The 1950s marked a period of important output for Carrozzerria Ghia, as the Turin-based firm bodied or designed a fascinating array of concept cars, one-offs, and unique production models.

Among this body of work, the company clothed perhaps two dozen Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis during 1954 and 1955.

While these cars were generally built upon the performance-oriented short-wheelbase 1900C chassis, the featured car is one of far fewer 1900 examples built on Alfa Romeo’s long-wheelbase 1900L lungo chassis.

Chassis number 01089 is likely the first of at least nine similarly styled cars that were sometimes badged as Ghia Specials, and the only one built on the lungo chassis.

With aluminum alloy coachwork designed by the noted Giovanni Savonuzzi, these cars featured curved front bumperettes, bulbous fenders with protruding headlamps, squared wheel-well openings, a wraparound front windscreen that fed into an airy canopy, and delicate rear fender fins.

But while the design fits somewhat awk...