earmarked for historic duty was placed on a convertible chassis, crafted at the Detroit Chrysler plant. It was later transported to Turin, Italy to be clad by Carrozzeria Ghia. There, this now-iconic 1964 Imperial Crown Ghia Presidential Limousine underwent a metamorphosis into the elongated six-window custom vehicle it is today.
Among a limited production run of 10 Ghia limousines, this particular model chauffeured American dignitaries, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Today, it is set to go under the auction hammer with an estimated price tag of $125,000-$150,000.
The Detroit News disclosed that this automobile participated in the procession towards Arlington Cemetery for President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. The widowed Jackie allegedly utilized the limousine as her personal transport for less than a year, ferrying Lyndon B. Johnson to his second inauguration in 1965 (the initial one was on board Air Force One following JFK’s assassination). Subsequently, the Imperial Crown was integrated into the White House vehicle fleet until 1969.
Boasting merely 15,109 miles on the odometer, this gem is a rare discovery. Adorned in black with gray interior upholstery, this limo has been meticulously maintained. Informed by auction house Mecum, the car’s original MSRP stood at $18,500, which was nearly triple the price of a 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron when new.
Mecum mentioned that the limousine was auctioned by the Chrysler Corporation to Hugh McVeigh, the proprietor of Redford Chrysler in Michigan. At the time of sale, the vehicle had a mere mileage of 9,000, and McVeigh was unaware of its historical significance, hence utilizing it for family excursions to northern Michigan. The Detroit Free Press mentioned McVeigh’s fondness for the limo’s power divider window separating the driver from the rear, which he’d activate to muffle his children’s chatter in the back seat.
Upon an offer from Chrysler to repurchase the vehicle, McVeigh declined, choosing instead to store it in his garage until its sale to the Eppert Oil Company in 1979.
The Imperial Crown Ghia Presidential Limousine is propelled by a 340-hp V8 connected to a pushbutton three-speed automatic gearbox. Original elements of the Chrysler/Ghia collaboration remain intact except for modern fuel lines, a new fuel tank, and insignias. Adorned with grand whitewall tires, it includes striking red parade lights.
If only this vehicle could speak. It undoubtedly conceals a myriad of tales beneath its glossy black exterior.
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