1956 Chrysler Norseman

In 1949, Chrysler hired Studebaker designer Virgil Exner to head an advanced styling section, a first step toward realigning the company’s design priorities. Exner enlisted the aid of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia to began building a remarkable series of so-called “idea cars,” like the 1951 Chrysler K-310 five-passenger sport coupe, the 1952 C-200, which featured the “gunsight” taillight design later used on Imperials, and the 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance, a three-passenger sport coupe with hand-sewn, black-and-yellow leather upholstery and matching luggage.

The most extraordinary car in this series was the Chrysler Norseman, featuring cantilevered arches to support a roof without “A” pillars, all-aluminum body panels and a power-operated, 12-square-foot panel of glass that slid forward to expose the rear seat to the sky. Shipped to America by Ghia, the Norseman sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean on the ill-fated Italian steamship Andrea Doria. No physical prototype survived.

Overview

The Chrysler Norseman was designed in 1956, it was a futuristic dream car created by Chrysler in collaboration with Italian coachbuilder Ghia.

Features & Innovations

• Cantilevered Roof: No A-pillars (windshield supports), with the roof attached only at the rear — an advanced structural design.
• All-Glass Roof Panels: Included a massive, curved panoramic windshield.
• Flush Door Handles and Headlights: Sleek and minimalist, decades ahead of production cars.
• Aero-Sculpted Body: Long hood, fastback tail, and subtle tailfins — a blend of American muscle and European elegance.

The Andrea Doria Tragedy

• Date Lost: July 25, 1956
• The Norseman was aboard the Italian liner SS Andrea Doria, being shipped from Ghia in Italy to the U.S.
• When the ship collided with the MS Stockholm off Nantucket, it began sinking.
• Although over 1,600 people were rescued, the Norseman went down with the ship and was never recovered.