The Dual-Ghia convertible represents an extraordinary chapter of mid-century luxury car design. It was a powerful blend of American muscle and Italian craftsmanship. The 1957 Dual-Ghia recently listed on eBay shows the winning design in all its glory. It's one of only about 115 examples produced by Dual Motors between 1956 and 1958.
This 1957 Dual-Ghia is a stunner. It has just two miles on the road since a complete ground-up restoration. “It has to be one of the best ones in the world,” says the seller. The handsome convertible with slab sides and blade-like tail fins is in “better than new condition.”
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A Dream Car That Had to Be
Detroit industrialist Gene Casaroll made a fortune transporting cars from factories to dealerships in the post-war period. It was love at first sight when Casaroll saw Dodge’s Firearrow concept car at several events in the mid-1950s. It was designed by the legendary Virgil Exner - opens in new window or tab., who is considered the father of the tail fin.
The angular tailfins are a signature feature of the Dual-Ghia
The Firearrow never made it to production. (The near-production version was called the Firebomb.) So the disappointed Casaroll obtained the rights to the Chrysler design. He used his Detroit-based Dual Motors firm to bring his dream car into production.
The Dual-Ghia convertible offers room for five
The production strategy is referred to as “the world’s longest assembly line.” Casaroll obtained the vehicle’s frame and drivetrain from Dodge. They were shipped from Detroit to Turin, Italy where coach-builder Ghia completed the bodywork and interiors.
Hemmings reported:
Ghia’s staff would shorten the length by seven inches before adding a hand-hammered, step-down body that was welded to the frame in a variety of locations.
Dual Motors shipped the near-finished cars back to Detroit for final assembly.
In a move that predates today’s direct-to-consumer auto retailing, Dual Motors sold the Dual-Ghia directly to well-heeled buyers. The cars sold for about $7,500, which was comparable to a Cadillac Eldorado in the day.
The Dual-Ghia has gauges galore nestled in its metallic dash
Hollywood A-listers just had to drive one. Dual-Ghia owners included Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis, Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, and Frank Sinatra. Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon also owned one.
Shipping cars back and forth across the Atlantic produced an amazing result. But it was not a successful business strategy. Casaroll managed to make only 100 or so vehicles before orders dried up. He also made about 25 copies of a new version, the Ghia L 6.4, in the early 1960s.
Nobody knows how many Dual-Ghia models exist today. Collectors speculate that between 30 to 60 are preserved.
Dual-Ghia for Sale on eBay
The cobalt-blue 1957 Dual-Ghia listed on eBay had a Buy-It-Now price of $769,000. The rarity of the model and its pristine condition explains the lofty figure. The seller says the recent restoration was expensive. It cost $100,000 for the body and paintwork alone.
The convertible features a 315 cubic inch Hemi V-8. The Hemi was rated for 230 horsepower. It could easily reach 120 miles per hour. Chrysler’s two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission serves up the power.
This luxe convertible features a 315 cubic inch Hemi V-8
The Dual-Ghia had rugged Dodge underpinnings and could be repaired with Mopar parts. But it’s the model’s Exner design and Italian-derived finishings that sets it apart.
The rounded front fenders and creased rear fenders provide a sense of graceful motion. The multi-faceted horizontal mesh grille with dual headlamps is automotive poetry. And the sharply styled dashboard is impeccable.
Tell us about your favorite Dual-Ghia feature in the comments below.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.