Jaguar by Ghia-Aigle: A Fusion of Elegance and Craftsmanship

Rare ONES - The automotive world is filled with fascinating stories of collaboration, innovation, and bold ventures. Some cars are born from a simple desire to merge style with functionality, while others owe their existence to the unique blend of cultures, talents, and visionaries. One such example is the Ghia-Aigle Jaguar, a beautiful product of British-Italian-Swiss cooperation. The story behind this particular car and its creators, such as the Swiss company Aigle and its talented founder, Dr. Pierre-Paul Filippi, as well as the well-known design house Ghia, reveals a rare and captivating chapter in the automotive world.

The 1954 Jaguar MkVII Cabriolet bodied by Ghia-Aigle. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Founded in 1949 by Dr. Filippi, Aigle was initially a furniture company in the caravan sector. The company’s focus on furniture was essential in establishing its reputation, but it wasn't long before Filippi expanded his horizons and set his sights on coachbuilding, an art form that combines engineering precision with artistic design. By seeking out a partnership with Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy, he made a strategic decision that would lead to the creation of some extraordinary vehicles. The collaboration began under a verbal agreement between Filippi and Luigi Serge of Ghia, with the Swiss company’s name officially becoming Ghia-Aigle.

Interior view of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII Cabriolet bodied by Ghia-Aigle. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

The partnership was a win-win for both parties. Ghia, under the artistic direction of designer Giovanni Michelotti, was already a respected name in the world of automobile design. Meanwhile, Aigle had the means to build and assemble these designs in Switzerland. The first Jaguar that emerged from this collaboration was a stunning Mk VII coupe in 1952, designed by Michelotti, who had just joined Ghia. The vehicle represented the marriage of Swiss craftsmanship with Italian design, and it was quickly followed by a stylish Mark VII cabriolet in 1953.

The 1954 Jaguar MkVII Cabriolet bodied by Ghia-Aigle. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

The Ghia-Aigle Jaguar Mk VII was not just another luxury car; it was a product of vision, talent, and daring. The third and final iteration of this model stood out for its distinct design features, which were more refined than its predecessors. Giovanni Michelotti, having honed his skills with Ghia, gave the car a sleek, modern appearance. The long chrome strip running along the bodywork, which seamlessly incorporated the door handle, was just one of the many stylistic cues that made this car an elegant masterpiece. The slightly hooded headlights and chisel-shaped nose further added to the car’s unique character. Its rear styling had subtle references to the Lancia Flaminia, proving that even in the world of high-end cars, designers were not afraid to borrow from one another's creations.

The last of the Jaguar XK150 Coupe bodied by Ghia-Aigle, was an attractive coupe, seen here in the 1950s in Switzerland. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

One of the most interesting aspects of this car’s history is its original owner. Dr. Jean Rein, a Swiss surgeon from Bienne, purchased this particular Ghia-Aigle Jaguar in December of 1954. Dr. Rein was so pleased with his purchase that when Filippi asked him if he could display the car at the Geneva Motor Show, he declined, preferring to keep his car to himself. Dr. Rein owned the Jaguar Mk VII for over two decades and kept a detailed record of his journeys, many of which took him to the French Riviera. After selling the car in 1977, the classic nique car found its way into the hands of Roland Urban, a passionate Jaguar enthusiast who would become its next long-term owner.

The Jaguar XK150 Coupe by Ghia-Aigle in Switzerland. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

Roland Urban’s life was filled with adventure. Born in Hungary, Urban fled his home country and eventually joined the French Foreign Legion before settling in Paris. His love for Jaguars grew throughout his life, and in particular, he admired the coachbuilders who had worked on special Jaguars, such as Ghia-Aigle. As the founder and president of the Jaguar Drivers Club of France, Urban was a key figure in the community of Jaguar lovers. His deep passion for these cars made him the perfect custodian of the Ghia-Aigle Jaguar. The car remained with Urban for 37 years, and when it was eventually sold at auction in 2014, it marked the end of an era for this special vehicle.

The Jaguar XK150 Coupe by Ghia-Aigle in Switzerland (Picture from: VeloceToday)

Since its auction sale, the Ghia-Aigle Jaguar has only undergone minor changes, such as a red upholstery update. Despite its age, the vehicle remains a rare and cherished example of automotive design. Ghia-Aigle’s legacy, however, has been one of limited production, as they favored Jaguars and produced models like the XK140 and XK150. Ultimately, the company closed its doors, but the name "Ghia-Aigle" still holds a place in history, as the building’s new owner retains the title. While the world may not see another Jaguar from Ghia-Aigle, the Ghia-Aigle Jaguar will forever remain an iconic piece of automotive history. Apologies, as there's no available video of the Ghia-Aigle Jaguar, here is a video featuring the Jaguar Mk VII instead.

This vehicle, a symbol of artistic collaboration, remains a testament to what can be achieved when different talents from around the world come together. The Ghia-Aigle Jaguar is not just a car; it is a reflection of its creators' ambition, a fusion of cultures, and a timeless example of automotive craftsmanship. It reminds us that the road to greatness is often paved by collaboration and that, sometimes, the most extraordinary vehicles are born from the most unlikely partnerships. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | COACHBUILD | AUTA5P.EU | VELOCETODAY ]

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