Dual-Ghia

Dual-Ghia
Overview
Production 1956–1958
Body and chassis
Body style
Layout FR
Powertrain
Engine 315 CID 4-bbl. 230 hp (172 kW) V8[1]
Transmission two-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115 in (2,921 mm) [2]
Length 203.5 in (5,169 mm)
Width 79 in (2,007 mm) [3]
1957 Dual-Ghia D-500
1958 Chrysler Dual-Ghia Coupe Prototype

Dual-Ghia is a rare, short-lived, automobile make, produced in the United States between 1956 and 1958. The idea for Dual-Ghia came from Eugene Casaroll, who formed Dual Motors in Detroit, Michigan to build an exclusive car at a moderate price.

The design was based on 4 1954 and 1955 Chrysler concept cars, named the Firearrow II, III, and IV and the Firebomb, which had all been designed by Virgil Exner. The Dual-Ghia car was designed by Chrysler. The design was fairly conservative with single headlamps and slab-sided features, small conservative fins and no styling gimmicks. A four-place convertible was the only offering.

A Dodge frame and drive-train was transported to Italy, where the bodywork and interior was fabricated by the Italian Coachbuilder Ghia. Performance was excellent, due to the cars being powered by the small 315 cu in (5.2 L) Dodge hemispherical-head short-stroke V-8 engine.

Rarity

With a retail price close to $7500, the Dual-Ghia was about $200 more expensive than the next most expensive American car, the late 1950s Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. Out of the 117 cars produced, 32 still existed as of July 2006. The cars were mostly bought by American celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, and Richard Nixon. Desi Arnaz owned one, but he wrecked it. Ronald Reagan owned one, which he lost in a high-stakes poker game with then-President Lyndon Johnson, who kept the car for several years. Dean Martin had one at one point as well, according to his son Ricci. Dean Martin can be seen driving his Dual-Ghia in the film Kiss Me, Stupid.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Craig Cheetham (ed.). Ultimate American Cars. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.
  2. ↑ Craig Cheetham (ed.). Ultimate American Cars. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.
  3. ↑ Craig Cheetham (ed.). Ultimate American Cars. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 0-7603-2570-7.

External links

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