 1957 Sports Car |
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1958 Dual Ghia Convertible news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Convertible Coachwork: Ghia Chassis Num: DG191 |
| Sold for $319,000 at 2008 Worldwide Auctioneers. Sold for $209,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. Sold for $214,500 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
This example is chassis number 191 and is painted in its factory color of Eggplant. It has been given a full restoration and remains in excellent condition in modern times. Its early history is not known; the first recorded owner was Mrs. Grace Danko of Woodstock, New York. It was later sold to Peter Balis of Baliston Lake, New York. The next owner was Mr. Wayne Huie in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. Huie kept the car for many years before selling to a Canadian (the current owner).
This car is fitted with Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and sporty twin rear antennas. The interior is burgundy/cream with leather seats. It is powered by its original 315 cubic-inch V-8 Hemispherical engine and mated to an automatic transmission. The power convertible top is in good overall and workable condition. Other convenience features include power steering, power windows, and power brakes.
In 2008, the car was brought to the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by the Worldwide Auctioneers. It was estimated to sell for $325,000 - $375,000. Bidding failed to reach those estimates, though a high bid of $319,000 including buyer's premium was enough to satisfy the cars reserve. The lot was sold.
In 2009, this Dual-Ghia Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. It was expected to sell for $225,000 - $300,000. It sold for a high bid of $209,000, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 |  |  | Convertible Coachwork: Ghia Chassis Num: 128 Engine Num: 7715 |
| Sold for $175,000 at 2007 Bonhams. | |||
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
 |  |  | Convertible Coachwork: Ghia Chassis Num: 192 Engine Num: D633-I06704 |
| High bid of $200,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. (did not sell) Sold for $275,000 at 2011 Gooding & Company. | |||
Between 1957 and 1958, there were just 117 examples of this ultra-exclusive convertible produced. It is believed that only 78 of these examples still exist.
Under the bonnet is a 383 cubic-inch overhead valve Chrysler Wedge V8 engine fitted with a single Carter 4-barrel carburetor. There is a two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
In 2010, this Dual-Ghia was brought to Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction where it was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after receiving a high bid of $200,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
 |  | Convertible Coachwork: Ghia Chassis Num: 5169 |
| Sold for $159,500 at 2010 RM Auctions. | ||
This example, chassis number 5169, is the 69th car built. It joined a private collection in August of 2007. The car has received a comprehensive and professional body-off-frame restoration which was completed in 2007. The work included a complete strip and repaint, a full mechanical and chassis restoration, a new top, a new interior, and new carpets.
In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $275,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $159,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010
Eugene Casaroll, proprietor of Automobile Shippers Incorporated, was the individual responsible for the creation of the Dual-Ghia. The design was inspired by Virgini Exner's Dodge Firearrow, later called the Firebomb, show car. When Chrysler decided not to produce the car, Casaroll purchased the original Firebomb show car. It was re-engineered for public sale by designer Paul Farago. The interior room was increased, as was the luggage space. The chassis was from Chrysler, which was sent to Turin, Italy to have Ghia create the coachwork. Ghia had created the original Firebomb body, thus were the perfect craftsman to create the production vehicle. When the bodies were assembled, they were shipped to Detroit where Dual Motors fitted the drive-train and interior trim. The first series were equipped with Chryslers D500 and D500-1 engines. The D500 displaced 315 cubic-inches and produced 230 horsepower. The D500-1 had a larger, 325 cubic-inch displacement and 260 horsepower.
Production of this series lasted from 1956 through 1958 with a total of 117 examples constructed. There were two convertibles and the rest were coupes. The cars were competitively price considering they cost less than a Cadillac Eldorado and the Lincoln Continental. Just like many new automotive upstarts, the Dual Motors Company lost money on every car.
The concept was later revived in 1961. This time it was produced entirely in Italy in hopes of reducing the cost and expenses. This series is commonly known as the L6.4 as they were powered by Chrysler's 383 cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine. The chassis was its own, as Chrysler now used a unitary construction method. The cars were offered in hardtop coupe form only. Casaroll doubled the price in hopes of turning a profit, or at least break even. Problems continued to escalate as overhead costs continued to soar. Production continued until 1963 with a total of 26 examples created.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
Production of this series lasted from 1956 through 1958 with a total of 117 examples constructed. There were two convertibles and the rest were coupes. The cars were competitively price considering they cost less than a Cadillac Eldorado and the Lincoln Continental. Just like many new automotive upstarts, the Dual Motors Company lost money on every car.
The concept was later revived in 1961. This time it was produced entirely in Italy in hopes of reducing the cost and expenses. This series is commonly known as the L6.4 as they were powered by Chrysler's 383 cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine. The chassis was its own, as Chrysler now used a unitary construction method. The cars were offered in hardtop coupe form only. Casaroll doubled the price in hopes of turning a profit, or at least break even. Problems continued to escalate as overhead costs continued to soar. Production continued until 1963 with a total of 26 examples created.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
The Dual Ghia was inspired by the Chrysler Fire-Arrow prototype and went on sale in 1956. It had been introduced at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in 1955. The body of the vehicle was built by carrozzeria Ghia, an Italian coachbuilder firm. Dual was a independent automaker based in Detroit Michigan. The name of the car, obviously, came from the forging of both companies name.
Powered by a 315 cubic-inch Dodge enter and featuring a Powerflite transmission, the vehicle cost a hefty $7600. It was produced in limited numbers with 117 examples being produced before Dual Motors went out of business. Around 32 examples exist in modern times.
It was America's first four passenger sports car and popular with American celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Richard Nixon, Desi Arnaz, Ronald Reagan, and Sterling Hayden. Reagan lost his car to Lyndon Johnson in a high-stakes poker game.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click herePowered by a 315 cubic-inch Dodge enter and featuring a Powerflite transmission, the vehicle cost a hefty $7600. It was produced in limited numbers with 117 examples being produced before Dual Motors went out of business. Around 32 examples exist in modern times.
It was America's first four passenger sports car and popular with American celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Richard Nixon, Desi Arnaz, Ronald Reagan, and Sterling Hayden. Reagan lost his car to Lyndon Johnson in a high-stakes poker game.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
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