Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Ghia Selene I concept car.
The Ghia Selene I stands out as an audacious and forward-thinking concept car that embodied innovative design trends of the late 1950s. Designed by Sergio Sartorelli, one of Ghia’s most talented stylists, the Selene I made its debut at the 1959 Turin Motor Show, where it captivated audiences with its unconventional cab-forward layout and futuristic features. The Selene I shared notable similarities with the Renault Project 900 concept, particularly in its radical design philosophy. Both vehicles embraced a cab-forward configuration, which positioned the passenger compartment far forward on the chassis, allowing for a spacious rear area intended for the engine. This unique design made the Selene I appear as if its front and rear ends had been reversed, an effect that further emphasized its groundbreaking approach to automotive styling. The Selene I was designed as a luxurious “people carrier,” capable of seating six passengers. Two occupants sat in the front, while the rear compartment featured four seats facing each other. This lounge-like layout, complete with a strikingly modern interior, was conceived to enhance comfort and promote interaction among passengers. Remarkably, the Selene I was purely a design study, as no engine was ever fitted to the car, underscoring its purpose as an exploration of form and space rather than a functional prototype. Sartorelli’s bold concept left a lasting impression on the automotive design world, influencing future trends in people-focused vehicle architecture. In 1962, Ghia introduced the Selene II, a follow-up design created in collaboration with Tom Tjaarda. This iteration retained the spirit of innovation, featuring a central driving seat with airplane-style controls, a bar-equipped lounge area, and the ability to drive the car from either side thanks to dual steering and instrument setups. Unfortunately, the fate of the Ghia Selene I remains unknown, and it’s unclear whether the concept survived beyond its initial public appearances. Nevertheless, the Selene I remains a testament to Sartorelli’s talent and Ghia’s willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design during a time of exciting experimentation.
There are in the history of companies, just as in the history of nations, certain fateful episodes, which have an influence on the course of events well in excess of their actual importance. Chrysler’s request to Ghia to build for them, to their design, a special body on a Plymouth chassis, is one of these episodes.
Designer Sergio Sartorelli was born in Alessandria in 1928; he took the degree in Mechanical Engineering at the “Politecnico” of Turin and soon became interested in cars.
Read part 1 The revolution by Savonuzzi The succession of prototypes made on behalf of Chrysler undoubtedly influenced the 1951 project by Piero Dusio,…
