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A
one-of-a-kind 1957 Chrysler Diablo concept car
handcrafted by Ghia is poised to grab the spotlight at
Monterey’s famed classic car weekend this August as it
crosses the RM Auctions block.
Considered the most valuable concept car of the late
1950s, the revolutionary Diablo will be the star
attraction of RM Auctions’ multi-million dollar Sports &
Classics of Monterey event, to be held August 15th and
16th in downtown Monterey, California.
Conceived by Chrysler’s design head, Virgil Exner,
arguably America’s most influential stylist, this rare
example was built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia on a 1955
Chrysler 300 series chassis. A featured concept car for
the 1957 US auto show circuit, the car is one of the
largest and most impressive concept cars ever built,
stretching an impressive 22 feet in length.
In 1957, the Diablo was Chrysler’s star concept car of
the year. With an investment from Chrysler of over
$250,000, the Diablo was showcased to the public at the
1958 Chicago Auto Show, before being returned to Ghia in
Italy for their corporate promotion. The car eventually
found its way back to the United States and has been
under the careful care of its current owner for over 25
years. The sale of this important American concept will
be accompanied by extensive documentation, detailing its
history and restoration.
The ultra-rare Diablo will join several other European
styled sports and racing cars and several classic
American luxury automobiles at RM Auctions’
world-renowned Monterey auction.
“We have assembled the greatest collection of sports and
classic cars ever brought together on the Monterey
Peninsula,” said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM
Auctions. “The Diablo is simply the holy grail of all
concept cars in its era. Its upcoming auction in
Monterey has received considerable international
interest due to its rarity and the fact that concept
cars are a featured highlight of this year’s world
famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance,” he added.
The Diablo has been an attraction at such prestigious
museums as the Cleveland Auto and Aviation Museum, the
Petersen Automotive Museum and Chicago’s Museum of
Science and Industry, as well as at such events as the
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and New York’s Louis
Vuitton Classic.
Adding to its fascinating history, the 1957 Diablo
nearly sealed its fate along with the legendary Chrysler
Norseman, when it was scheduled to be shipped aboard the
ill-fated Andrea Doria. Luckily, for dream car
enthusiasts, last minute work delayed its shipment,
preserving it for the enjoyment of future generations.
“Our Monterey sale marks the first time the Diablo has
been offered at auction, making for an exclusive
ownership opportunity,” added Kelleher. RM Auctions’
Sports & Classics of Monterey will be held August 15th
and 16th at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey
Conference Center, in Monterey, CA. Coinciding with the
famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this event has
and will continue to attract thousands of automobile
enthusiasts and participants from around the world.
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