361ci D-500 OHV V8 Engine
Two 4-Barrel Carburetors
260bhp at 4,800rpm
TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored example of the exclusive and rare Dual-Ghia Cabriolet
*Featured in the 1992 TV Mini-series 'Sinatra'
*Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance Award Winner
*Powered by the optional dual four-barrel carburetor setup

THE DUAL-GHIA

The word 'exclusive' scarcely does justice for the Dual-Ghia. Handcrafted to the highest standards and luxuriously appointed in a manner guaranteed not to disappoint even the most sybaritic of customers, the L6.4 model was priced in the US at $13,500, making it twice as costly as the equivalent Cadillac! Dual-Ghia owners included Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Eddie Fisher, Sammy Davis Jr., Debbie Reynolds, Hoagy Carmichael, Sterling Hayden, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Lyndon Johnson.

The brainchild of Eugene Casaroll, proprietor of Automobile Shippers Incorporated, the Dual-Ghia had been inspired by Virgil Exner's Dodge Firebomb/Firearrow show cars. Chrysler's decision not to proceed with production gave Casaroll the opportunity to purchase the original Firebomb show car, which was suitably re-engineered for public sale by designer Paul Farago who increased both passenger and luggage space. Complete Chrysler-supplied chassis were shipped to Turin for bodying in steel by Ghia craftsmen (builders of the original Firebomb body) before returning to Detroit where Dual Motors installed the drivetrain and interior trim.

First-series production lasted from 1956 to 1958, by which time just 117 cars had been built, all but two being Convertibles. In 1961, Casaroll revived the concept with a new series. Built entirely in Italy, the second-series Dual-Ghia L6.4 employed its own bespoke chassis (Chrysler having gone unitary construction, Imperial excepted) and Chrysler's 383ci (6.4-liter) V8 engine - hence the 'L6.4' model designation - was offered only in hardtop coupé form. Casaroll doubled the price, but the problem of escalating overhead costs persisted and just 26 of these cars were made before production ceased in 1963.

Exclusive, handsome, strongly built and fast (top speed was around 120mph) the ultra-rare Dual-Ghia is a landmark car in the continuing saga of US-Italian cooperation in automobile design.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

With manufacture of the Dual-Ghia beginning with chassis #100, this example wearing #150 is of the middle of the production having left the factory in 1957. This hand-built and bespoke motorcar is known to have resided in California-based collections in past decades and possesses the further distinction of being featured in the 1992 TV mini-series Sinatra, which is documented by copies of insurance paperwork from Time Warner and Warner Bros. Further pedigree includes an award at the prestigious Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.

Offered form a prominent Southern Florida based collection, this spectacular Dual-Ghia Cabriolet is finished in a stunning and appropriate dark blue exterior color, while the interior is finished in neatly contrasting blue and white two-tone colors. A blue convertible top is fitted, adding to the elegant livery. The paintwork is professionally applied, and the chrome and brightwork sparkles in the sunlight. Period yellow and black California licence plates are fitted, and white wall tires shod on the roadwheels are equipped with spinner-type hubcaps. The engine compartment is neatly detailed, and power steering and upgraded hydraulic front disc brakes adds to the drivability.

Since its award-winning days, this Italian-American luxury automobile has been fastidiously maintained to the highest of standards. Thanks to its incredible upkeep, this mid-century head turner will surely continue to collect awards wherever it goes. 1957 Dual-Ghia Cabriolet number 150 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a wonderful example of the few surviving 1950s icons.