1952 Chrysler C-200 (Ghia)

Built as a soft-top companion to the K-310, the 1952 C-200 was also designed by Virgil Exner's crew and Ghia. While both vehicles were strongly considered for production, lack of funds halted progress. One of the major differences was in the passenger seating while the K-310 was a four-seat vehicle, the C-200 was five-passenger convertible coupe. Nevertheless, today we can appreciate some of the design innovations that Exner and company developed. Before the C-200, "blister" fender shapes and a depressed belt line hadn't been seen on the road or in the Auto Show circuits. To further show that Chrysler Concept cars were designed to inspire future vehicles, the "gun sight" taillight design featured here was also featured on later production Imperial models.

Chrysler Design Institute

The K-310’s warm reception prompted construction of a soft-top companion called the Chrysler C-200, unveiled in 1952. Also built on a stock Chrysler Saratoga chassis, the C-200 shared the distinctive "gunsight" taillamps that would transfer virtually without change to the 1955-1956 Imperial.

Both the K-310 and C-200 were strongly considered for showroom sale. As Exner later recalled, K.T. Keller liked the K-310: "He thought it was something they should promote... Of course, it was also something into which they could put their Hemi engine. It was a perfect combination."

auto.howstuffworks.com

New York City, April 1 — Newest American experimental car, Chrysler Corporation's C-200 convertible, will have its first public showing at The Parade of Stars Automobile Show at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Designed in Detroit by Chrysler engineers, C-200 was built in Italy and arrived in New York yesterday after a fast trans-Atlantic crossing on the SS Constitution. It is powered by a standard Chrysler Firepower V-8 Engine.

Chrysler Public Relations

В содружестве с Вирджилом Экснером (Virgil Exner) на Ghia строятся такие этапные концепции, как К-310 и С-200. Любопытно, что американцы присылали в Италию лишь эскизы и масштабную модель из пластилина. Все остальное безоговорочно доверялось мастерам Ghia, которые строили полноразмерный ходовой образец. Chrysler этот этап уже не контролировал. Именно в это время происходит и самое ощутимое взаимопроникновение итальянского и американского дизайна.

Никита Розанов, Журнал "Автомобили" 5-2002