The Ghia Gilda: A Futuristic Collaboration between the United States and Italy

The year was 1955, and the automotive world was forever changed with the debut of the Ghia Gilda at the Turin Motor Show. This futuristic concept car, halfway between an aeroplane and a car, captured the imagination of all who laid eyes on it. With its sleek lines and innovative design, the Ghia Gilda was truly ahead of its time.

Designed as a collaboration between the United States and Italy, the Ghia Gilda was the brainchild of Giovanni Savonuzzi, head of the Ghia styling centre. Inspired by the curves of Rita Hayworth and the Bell X-1 jet that broke the sound barrier in 1947, the Ghia Gilda was a true work of art.

The Ghia Gilda was fitted with a real turbine instead of an engine, capable of propelling it up to 140 mph, a remarkable speed for the time. Its low profile and distinctive rear wings would go on to influence later Ghia models, as well as iconic cars like the Jaguar E-Type, Lamborghini Miura, and Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto.

After its debut in Italy, the Ghia Gilda made its way to the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, where it continued to captivate audiences. In 2001, collector Scott Grundfor purchased the Ghia Gilda and brought it back to Italy for the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este, where it once again wowed enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Today, the Ghia Gilda can be found on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, a testament to its enduring legacy in automotive history. Its timeless appeal and innovative design continue to inspire car enthusiasts around the world, proving that the Ghia Gilda truly was a concept ahead of its time.