Concept Car Of The Day: 1957 Chrysler Diablo - AllCarIndex
The 1957 Chrysler Diablo concept car crafted by Ghia stole the spotlight at Monterey's classic car weekend last August as it crossed the RM auction block. Considered the most valuable concept car of the late 1950s, the revolutionary Diablo was the star attraction of RM Auctions' multi-million dollar Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event.
Conceived by Chrysler's design head, Virgil Exner, the rare Diablo was built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia for the Chrysler Corp. on a 1955 Chrysler 300 series chassis. Stretching an impressive 22 feet in length, the Diablo was showcased at the 1957 US auto show circuit as Chrysler's star concept car of the year.
After an investment of over $250,000 from Chrysler, the Diablo was exhibited at the 1958 Chicago Auto Show before being returned to Ghia in Italy for corporate promotion. The car eventually made its way back to the United States and was under the careful care of its current owner for over 25 years.
The sale of this important American concept car was accompanied by extensive documentation detailing its history and restoration. The ultra-rare Diablo joined several other European styled sports and racing cars at RM's world-renowned Monterey auction.
This auction marked the first time the Diablo had been offered at auction, providing an exclusive ownership opportunity for dream car enthusiasts. The event, held at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California, coincided with the famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, attracting thousands of automobile enthusiasts and participants from around the world.
The Diablo's fascinating history includes brushes with fate, such as nearly being shipped aboard the ill-fated Andrea Doria along with the legendary Chrysler Norseman. Luckily, last minute work delayed its shipment, preserving it for the enjoyment of future generations.
The Diablo had been an attraction at prestigious museums and events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and New York's Louis Vuitton Classic. Its significance as a concept car of its era and its rare appearance at auction created considerable international interest, solidifying its place as the holy grail of all concept cars.
