The weird Ghia Selene's concept series continues

ONE-OFF - The unique four-wheeled vehicle that will be discussed this time is one of the motor vehicle concepts developed by several talented automotive designers who have worked in the famous Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A.

1962 Ghia Selene II concept designed by Virgil Exner Jr. while on display at the 'Barclay Fascination Cars,' an extra show at the 1990 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: Madle.org)

This company was previously in 1959 presented to the public a concept car named Ghia Selene. This concept car was developed by Tom Tjaarda, a talented American designer who was working for the Turin-based coachbuilder, and Sergio Sartorelli under the direction of Luigi Segre.

Front three-quarter of the 1962 Ghia Selene II concept designed by Virgil Exner Jr. while on display at the 2002 Christie's International Motor Cars. (Picture from: VelocityJournal)

After the first concept model left in Moscow, the Ghia's designer team continued to develop the concept car up to the Ghia Selene II Concept was launched in 1962 for Ford Motor Company, one of the American automaker companies. The model of the second series of Selene Concept was described as a bold concept for a rear-engined wagon-type vehicle that had a central driver seat and two rear-seats facing each other. 

1962 Ghia Selene II concept has a central driver seat with plane-like steering and two rear-facing rear seats. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Ghia Selene II was designed in 1960, by Virgil Exner Jr. While his father, Virgil M. Exner was a designer too, in the same year he also presented the Plymouth XNR. Although this car is said just a show car without the engine and non-working suspension system, it still looks futuristic even today.

Rear three-quarter of the 1962 Ghia Selene II concept designed by Virgil Exner Jr. while on display at the 2002 Christie's International Motor Cars. (Picture from: VelocityJournal)

In many ways, the Ghia Selene II Concept is a step back into the Jet Age which was a trend in the 1950s. Its bubble canopy and tail fin were a long way from the gradual sharpening of automobiles well into the 1960s. Perhaps the most interesting thing about it is the new five-seater layout, complete with a central driving position.

The Selene II among other concept cars was offered during the American automaker company's great sell-off of its assets as the company began to trim down in anticipation of coming financial difficulties through the 2000s. It sold after the final bid was more than $88,000 of the estimation ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 in the 2002 Christie's International Motor Cars auction event. And that's quite a lot to pay for a non-running car. *** [EKA [25092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VELOCITYJOURNAL | CARSTYLING.RU | MADLE.ORG | THE PETROLSTOP | ANDONISCARS]

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