This is the 1957 Dual-Ghia, an Italian-bodied American-powered car that came from an idea first presented by Eugene Casaroll of both Auto Shippers, Inc., and specialized vehicle builder, Dual-Motors. After seeing the Ghia-designed Dodge Firearrow concept at the 1953 New York Auto Show, Casaroll was left quite impressed to say the least. In total, Ghia produced the Firearrow I, II, III, IV from 1953 until 1955 before deciding not to move forward with production. This lead for Casaroll to move forward with acquiring the rights to the Firearrow IV design, and later to accept an agreement with Italian coachbuilding firm, Ghia SpA to supply the bodies for his vision. In 1955, Casaroll worked with Ghia to further refine the Firearrow IV’s styling, and would then create a fully functional pre-production prototype with a Dodge chassis called the Firebomb. After completion, the Firebomb hit the show circuit, starting out at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show and ultimately culminating into what would become a venture known as Dual-Ghia. Casaroll worked with Chrysler to supply him with bare 1956 Dodge chassis for the new Dual-Ghia production cars which would then be shipped out to Italy to receive coachwork by Ghia. The cars were then sent back to the US where they’d be equipped with either a 315 cubic-inch Hemi or 315 cubic-inch Poly-head V8. With a primarily hand-picked clientele, this special Dual-Ghia shown here (chassis 105) was the 5th Dual-Ghia motorcar of just over 100 produced from 1956-1958, and was built for Mrs. Esther Jacobson of the Detroit-based Jacobson’s Department Store family. This Dual-Ghia is finished in ‘Chrysler Vermont Green’ with a matching two-tone interior and a dark green top. The interior is dressed with an abundance of chrome, an elegant body-color metal dash, and custom-dyed leather. Power comes from a 315 cubic inch Mopar Poly-head V8 paired to a Torque-Flite automatic transmission.
How many made? Approximately 100+
Engine: 315 cubic inch Mopar Poly-head V8
Debut: 1955 Geneva Auto Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly
1957 Dual-Ghia
03.09.2024
Ghia