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Details
Photo credit: Jay Hirsch
Number 78 of 99 produced
1957 DUAL-GHIA 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE COUPE
Chassis No. 178
Blackberry with matching coordinated blackberry and cream leather interior
Engine: Dodge D-500 "Super Firebomb" hemispherical combustion chambers, 315ci., 260bhp, 330 lbs. of torque, power steering; Gearbox: Chrysler Power-Flite two-speed automatic with standard floor shift; Suspension: front independent lateral control coil springs, rear parallel longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel power 12" drum hydraulics with independent parking brake. Left hand drive.
Eugene Casaroll, owner of Automobile Shippers, Inc., a Detroit trucking firm that moved most of Chrysler's cars from the factory to dealers and distributors, was the force behind the Dual-Ghia car. Impressed with one of Chrysler's Italian designed (Carrozzeria Ghia Torino) dream/show cars that Chrysler had commissioned, The Fire Arrow, he acquired the design and production rights from Chrysler. Casaroll hired a then well-known Detroit Italian-born mechanic, stylist, racer and car builder, Paul Farago, to produce with Ghia of Italy a more practical family car using the styling of the original Fire Arrow show cars. He set up an assembly plant in Detroit on Van Dyke Avenue under another corporation he owned, Dual Motor Company.
A four passenger sport convertible prototype with added leg room, trunk space and other features was introduced on June 28, 1955 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Detroit under the name, Firebomb. One year later at the International Automobile Show held in New York, the progressively refined styled car was introduced at $7,646. The new name was Dual-Ghia, combining the names of the manufacturer and coachmaker in traditional European fashion. The all steel, hand formed (over aluminum dies) bodies made in Italy were shipped to Dual Motors for assembly using many Chrysler Corporation drive train parts.
The attraction of the Dual-Ghia was the successful mating of a superbly styled and executed Ghia body with easily serviced Chrysler running gear. The automotive press lavished it with praise, as did non-automotive magazines of the era such as Time, Life, and Good Housekeeping who reported on the Dual-Ghia as a social phenomenon. It became known as the "car of the stars" owned by such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, musicians Hoagy Carmichael, David Rose, and other such "well knowns" as actress Natalie Trundy and flamboyant tennis star Gussie Moran.
The car is exceptional in design and engineering with a step down floor and 50/50 weight transfer. An overall height of only 54" yet sufficient head room resulted in the car actually being called a four-passenger sports car by a number of magazines. Detailing of the bodies is extraordinary for the era. All body trim, as well as the grille, windshield molding and other exterior appointments such as inner doorsills are chrome plated solid brass. The engine and truck compartments are edged in polished aluminum molding. Over 1,500 man-hours were said to have been lavished on each car before it left the factory. While production of 150 cars per year was planned over two years (1957-1958), only 99 cars were built. This car is number 78 since the vehicle identification numbering series started with 101.
This car was originally owned by a gentleman from Reading, Pennsylvania and, following his untimely death, was crated and stored in a large warehouse for a number of years. Noted 1950s hybrid car collector and enthusiast, Dr. Paul Sable, also from Reading, acquired the car in the late 80s. It was then purchased by a California collector, David Laurence Altman, who undertook a complete and full restoration. Today the car is certainly eye-catching and unique, reflecting much of the 50s social and car culture era. According to automotive researcher/author and former owner, "these cars recently are certainly obtaining a following with well-known collectors and have been referred to by some as the Duesenberg of the 50s".
This car is a complete and prime example of the marque and a true practical exotic that has been fully restored and excellently maintained. Its opulent styling, vibrant color, sumptuous, well appointed leather interior with original power windows and unique engine turned gauge panel set this car apart from its American cousins. The full original wheel discs and the more powerful hemi head engine are extremely rare and enhance the car's looks and power.
Number 78 of 99 produced
1957 DUAL-GHIA 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE COUPE
Chassis No. 178
Blackberry with matching coordinated blackberry and cream leather interior
Engine: Dodge D-500 "Super Firebomb" hemispherical combustion chambers, 315ci., 260bhp, 330 lbs. of torque, power steering; Gearbox: Chrysler Power-Flite two-speed automatic with standard floor shift; Suspension: front independent lateral control coil springs, rear parallel longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel power 12" drum hydraulics with independent parking brake. Left hand drive.
Eugene Casaroll, owner of Automobile Shippers, Inc., a Detroit trucking firm that moved most of Chrysler's cars from the factory to dealers and distributors, was the force behind the Dual-Ghia car. Impressed with one of Chrysler's Italian designed (Carrozzeria Ghia Torino) dream/show cars that Chrysler had commissioned, The Fire Arrow, he acquired the design and production rights from Chrysler. Casaroll hired a then well-known Detroit Italian-born mechanic, stylist, racer and car builder, Paul Farago, to produce with Ghia of Italy a more practical family car using the styling of the original Fire Arrow show cars. He set up an assembly plant in Detroit on Van Dyke Avenue under another corporation he owned, Dual Motor Company.
A four passenger sport convertible prototype with added leg room, trunk space and other features was introduced on June 28, 1955 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Detroit under the name, Firebomb. One year later at the International Automobile Show held in New York, the progressively refined styled car was introduced at $7,646. The new name was Dual-Ghia, combining the names of the manufacturer and coachmaker in traditional European fashion. The all steel, hand formed (over aluminum dies) bodies made in Italy were shipped to Dual Motors for assembly using many Chrysler Corporation drive train parts.
The attraction of the Dual-Ghia was the successful mating of a superbly styled and executed Ghia body with easily serviced Chrysler running gear. The automotive press lavished it with praise, as did non-automotive magazines of the era such as Time, Life, and Good Housekeeping who reported on the Dual-Ghia as a social phenomenon. It became known as the "car of the stars" owned by such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, musicians Hoagy Carmichael, David Rose, and other such "well knowns" as actress Natalie Trundy and flamboyant tennis star Gussie Moran.
The car is exceptional in design and engineering with a step down floor and 50/50 weight transfer. An overall height of only 54" yet sufficient head room resulted in the car actually being called a four-passenger sports car by a number of magazines. Detailing of the bodies is extraordinary for the era. All body trim, as well as the grille, windshield molding and other exterior appointments such as inner doorsills are chrome plated solid brass. The engine and truck compartments are edged in polished aluminum molding. Over 1,500 man-hours were said to have been lavished on each car before it left the factory. While production of 150 cars per year was planned over two years (1957-1958), only 99 cars were built. This car is number 78 since the vehicle identification numbering series started with 101.
This car was originally owned by a gentleman from Reading, Pennsylvania and, following his untimely death, was crated and stored in a large warehouse for a number of years. Noted 1950s hybrid car collector and enthusiast, Dr. Paul Sable, also from Reading, acquired the car in the late 80s. It was then purchased by a California collector, David Laurence Altman, who undertook a complete and full restoration. Today the car is certainly eye-catching and unique, reflecting much of the 50s social and car culture era. According to automotive researcher/author and former owner, "these cars recently are certainly obtaining a following with well-known collectors and have been referred to by some as the Duesenberg of the 50s".
This car is a complete and prime example of the marque and a true practical exotic that has been fully restored and excellently maintained. Its opulent styling, vibrant color, sumptuous, well appointed leather interior with original power windows and unique engine turned gauge panel set this car apart from its American cousins. The full original wheel discs and the more powerful hemi head engine are extremely rare and enhance the car's looks and power.