1957 Dual Ghia Sports Car Convertible

Between 1956 and 1958, there were approximately 117 examples of the Dual-Ghia built. The majority of these cars wore the convertible body style. They were priced at a hefty $7,646 and were $1,000 more expensive than the ultra-luxurious Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. The Dual-Ghia's were powered by the Chrysler D-500 'Hemi' V8 engine and mated to a Powerflite transmission.

The origins of the Dual-Ghia date back to 1953. Chrysler had commissioned the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia to build several advanced show cars based on Virgil Exner's design for the Thomas Special. Ghia produced four Dodge Firearrow Concepts that were warmly received by the public, resulting in a production version. Chrysler declined to expand on this opportunity but Eugene Casaroll negotiated for acquiring the rights to build a car based on the design.

This 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible has a D-500 V8 engine with a single four-barrel carburetor and 230 horsepower. There are four-wheel drum brakes and an independent front suspension. There is a charcoal exterior, a black convertible top, and period-correct Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke chrome wire wheels and whitewall tires. The interior is upholstered in gray leather with matching gray carpeting.

In 2009, this Dual-Ghia Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $176,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009