 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
1954 Dodge Firearrow Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | Sports Coupe III Coachwork: Ghia Designer: Exner Chassis Num: 9999707 |
| Sold for $880,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. Sold for $852,500 at 2011 RM Auctions. | |||
The second concept in the series was the Firearrow II. It was a drivable example that took many of its styling cues from its predecessor. Again, the public response was positive and management considered a future limited production model.
A third prototype was created; the Firearrow III focused on aerodynamics and refinement of the previous cars. It was a closed coupe car that was fitted with all the modern day amenities. The design was courtesy of the Turin, Italy-based firm of Ghia. In charge of the design styling was Luigi Segre. Segre had worked with Ghia on several earlier Chrysler projects, including the C200 roadster and the later K310 coupes. The Ghia company had formed a working relationship with Chrysler's Chief of Advanced Design, Virgil Exner, and were able to agree on how the designs and styling of these concepts.
The Firearrow III was given a chrome grille, fitted into a rectangular opening with concave vertical slats acting as air intakes. There were four headlights with two standard hi-lo sealed beam bulbs paired with smaller high-intensity driving lamps mounted to the outside. Under the main lights were a pair of chrome bumperettes with two nearly concealed parking-turn signal lights mounted to the outer edges.
The artistic and hand-crafted styling reached nearly every aspect of the car, including the hand-crafted functioning chrome exhaust pipes that are routed through each rear quarter panel. The rearward sloping lid for the trunk is operated by a concealed push-button. The tail lights are mounted into the trailing edges of the rear fins. In the chrome-plated rear license plate holder are flush-mounted backup lights. Similar to the front, there are chrome bumperettes in the rear of the car. The raked windshield provides excellent visibility thanks to the excesses amount of glass. In-fact, there is a generous amount of glass throughout the vehicle, including the wrap-around backlight, one of the largest pieces of glass used in any car up to that time.
The Dodge Firarrow III coupe had the same platform as the Dodge Royal production car. The running gear was stock, including the 'Red-Ram' 'Hemi' V8 engine, suspension, and the fully automatic Torque-Flite transmission.
The overall package stood just under five feet high. Inside there was plenty of roof for the occupants, with plus leather seats featuring Opal Blue bolsters and white leather inserts. Each of the seats are adjustable. The interior has a decor that is both modern and futuristic. There is a fully functional heater-defroster system and a push-button radio. Also, there is a large ashtray mounted between the two front seats.
The Firearrow III was used by the Chrysler Corporation at the opening of the company's new Chelsea Proving grounds in June of 1954. Betty Skelton drove the car on the brand new banked oval, setting a new world record a woman on a closed course of 143.44 miles per hour. She did this in a dress and wearing high heels.
After the proving grounds, the car was put on the show circuit and eventually became the basis for the Firearrow IV. The result of these design studies later culminated into the famous Dual-Ghia convertibles offered in 1957 through Dodge dealers.
To avoid paying hefty import duties due to the Italian coachwork by Ghia on this car, a deal was made with the U.S. Customs Department that the car would return to the country of its origin. In early 1955, the Firearrow III was sent back to the Turin shops of Ghia. It was later sold to a private individual in France, where it remained for over three decades in the same ownership.
It was well maintained during that time and used on a regular basis. As the years passed, many believed the car to have been lost or destroyed. In the 1980s, after negotiating a deal, the car returned to the United States and into a growing collection of one-of-a-kind dream machines and historic concepts.
Since then, the car has been given a restoration and returned to its original appearance. It is painted in its original Opal-Blue metallic paint with color coordinated interior of matching leathers.
In 2009, this Firearrow III Concept was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,500,000. It was sold for the sum of $880,000, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 |  |  | Roadster II Coachwork: Ghia Designer: Exner |
Created by the exquisite American car designer Virgil Exner, the Dodge Firearrow was introduced in 1954 as part of a four part series and built by Ghia of Turin, Italy. The Firearrow II and Firearrow IV; ‘Dreams' are the only two convertible Firearrows in the world. There were a total of four vehicles built between 1953 and 1954. The bodies of these vehicles were constructed at Ghia using the chassis of stock 1954 Dodge convertibles.
