1965 Imperial Limo

[kuhner]

https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/d/cumberland-imperial-crown-ghia/7555547937.html
 

Rare crown jewel hidden for many yrs.  
1 of 10 built and 1 of 2 true Italian-built 1965 Imperial Crown Ghia limousines known to exist.  
A true 1965 Italian-built Ghia will have a 413 engine and push-button transmission, which this one does.  
The mechanics were redone over the past several yrs.  
It runs and drives, but needs body, paint and interior work, which we cannot do due to disability.  
The previous owner said it belonged to Janet Dulles (wife of John Foster Dulles) who bought it new (or maybe the gov't did).  
She may have painted it silver, and she used it in her work at the Thailand Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1965-1969. It is possible Presidents Johnson and Nixon, as well as Robert Kennedy and the Dulles friend, Dwight Eisenhower and who knows how many other dignitaries have ridden in this vehicle.
It is also possibly the last true Italian-built Ghia limousine in the world.
Will sacrifice this rare piece of history to a good home or museum for reduced price of $135,000.00/neg.
May take in partial trade, a newer model 4dr 4x4 full size truck or another classic or antique vehicle.

 

 

Edited November 28, 2022 by kuhner (see edit history)

[32tatra]

A lot of money for a car, that needs a lot of work, and awful pictures.  On top of all the work it needs, they can not do, they can't take good pictures of it!!!

[AdamInNH]

Sometimes, cars that get posted to this list are very interesting. Some are realistically priced while others are in Fantasyland. This car is especially interesting, because the seller omitted the fact that JFK may have actually porked Jackie - or countless others in the back seat. Who can put a price on historically significant provenance such as that?
 

As to the asking price? So what if it’s $130K over the money. Any takers?

[JamesR]

This is one of those instances where the seller wants you to believe that the vehicle is worth $135,000, but you have to ask yourself, "Have they been caring for it (or presenting it) like it's worth $135,000??"

 

If your answer to that question is "No," it may be wise to walk away from that shell game. "The previous owner said..." isn't much in the way of provenance.

[Joe Cocuzza]

"She may have painted it silver, and she used it in her work at the Thailand Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1965-1969. It is possible Presidents Johnson and Nixon, as well as Robert Kennedy and the Dulles friend, Dwight Eisenhower and who knows how many other dignitaries have ridden in this vehicle."

 

And I MAY have been a millionaire in a past life. But I ain't one now......

 

It is also POSSIBLE that NONE of the people mentioned (and others not mentioned) even came close to the car or knew it existed.

 

Maybe all that is true BUT there needs to be proof to make it worth stating.

[Bloo]

That might be some kind of a record for worst pictures.

 

[John_S_in_Penna]

A friend of mine has a 1960 Imperial Ghia limousine,

which, being of the finned Exner era, is probably more

desirable.  His is in excellent condition, and he paid

FAR LESS than this 1965.  And the 1965 is in much

worse shape!

 

It's always nice when sellers are realistic in their pricing.

[Rivguy]

Just an example of someone asking an unrealistic price for a car with no history. If it had a documented history as presented, and was in good unrestored shape, it might be worth a bit. This one will need more than 135K in the restoration. 

[John_S_in_Penna]

Limousines don't bring a lot of money, even if

they were bodied by Ghia.  Maybe people don't

have much use for the cumbersome extra length,

whether in driving or garaging.

 

Knowing what my friend paid for a desirable example

in excellent condition, I think the seller of this 1965

should be thrilled if he got $20,000.  I think it's worth

less than that.  Maybe $10,000?

 

Edited November 26, 2022 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[Leif in Calif]

20 hours ago, Joe Cocuzza said:

"She may have painted it silver, and she used it in her work at the Thailand Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1965-1969. It is possible Presidents Johnson and Nixon, as well as Robert Kennedy and the Dulles friend, Dwight Eisenhower and who knows how many other dignitaries have ridden in this vehicle."

 

And I MAY have been a millionaire in a past life. But I ain't one now......

 

It is also POSSIBLE that NONE of the people mentioned (and others not mentioned) even came close to the car or knew it existed.

 

Maybe all that is true BUT there needs to be proof to make it worth stating.

Who knows, maybe even Elvis and the Beatles! 

[Gearheadengineer]

I am getting ready to head out to Cumberland, MD right now to get this car. It must be a great deal at that reduced price. I just hope no one beats me to it. 
 

I will leave as soon as my money from the Nigerian prince hits my bank account. 

[John_S_in_Penna]

Since the car is a 1965 model, could the original poster

please change the heading from "1961" to the correct year?

It's good to be accurate.  Someone may even be reading this

topic several years in the future.

[Jim Skelly]

I think a politician may have farted in it.

[kuhner]

Sorry for the mistake in year of title. Fixed now.

Thanks John !

 

[marty14]

Ted Kennedy told me he slept in that car after a night of dorking and swimming after an "accident" he had