....you can buy a lady friend something like this.



The notorious playboy, Prince Ali Khan, was considered the world's wealthiest man. He became smitten with the American actress, Rita Hayworth, and was putting the full-court press on her.
To aid his cause, he presented this car to her as a gift.

The car is a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe. But it's not just any old Cadillac. It was specially made for him by the famous design house, Ghia. In the mid '50s, you could still order a bare chassis automobile from American manufacturers and have that chassis sent to a custom coach builder for completion. Ghia did this one for the Prince....one of only two that Ghia ever did involving this model car. This gift may have helped the Prince in the short term but Hayworth eventually dusted him off.

Interesting Tom.... nice shots

I especially like the pun..... putting the full-court press on her

Originally Posted by torags Interesting Tom.... nice shots I especially like the pun..... putting the full-court press on her

Somehow, Rags, it doesn't surprise me that you picked up on the pun.

Tom

Egad! For that car, I might have considered letting him have his way with me.

(I never typed that . . . it was someone spoofing me.)

That is one stunning car! I like how the front styling is somewhat reminiscent of the Dual Ghia.

Originally Posted by Icebear Egad! For that car, I might have considered letting him have his way with me. (I never typed that . . . it was someone spoofing me.)

And I swear I'll never tell that I read what you typed.

Tom

Originally Posted by eL eSs Vee That is one stunning car! I like how the from styling is somewhat reminiscent of the Dual Ghia.

You can certainly see Ghia written all over this car. I wish my shots could adequately depict the craftsmanship here....the panel fit is flawless and the paint finish on this car is simply breathtaking.

Tom

Did you use a polarizing filter on these shots?

Originally Posted by Icebear Did you use a polarizing filter on these shots?

Yes I did. When shooting car shows, I find the polarizer to be an indispensable tool. There's so many reflective surfaces around ( paint, chrome, etc., etc. ) that it can be a real nightmare to deal with without using the polarizer.

Tom

It really shows! The images are rich and saturated, and the specular highlights not obtrusive. I have a nice CP filter. Unfortunately, I bought it to fit my DX lenses. Now that I'm shooting FX almost exclusively, I need to buy a larger CP filter. Oh well, it's only $$$.

All the lines seem to imply forward motion even while sitting still.

Beautiful

Originally Posted by rwells All the lines seem to imply forward motion even while sitting still. Beautiful

Thanks, Randy. Ghia has a long, storied history of dramatic car designs. This car must surely rank at the very top level of their achievements. It's a rare design that looks good from any and every angle of view....this one does.

As always, great shots!.....I had two thoughts - they just don't make cars like they used to, and, I too am, and have always been, smitten with Rita Hayworth - never thought to give her a gift tho....

Originally Posted by Earache As always, great shots!.....I had two thoughts - they just don't make cars like they used to, and, I too am, and have always been, smitten with Rita Hayworth - never thought to give her a gift tho....

Thanks for looking in, Eric. Sadly, you're right in many regards about modern cars. The area in which they suffer the most is relative to their exterior design. BLAND BLAND BLAND....to be fair, some of that is due to government regulations. Mostly, however, major manufacturers are afraid to stand out from the herd, to be different. That's a pity.

Tom

Good Afternoon Tom,
Man, if he could have landed her, he would have had the first Ghia pet Excellent shots without a doubt
Have a good day
Jim...

Originally Posted by jgoetz4 Good Afternoon Tom, Man, if he could have landed her, he would have had the first Ghia pet Excellent shots without a doubt Have a good day Jim...

Thanks for the kind words, Jim.

Take care,

Tom

I dated the wrong guys in my youth .. I never was given a car

Originally Posted by Dogdots I dated the wrong guys in my youth .. I never was given a car

Well, I never delivered but I must have promised at least 50 of the things as I wound my way from puberty to manhood. Sometimes it actually worked.

Tom

So, Tom, did you end up giving your wife the nicest car of all? I saw another nice old Chevy truck the other day--I still want one. You've given us more great shots and car info--I learn so much by your posts. And here I thought a car was just a car.....

Originally Posted by redleash So, Tom, did you end up giving your wife the nicest car of all? I saw another nice old Chevy truck the other day--I still want one. You've given us more great shots and car info--I learn so much by your posts. And here I thought a car was just a car.....

Now, Lauren, you know that I know the truth. If you thought cars were just cars, you wouldn't be lusting after an older Chevy truck. Our vehicles can represent so much more than simple transportation. They serve as acknowledgment, freedom, the attainment of dreams and a lot more....at least to some of us.

I, also, want an old Chevy truck. I thought I had found a good one last month but the guy wouldn't get realistic on his asking price. I'll keep looking.

I'm a very blessed man. Darlene is a very independent person. She insists on buying her own cars with her own funds. I huff up and protest mightily, but, secretly, I don't mind...if it keeps her happy, I'm all for it. I do love her dearly.

Tom