A true roadster, the Firearrow I was painted red and gray with a yellow interior with maroon piping. The first model had dual headlights and the wheels were full wheel covers with body side molding that wrapped all the way around the car. The Firearrow I featured exposed exhaust pipes, two on each side that rode low on the car's flanks. An additional touch of Italian styling was featured on a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Today the vehicle is on display at Petersen's Museum.
The 1954 Firearrow II was also a true roadster that was painted a subdued yellow color. Very similar in appearance to the Firearrow I, the main difference was that the body side molding didn't wrap around the car, but ended at the headlamps and taillights. The modified version of the original vehicle, the Firearrow II retained the mockup's two-place seating and striking frameless windshield. The full hub caps were also replaced by chrome-plated wire wheels and new single headlights replaced the dual. The split bumper was also changed from the Firearrow I and replaced with a more aggressive ‘mouth' horizontally bisected by an uninterrupted bumper. The toothy look was achieved by five vertical design elements on the bumper.
A 2-seater Sport Coupe was introduced in 1954, the Firearrow III, also called the Firebomb. Much more civilized than the original Firearrow, the III was painted a light metallic blue. With racer/flyer Betty Skelton behind the wheel at the Chrysler proving grounds, the Firebomb clocked at 143.44mph, set a women's closed-course record. The dual headlights were brought back on this third edition along a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. The Sport Coupe featured a hardcore element with its wraparound backlight. Crash protection both front and rear was supplied by modest bumperettes.
Also dubbed the Firebomb, the Firearrow IV was a stunning red convertible 4-seater, that featured black and white diamond interior. Basically a convertible version of the Firebomb, the newest edition is now in the Blackhawk collection as a black vehicle with black and white ‘tuck'n Roll' interior. Both the yellow Firearrow II and the red Firearrow IV, the last of the collection have received honors at Meadowbrook and Amelia island Concours d'Elegance. These vehicles sold for $1.1 million each.
Chrysler unfortunately made the decision not to proceed into production. These vehicles are but a great moment in automotive history and the only survivors of the early series of Chrysler concept cars.
The Firearrow series sparked the interest of wealthy car enthusiast Eugene Casaroll who purchased the production rights to the design. Teaming up with engineer Paul Farago, the two of them created a practical road car, the 1956-1958 Dual-Ghia.By Jessica Donaldson
A true roadster, the Firearrow I was painted red and gray with a yellow interior with maroon piping. The first model had dual headlights and the wheels were full wheel covers with body side molding that wrapped all the way around the car. The Firearrow I featured exposed exhaust pipes, two on each side that rode low on the car's flanks. An additional touch of Italian styling was featured on a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Today the vehicle is on display at Petersen's Museum.
The 1954 Firearrow II was also a true roadster that was painted a subdued yellow color. Very similar in appearance to the Firearrow I, the main difference was that the body side molding didn't wrap around the car, but ended at the headlamps and taillights. The modified version of the original vehicle, the Firearrow II retained the mockup's two-place seating and striking frameless windshield. The full hub caps were also replaced by chrome-plated wire wheels and new single headlights replaced the dual. The split bumper was also changed from the Firearrow I and replaced with a more aggressive ‘mouth' horizontally bisected by an uninterrupted bumper. The toothy look was achieved by five vertical design elements on the bumper.
A 2-seater Sport Coupe was introduced in 1954, the Firearrow III, also called the Firebomb. Much more civilized than the original Firearrow, the III was painted a light metallic blue. With racer/flyer Betty Skelton behind the wheel at the Chrysler proving grounds, the Firebomb clocked at 143.44mph, set a women's closed-course record. The dual headlights were brought back on this third edition along a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. The Sport Coupe featured a hardcore element with its wraparound backlight. Crash protection both front and rear was supplied by modest bumperettes.
