Test Drive - 1964 Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine!

This rare and gorgeous 1964 Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine became part of the White House Motor Pool and was used by Jacqueline Kennedy and President Johnson. This is a true time capsule with 15,000 documented and original miles from new. Nearly every detail appears to be original to the car as it was delivered from the factory (even the tires are thought to be original). This is a true and stunning survivor. This Ghia limousine will become a major centerpiece to a collection or museum, whether it be focused on Americana, American history and automobiles, With only limited effort, we found several photos of Mrs. Kennedy, LBJ and the First Lady with this Ghia in front of the White house, as well as photos of the limousine at Camp David and videos of her being used in President Johnson inauguration parade. This is nearly completely original, even down to the tires. Covering a mere 15,000 miles from new, she is a stunning example of Ghia Coachwork and an important part of American History. Only ten (10) Crown Imperial Ghia Limousines were built in 1964. Her base price was $18,500. Nearly twice the price of a 1964 Cadillac Limousine and equal to three Crown Imperial sedans. She would be a perfect addition to any historical automotive collection or an automotive museum. This Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine started life as a 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron convertible which was assembled in the Jefferson Plant in Dearborn, MI. The Chrysler Corporation sent the Imperial to Italy to be custom crafted by Ghia to become a six-window custom limousine to be used by the Kennedy Administration in the White House Motor Pool. Upon completion, she was loaned to the Motor Pool for the sum of $1 per year. The Imperial was then bought from The Chrysler Corporation at auction by Hugh McVeigh, owner of Redford Chrysler in Redford MI. At the time she had 9,000 original miles. Mr. McVeigh wasn’t aware of the historical significance of the Imperial until after Chrysler offered to repurchase her. Mr. McVeigh rarely drove her and kept her garaged under a fleece-lined canvas cover. He realized she was too historically significant to drive any longer, so he sold her to the Eppert Oil Company in 1979. She was used by the owner of Eppert Oil until the Imperial was purchased by the current owner, Steve Foster, in 1998. Mr. Foster has had the Imperial on blocks for the past 10 years. The Formal Black livery applied at the Ghia factory can be as much as a 30-day, numerous step process. The original paint shows well overall, but there is the normal lacquer imperfections. There are numerous small touchups, mainly on the side body panels. The body is incredibly straight and the fit and finish appears to be as it was when she left the Ghia factory. Her black landau top is in excellent condition. She comes complete with recently applied gold pinstriping, badges and red parade headlights. Her chrome and stainless show well and are original. The white wall tires are in nice condition and are also original. The passengers are treated to the ultimate in elegance with its hand-crafted Italian workmanship. The interior is completely original and shows very well throughout. The passenger compartment is complete in gray wool broadcloth trim complimented by gray leather and is in very nice condition overall. There are several very minor defects such as soiling, but it is all original and very nice. She has her original gray sheered mouton floor carpeting, also in nice condition and recently re-dyed. The two jump seats fold flush with the partition and show well. The rear compartment also comes complete with remote radio controls in the right armrest and an electronically operated partition window. The wood accents are original and look stunning. The Chauffeur’s compartment is finished in narrow-piped black leather with black nylon floor carpeting. The steering wheel is in amazing condition as is the dash. Again, this is all original and has never been restored. The engine compartment is nicely detailed and shows well throughout. We did not repaint the valve covers to retain its original patina. The Imperial is powered by an 413 cid Wedge-Head, 16 valve, 340 hp, V-8. The power is transmitted through a push button, 3-speed automatic Torque Flite transmission. The engine compartment has some light surface rust that we were reluctant to remove since it is a survivor. She comes complete with a new fuel tank and fuel lines. She has 15,000 miles since new and runs and drives very well. The original tires show no age cracking, but care needs to be considered when driving her, especially at higher speeds. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an important part of world history. For more information and details, please call, text or email Chip Henson at or Harry Clark at or sales@. This Imperial Ghia Limousine is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.