1954 Dodge Firearrow Concept Roadster IV

Many consider the 1950s to be the golden age of American design and engineering, highlighted by aerospace-inspired styling themes and a host of innovations. Chrysler Corporation's Virgil Exner was responsible for many of these creations, and his 'Forward Look' styling was among the most influential of the era. He worked in conjunction with the Italian design house Carrozzeria Ghia on a succession of concept cars he termed 'Idea Cars,' the first being the Chrysler K-310 of 1951. These designs were penned and brought to life in Italy by Ghia to the specifications and design suggestions of Chrysler. More than just stagnant works of art, these were driveable and often intended for series production.

The first of four Firearrow concepts made its debut in November 1953 at the Turin Auto Show. Known as Firearrow I, it was a roadster with a sloping hood and a road-hugging stance. Its allure design spurred the creation of an operation roadster, the Firearrow II, followed by the Firearrow III sports coupe that same year. Near the close of 1954, the fourth and final Firearrow (Firearrow IV) was unveiled. The fourth and final Firearrow was the only concept in the series equipped with roll-up side windows and a fully functional folding soft top.

The Dodge Firearrow IV Concept with Ghia-penned body lines continued the design theme of its predecessors, with a vast hood, unbroken fender line, short overhangs, quad exhaust outlets, quad bumperettes, dual backup lights housed within the chrome license plate surround, and its trademark full-perimeter 'rub rail.' The deeply recessed and brightly chromed grille used a new grid pattern consisting of vertical and horizontal bands set far back into the grille opening.

The Firearrow IV was given a Regimental Red paint scheme with a bespoke interior trimmed in a monochromatic black-and-white diamond pattern. The front bucket seats, auxiliary rear cushions, and door panels received hand-sewn, top-grain leather. The rear cushions could be removed, revealing a mahogany storage platform in natural wood finish with narrow chrome skid strips running fore and aft. There were dual overhead sun visors made of transparent tinted plastic, a 16 jewel, Swiss-movement, 'Dodgematic' clock positioned in the center of the wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, and machine-turned chrome lower door kick panels. The body-color dashboard contained a large circular speedometer, and auxiliary gauge cluster, and a wrap-around chrome accent strip.

The manually-operated convertible top mechanism was finished in black canvas with chrome-plated frame bows and links.

Beneath the bonnet was a 241 cubic-inch 'Red Ram Hemi V8 engine fitted with a single four-barrel carburetor and delivering 150 horsepower. It was paired with the all-new, fully automatic PowerFlite transmission. Additional mechanical specifications included roll-center front suspension, Oriflow shock absorbers, and Safeguard hydraulic brakes.

It is believed that after the auto show career of the Firearrow IV ended, it was acquired by a Venezuelan dealer who imported the car and sold it to its first private owner, a Mr. Valladares, in 1954. In March of 1964, it is believed that the car was offered for sale at a used car lot in Caracas, Venezuela. Several months later, it was again offered for sale in the December 1964 issue of Motor Trend magazine.

From the mid-1960s until the late 1980s, the car's whereabouts are undocumented. It was discovered in a hacienda approximately 90 miles outside of Caracas in the late 1980s, belonging to Baldur Fisher, who had purchased it several years prior and placed it in storage in one of his barns.

After its discovery by Antonio Gonzalez of Caracas, Firearrow IV underwent a complete restoration in the early 1990s. Its silver finish and tan convertible top that it had acquired were removed and replaced by its original Regimental Red and checkered-diamond finishes.

The car was then sold to Noel Thompson and it left Venezuela for the first time in approximately three decades. The Firearrow IV was soon acquired by Sam Mann, where it was reunited with Firearrow II, the first roadster. An extensive mechanical restoration by Brian Joseph's Classic & Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, soon followed.

In 2007, Mr. Mann sold both Firearrows, with Firearrow IV going to the Blackhawk Collection. In 2021, it entered the care of its current owner.

In September 2021, the Firearrow IV received the Chairman's Award in Memory of David L. George II at the St. Michaels Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024