Weird ONES - The world of automotive design is a fascinating blend of creativity, engineering, and history. Among the countless designs that have emerged over the decades, a few stand out as milestones, not just for their innovation but also for the stories they tell. One such remarkable creation is the Ghia Selene, a concept car born from the collaboration of visionary designers and a renowned Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. This vehicle represents a unique chapter in automotive history, intertwining Italian craftsmanship with international cultural exchanges.
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| The 1959 Ghia Selene concept designed by Tom Tjaarda, and Sergio Sartorelli under the direction of Luigi Segre of the Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. (Picture from: Autodroms.lv) |
Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. was a prominent Italian design firm celebrated for its partnerships with iconic brands like Chrysler and Alfa Romeo. In 1959, the company showcased a futuristic concept car named the Ghia Selene. This project was spearheaded by Tom Tjaarda, an accomplished American designer, and Sergio Sartorelli, under the leadership of Luigi Segre. The Selene was more than just a car; it was an innovative vision of the future, combining bold aesthetics with ingenious engineering. |
| The 1959 Ghia Selene's design was a departure from conventional norms, combining bold aesthetics with ingenious engineering. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru) |
The Selene's design was a departure from conventional norms. It featured an unconventional "people carrier" layout, incorporating super slim forward controls and three rows of seats. What made it truly distinctive was its interior arrangement: the first row of seats was positioned in the front overhang, while the front wheel covers were nestled between the first and second rows, facing backward. This bold configuration created an extraordinary sense of space and challenged traditional automotive layouts. The Selene’s elegance and originality won acclaim at exhibitions, cementing its place as a symbol of forward-thinking design.
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| The 1959 Ghia Selene Concept of the Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. sat on display at the Polytechnic Museum after the Italian company left it in Moscow in 1962. (Picture from: Polymus.ru) |
The car's journey took a fascinating turn in 1962 when it traveled to Moscow as part of the Italian industrial exhibition in Sokolniki. It was displayed in the Fiat booth, alongside a model of the future automobile plant in Togliatti, Russia. During the exhibition's opening day, the leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, visited the Fiat booth, witnessing firsthand the innovative spirit of Italian design. The Selene stood as a testament to the blending of technical ingenuity and artistic flair.
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| The steering wheel and dashboard view of the 1959 Ghia Selene concept by the Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. (Picture from: Autodroms.lv) |
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Selene became a bridge between cultures. During the exhibition, Italian designers from Ghia met Soviet automotive pioneers, including Yuri Dolmatovsky, who was known for his contributions to rear-engined passenger cars such as the legendary 1951 NAMI 013 and 1955 NAMI 050 "Belka." This meeting highlighted the shared passion for innovation across borders. At the close of the exhibition, Ghia made a generous gesture by leaving the Selene in Moscow as a gift to the Soviet designers, accompanied by a commemorative plaque celebrating the unity of technical ideas and international friendship.
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| Interior view of 1959 Ghia Selene concept by the Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A. with two-pair rear-seats facing each other. (Picture from: Autodroms.lv) |
After its initial acclaim, the Selene disappeared from public view and was stored in the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, where it seemingly faded into obscurity. Despite this, its cultural impact endured, even inspiring a poetic tribute in 1968 by Vladimir Vysotsky. His song, referencing the Selene, added a layer of mystique to its legacy. In 1962, Ghia also introduced the Selene II, a successor to the original, created for the Ford Motor Company.
For decades, the Selene was thought to be lost, with many assuming it had been discarded. But in the late 1990s, an unexpected discovery revived its story. Hidden in a dusty basement, the Selene was unearthed, its iconic silhouette instantly recognizable. Despite missing parts such as the steering wheel and nameplate, the car retained its original interior details, including the intricate seat upholstery and striking dashboard. The rediscovery of the Selene was a moment of triumph for automotive historians and enthusiasts.
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| The 1959 Ghia Selene concept of the Carrozzeria Ghia S.p.A while on display at the Fiat booth of the Sokolniki Industrial Exhibition in Moscow back in 1962. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru) |
The Ghia Selene stands as a remarkable testament to the power of design and cultural exchange. Its story is one of visionaries pushing boundaries, of nations finding common ground through innovation, and of a vehicle that continues to inspire even after decades of obscurity. Today, the Selene is more than just a concept car; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when creativity and collaboration transcend borders. *** [EKA [23092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | THE PETROLSTOP | POLYMUS.RU | AUTODROMS.LV | ANDONISCARS ]
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