1957 Dual-Ghia
Details
YEAR: 1957
MAKE: DUAL-GHIA
STYLE: CONVERTABLE
VIN #D5007715
MILEAGE: 78716
EXTERIOR COLOR: BLUE
INTERIOR COLOR: TAN
CYLINDERS: 8
ENGINE SIZE: 315 CI HEMI
TRANSMISSION: AUTOMATIC
Description
With only 100 examples produced from 1956 to 1958, the Dual-Ghia was one of the most exclusive automobiles of the post-WWII era. Eugene Casaroll established Dual-Motors Corporation in Detroit to create these automobiles in collaboration with the coachbuilder Ghia in Turin, Italy. Casaroll’s inspiration to build a luxurious custom-bodied automobile came from the Firebomb, the original Chrysler show car. The Dual-Ghia was produced in extremely limited numbers, and owners of the 1950s stylistic masterpiece included Hollywood elites such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford.
This 1957 Dual-Ghia, #DG128, was originally ordered by B.W. Godwin of Philadelphia in 1957. After changing hands one more time, this vehicle became the very first Dual-Ghia purchased by famed Dual-Ghia collector Dr. Paul Sable. Over the years, Dr. Sable has gone on to own 25 of these vehicles, and he is the keeper of the Dual-Ghia Registry and is widely considered to be one of the foremost authorities on these rare automobiles. According to Dr. Sable, #DG128 was one of the first 30 Dual-Ghias produced out of a total of 100.
A perfect combination of Italian style and American power, Dual-Ghia #DG128 retains its original 315 ci, 230 hp option Dodge D-500 “Red Ram” V8 Hemi engine with a four-barrel carburetor and Chrysler two-speed Powerflight transmission. These performance options allowed the Dual-Ghia to reportedly reach 60 mph in just 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of more than 120 mph. Attention to detail and extensive craftsmanship are evident in the exotic blue exterior and elegant beige interior, which features sporty front bucket seats trimmed with Connolly leather and accented by brushed metal and chrome. The dash displays a full complement of gauges set against a background of engine turned aluminum. The engine compartment is properly and correctly painted.