Also dubbed the Firebomb, the Firearrow IV was a stunning red convertible 4-seater, that featured black and white diamond interior. Basically a convertible version of the Firebomb, the newest edition is now in the Blackhawk collection as a black vehicle with black and white ‘tuck'n Roll' interior. Both the yellow Firearrow II and the red Firearrow IV, the last of the collection have received honors at Meadowbrook and Amelia island Concours d'Elegance. These vehicles sold for $1.1 million each.
Chrysler unfortunately made the decision not to proceed into production. These vehicles are but a great moment in automotive history and the only survivors of the early series of Chrysler concept cars.
The Firearrow series sparked the interest of wealthy car enthusiast Eugene Casaroll who purchased the production rights to the design. Teaming up with engineer Paul Farago, the two of them created a practical road car, the 1956-1958 Dual-Ghia.By Jessica Donaldson
| Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este 2013: Classic Weekend On Lake Como | |
 | On the weekend of 24 – 26 May 2013, the spectacular grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como will once again be transformed into a unique stage for the most beautiful automobiles and motorcycles from the past and the most extravagant concept cars of the present day. First held at the same location in 1929, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este today ranks as the most traditional show of its kind in the world. It lays on an extensive programme throughout the...[Read more...] |
| Triple victory in the 2013 Design Trophy: Mercedes-Benz builds the most beautiful cars | |
 | The readers of the German motoring magazine 'Auto Zeitung' have voted for their favourite cars with the most appealing design. Models from Mercedes-Benz took first place in three categories: the A-Class was the winner in the compact class, and the CLS Shooting Brake took the laurels in the Estate Car class while also being voted the most beautiful car of all – the overall champion. This year 24,258 readers of 'Auto Zeitung' cast their votes for the most beautiful cars. The only criterion was...[Read more...] |
| NEW FLYING SPUR HEADLINES BENTLEY'S GENEVA PRESENCE | |
 | •World premiere of all new Flying Spur •European debut of world's fastest four-seat convertible, GT Speed Convertible •Enhanced specification luxury flagship 2014 model year Mulsanne unveiled •Continental GT V8 and W12 complete display (Crewe/Geneva, 4 March 2013) The new Bentley Flying Spur, the world's most refined performance sedan, makes its global debut at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva. Bentley's showcase of luxury and performance continues with the European d...[Read more...] |
| POW! BAM! ZOOM! The Original 1966 TV Batmobile To Cross Auction Block At Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | |
 | Holy Grail of TV Star Cars to be Sold for First Time January 19, 2013 Barrett-Jackson, the World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, announced today that it will offer one of the most recognized and popular pieces of entertainment history worldwide, at its 42nd annual Scottsdale www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale/ auction in January – the only 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car which was heavily modified by legendary customizer George Barris to become the original 1966 Batmobile in the l...[Read more...] |
| Legendary Tucker Automobiles on Display at 2012 Glenmoor Gathering | |
 | Several 1948 Tucker Automobiles will be part of the show field at the 2012 Glenmoor Gathering, including an unrestored Tucker from the Gilmore Car Museum Collection (above). A total of 51 cars were built before production stopped and most of them survive today. The distinctive car-the brainchild of Preston Tucker-was designed by Alex Tremulis. In all, more than 200 vintage and classic American and European automobiles and motorcycles will be on the show field. The motorcycle class will f...[Read more...] |
 1954
Dodge
models |
| Dodge Coronet Sierra Wagon |
| Dodge Power Wagon |
| Similar Vehicles | |
 | 1962 Dual Ghia L6.4 |
 | 1954 Plymouth Explorer Concept |
 | 1952 Chrysler D Elegance |
 | 1957 Dual Ghia Sports Car |
 | 1953 Cadillac Series 62 by Ghia |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Chrysler | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Dodge: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Dodge History |
| Other models by Dodge |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| RM Auctions at Monterey |
| Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance |
| Automobiles of Arizona |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
