Coachwork by GhiaEstimate: $450,000 - $525,000Chassis: DG154Engine: D-500-3441 *Please note that this vehicle is titled as 154.

One of the Most Exclusive Automobiles of the 1950sShow-Quality Restoration in Sublime Color CombinationMultiple Concours Award WinnerExtensively Detailed and Mechanically SortedOne of the Very Finest of the Remaining Dual-Ghias

315 CID Dodge “Red Ram” Hemi OHV V-8 EngineSingle Carter 4-Barrel Carburetor230 BHP at 4,300 RPMChrysler PowerFlite 2-Speed Automatic Transmission4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum BrakesIndependent Front Suspension with Coil SpringsLive Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs

PROVENANCEDr. Paul Sable, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania (acquired from the above)Joseph Leweck, Hampton, New Hampshire (acquired from the above in 2006)Current Owner (acquired from the above)

EXHIBITEDSanta Fe Concorso, Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 2013 (Best in Class, Al Unser Sr. Award, Best in Show Finalist)Arizona Concours d’Elegance, Phoenix, Arizona, January 2015 (Director’s Choice)

THIS CARDuring the heyday of Detroit’s dream cars, Eugene Casaroll set out to build a limited-production luxury car of great distinction, satisfying both his eye for design and high standards of build quality. An alliance with Paul Farago, the American representative for the Italian design from Carrozzeria Ghia, led to a path forward. Casaroll was able to obtain the rights to Chrysler’s Firearrow concept car designs, and the project that was to become the Dual-Ghia was off and running.

Full-scale production began in mid-1956. Modified Dodge chassis were shipped to Ghia in Torino, hand-fitted with Dual-Ghia coachwork, and then sent back to Casaroll’s facilities in Detroit for final assembly. Hand-rubbed lacquer, leather of the highest quality, a fully lined convertible top, and copious chrome and aluminum fittings ensured that the Dual-Ghia was a car without peer. Would-be buyers had to be individually approved by Casaroll, making the Dual-Ghia one of the world’s most exclusive cars. Priced $1,000 above the top-of-the-line Cadillac Eldorado, experts place total production of the Dual-Ghia at about 100, with around 60 known to exist today.

While the early history of this freshly restored 1957 Dual-Ghia remains unknown, its more recent history includes ownership by software developer and renowned car collector Frank Pritt of California, and then by Dr. Paul Sable, the preeminent historian of Dual-Ghias. In 2006, Dr. Sable sold the rare convertible to the respected restorer Joe Leweck of Bayberry Vintage Autos in New Hampshire. With just 15,000 miles showing, its clean body displayed excellent panel fit, and the car retained its original floors, numbered sheet-metal panels, and Hemi “Red Ram” V-8 engine. Under Mr. Leweck’s care, the Dual-Ghia was completely restored to concours-level standards over several years. Hundreds of photographs document the painstaking process in high detail; more than $230,000 was invested, and nearly $40,000 put into the luxurious-yet-sporting interior and convertible top alone. The interior was restored by the talented Mike Curley of Michael Jay Coach Trimming in Epping, New Hampshire. The results of the considerable effort are amazing; the Dual-Ghia is resplendent in its color scheme of non-metallic Aquamarine complemented by a Cognac leather-trimmed interior.

Prior to its concours debut, the Dual-Ghia was acquired by the consignor, and Mr. Leweck was retained to further refine a few aspects of the car. On its two concours outings, the car earned awards recognizing its outstanding presentation.

Fully restored to concours-quality without regard to cost, this Dual-Ghia stands as one of the very finest of its rare breed. As such, this distinctive, handsome, and historic automobile is ready to compete – and impress – at today’s finest shows and motoring events.

Offered by Gooding & Company