The Iconic 1963 Ghia G230 S Concept

💣Out of Sight⛔ - Creating something new with abundant experience and their own resources is immensely satisfying. This sentiment likely inspired Carrozzeria Ghia to embark on the journey of building their own car, having already crafted numerous exceptional vehicles for clients in America and Europe. This passion led to the inception of the Ghia G230 S in the early 1960s, marking one of their first fully completed cars, with significant help from several compatriot companies.

The Ghia G230 S Coupé emerged as a visionary reinterpretation of the Fiat 2300 S platform, blending classic elegance with modern engineering. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Ghia's ambitious project designed by Sergio Sartorelli, who had already designed the legendary VW Karmann-Ghia along with Luigi Serge. It began with the Fiat 2300 S platform, but they knew enhancements were necessary. The chassis of the Fiat was deemed too rudimentary, prompting Ghia to seek assistance from Gilco, an esteemed Italian company known for designing and constructing chassis for Ferrari. 

To ensure perfection, Gilco tasked its most skilled engineer, Gioacchino Colombo, to lead the design team for what would eventually become the G230 S Concept. Drawing inspiration from his acclaimed Maserati Birdcage racing, this innovative approach laid a strong foundation for the new car.

The first Ghia G230 S, including a stunning silver model, a distinctive green variant, and two Spider versions, made its debut at the 1963 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The transformation didn’t stop there. Ghia opted to upgrade the Fiat engine, disc brakes, gearbox, and axles with superior Abarth components. This decision was strategic, ensuring that the car would not only perform well but also have the reliability needed for potential production. The collaboration with established names like Fiat and Abarth was crucial in maintaining high standards and ensuring sustainability.

The Ghia G230S (pictured in a stunning silver model) featured a rakish front with low-mounted twin headlights, as seen on display at the 1963 Turin Auto Show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The first Ghia G230 S made its debut at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, captivating audiences with its design and engineering prowess. Several prototypes were produced, including a stunning silver model, a distinctive green variant, and two Spider versions showcased at various international motor shows.

The vanished Ghia G230S Spider, with its low and flat proportions and pronounced rear fenders, differed from the original in both technical advancements and appearance. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Uniquely, the Ghia G230 S Spider is a one-off concept designed and built by Ghia based on the Plymouth Barracuda, features a 6L engine. Despite the promising start, the G230 S never transitioned into mass production. However, one green prototype, chassis number 114BS135700, survived the test of time and remains in pristine original condition.

The Ghia G230S was built on a tubular space frame designed and constructed by Gilco, and featured upgrades to the Fiat engine, disc brakes, gearbox, and axles using superior Abarth components. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

This unique prototype had an interesting journey. Initially used by Ghia for a few years, it eventually became a possession of the company’s directors. With a mere 28,000 km on the clock, it found a new home with Belgian car collector E. Thiessen in 2008 and was exhibited at the 2008 Retromobile show. The G230 S stands as a testament to Ghia’s innovative spirit and engineering excellence.

The Ghia G230S cabin is quite unremarkable, featuring only a three-spoke wooden steering wheel made by Nardi, a dashboard with three gauges, and a few buttons. (Picture from: HotCars)

Imagining a world where the Ghia G230 S battled the early Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the streets of Turin is a tantalizing thought. While this vision might remain confined to the realms of video games, it highlights the fascinating potential of Ghia’s creation. The sole surviving Ghia G230 S remains a symbol of what could have been, embodying the innovative drive and passion that fueled its creation.

The Ghia G230S also featured a Kammback rear with a large hatch and a three-piece rear windshield. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The story of the Ghia G230 S is a remarkable chapter in automotive history. It reflects the ambition and creativity of Carrozzeria Ghia, who dared to dream beyond their established role as a coachbuilder. The legacy of the G230 S, though limited to a single prototype, continues to inspire enthusiasts and reminds us of the endless possibilities that arise from combining passion with ingenuity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | HOTCARS | CARSTYLING.RU | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTODINOZA ]

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