1965 FIAT GHIA 1500 GT

This Ghia 1500 GT is a stunning restored example of a rare classic coupe, blending exotic styling with reliable Fiat mechanicals. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre inline-four - as a late model, producing up to 84hp - with rear-wheel drive via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 43,759 miles.

While official records are not conclusive, it is widely accepted that only around 846 examples of the Ghia 1500 GT were built, and far fewer have survived to this day. With its engine and gearbox set further back in the chassis compared to the Fiats on which it is largely based, the GT was also noted to have a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

This car is understood to have been first registered in July 1965, and has just one previous listed owner. In 2015 it was fully restored, and has been with the current vendor for the last five years. It has a Classic Data report rating of ‘2+’ or ‘Very Good’.

As you would expect, the bodywork and paint finish remain in superb order following the recent cosmetic restoration. The vendor states that the paintwork is genuinely pristine, with a deep and glossy shine. The chromework is generally in great shape, with only a few minor imperfections, such as pitting along the top of the window frames. It rides on the correct 15-inch pressed steel wheels, with white Atlas inserts, and finished with polished hubcaps.

In the cabin, the black leather upholstery is in excellent condition, with no damage or discolouration, and only slight signs of use. Behind the occupants is a carpeted luggage shelf, making this Ghia a genuine practical touring car for two, and all of the other carpets and mats are in very good order. The instrument gauges, switches, and other main controls are all in perfect working order.

The last service was in October 2016, when the clutch was replaced, along with the fuel pump, spark plugs, and more. Since this mechanical work, the vendor reports that the car has not been driven, other than occasional exercise in storage. Accompanying the car is full documentation of the restoration, comprising lots of paperwork as well as a photo record.

This Ghia 1500 GT is a charming Italian coachbuilt model, which boasts styling that is as striking as far more expensive 1960s coupes. With its Fiat mechanicals, it should prove to be a robust and eminently usable GT, and thanks to its restoration it would make a superb and very rare addition to any assembly of classics.

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