The Plymouth Explorer Ghia Sport Coupe

We’ve touched on the Italian-bodied American concept cars in the past, but I feel that this Plymouth in particular deserves a closer look. Her sister car, the Belmont had a bolder, more aggressive look, but the Carrozzeria Ghia-designed Explorer has the more enticing bodylines in my book. I also appreciate the sophisticated green hue, the compact overall proportions and understated curving tail fins. Touches like interior-matched fitted luggage in white leather and taillight bezels that contain the exhaust tips are also elegant details. She sat a mere 54 inches tall (only 3.5″ above a ’53 Corvette), and remained a true 2-seater coupe.

The Explorer was first seen in the May 1954 issue of Motor Trend, and despite her sleek & swift look, the concept was powered by the ancient 230 straight six Plymouth motor coupled to a Hy-Drive transmission, spitting out 110 horsepower (Just imagine if they got their hands on the 241 or 260 V-8 from a few years later!). Still, Plymouth wasn’t known for exciting concepts quite like Chrysler was, and the Explorer helped elevate the brand to have some prestige and clean design that wouldn’t appear in their road cars till the excellent Exner-designed models for 1955.