Fiat 230 GS

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 230 GS, also referred to as the Ghia G230 S, was a limited-production sports coupé developed in 1963 by Carrozzeria Ghia. Constructed on the mechanical foundation of the Fiat 2300 S, the project embodied a convergence of Italian engineering, coachbuilt refinement, and performance-oriented enhancement. The vehicle was conceived as an exclusive grand touring prototype, distinct from the mass-produced Fiat saloons on which it was based. The body design was executed under the direction of Sergio Sartorelli, with contributions from American designer Tom Tjaarda during his tenure at Ghia. The exterior presented a fastback coupé configuration defined by a tapered rear, flared wheel arches, and a three-piece rear window integrated into the tailgate—an arrangement that emphasized both functional access and stylistic fluidity. The proportions and detailing adhered to the restrained elegance typical of Italian design houses during the early 1960s. To support performance objectives, Ghia commissioned Gilco, a specialist engineering firm known for its tubular spaceframe constructions, to develop the chassis. The result was a lightweight frame inspired by the Maserati Tipo 60 “Birdcage,” offering torsional rigidity and reduced mass. The powertrain was derived from Fiat’s 2.3-liter inline-six engine, which in this application was tuned by Abarth to produce approximately 150 horsepower. Complementary upgrades were applied to the braking system, gearbox, and suspension to accommodate the increased performance envelope. Only four examples of the Fiat 230 GS were constructed—two fixed-roof coupés and two open variants. The model debuted at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, where it attracted critical attention for its synthesis of advanced chassis engineering and distinctive design. Despite this reception, the vehicle did not proceed to serial production. The passing of Ghia’s principal, Luigi Segre, and the absence of institutional support within Fiat contributed to the project’s termination. The Fiat 230 GS exists as a marginal yet instructive artifact within postwar Italian automotive culture. It reflects a brief confluence of industrial experimentation, coachbuilder autonomy, and limited-series exclusivity. As an expression of design and engineering collaboration outside the mainstream production sphere, it remains a notable instance of mid-century European gran turismo development.