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During the post-war revival, Virgil Exner at Chrysler hired Turin-based Ghia to build a number of special concepts on Dodge chassis. Among these were four Dodge Fire Arrows show cars that were designed and engineered as a feasible road-going model. They were extensively exhibited across America but were never put in production. This motivated Eugene Casaroll to buy the design and build the car himself.

Having started one of the first automobile shipping companies in America, Casaroll was a big player in the industry. He had seen the Firearrrow concept cars and wanted to continue the sensation they caused at the motor shows. The first step was to start Dual Motors in Michigan which was the launching point for the Dual-Ghias.

Dual Motors bought bare chassis straight from Dodge then shipped them to the doors of Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy. One of Casaroll's partners, Paul Farago enlarged the overall design of the show cars to better accommodate passengers and luggage. Ghia applied finishing touches such as signature tail fins and an updated interior and many luxurious appointments. The partnership was mutually beneficial and Casaroll agreed to call their new project the Dual-Ghia.

For a limited production Italo-Anglo hybrid, the Dual-Ghia was quite a success. Casaroll targeted his marketing towards the rich and famous who would could afford the car's expensive craftsmanship. At $7,600 USD, the Dual-Ghia cost even more than a top of the line Cadillac. However, this didn't stop customers like Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Ford and Desi Arnaz from cashing in. They were most likely drawn to the car's Italian style and finish with the V8's American power.

Built in both coupes and convertibles around 117 Dual-Ghias were made from 1957 onwards. This was far below Casaroll's initial estimate of 150 cars per year, but still a great number for a specially-built car.

The Dual-Ghia was followed up in 1961 with the L6.4. With newer styling and a larger engine, this was Casaroll's comeback attempt. Only 26 cars of these were completed before high-overhead costs and poor sales ended Dual Motors.

Story by Supercars.net

Chassis & Sales

1958 Dual Ghia Convertible - sold for $247,500 The Dual Ghia offered here is the 69th car of 117 built. Acquired by the vendor about five years ago, it has benefited from a comprehensive professional body off restoration by longtime Dual Ghia enthusiast Fred Kanter’s company, Kanter Concepts of Santa Ana, California. Much of the work was done by noted Dual Ghia restorer Mike Damon, completed just six months ago. As a result, this stunning example has never been shown and stands ready to co... more
Gallery: 2007 Monterey Preview

1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible 486 - sold for $176,000 The example presented here is thoroughly restored and finished in Ivory White, maintaining an excellent and attractive finish. The chrome and stainless steel trim, convertible top and green boot all impart a handsome appearance and an impression of proper maintenance. Fittingly, this bespoke automobile rides on a set of period-correct wide whitewall tires that surround a beautiful set of chrome-plated Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels. The ... more
Gallery: 2008 Monterey Preview

1958 Dual-Ghia D500 Convertible DG191 - sold for $209,000 The first known owner of this particular car, chassis 191, was Mrs. Grace Danko of Woodstock, New York. In fact, 191 stayed in the New York area for many years as it was then sold to Mr. Peter Balis of Baliston Lake, who in turn sold it to Wayne Huie of Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Huie ultimately sold 191 to an enthusiast in Canada, where it has resided ever since. Beautifully presented in every respect, the car has since benefited from a profe... more
Gallery: 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island RM Auction

1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible 5169 - sold for $159,500 This stunning example is the 69th car built. It joined a large private collection in August 2007 and was acquired by the prior owner about five years earlier. It clearly continues to benefit from a comprehensive and professional body-off-frame restoration by Kanter Concepts of Santa Ana, California. Much of the work was performed by noted Dual-Ghia restorer Mike Damon and completed in early 2007. Restorative work included a complete strip a... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible 192 - sold for $275,000 Once a fixture in a prominent East Coast collection, this stunning, first-generation Dual- Ghia was initially purchased by a collector and, for some years, was fastidiously maintained in the temperate Floridian climate. Before being sold to its current owner, the Dual-Ghia was the subject of a painstaking restoration that was carried out to a very high standard. Today, it stands as one of the finest examples of this rare breed of Italian-Ameri... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible 158 - sold for $247,500 One of about 117 examples built new. One of the most luxurious and exclusive cars of its era. Fully restored and in superb condition. Ex-Wayne Davis Collection. It was Casaroll’s intention to build and sell 150 cars per year. Unfortunately, his refusal to compromise on any detail of the car’s quality proved to be the company’s undoing, as even at such stratospheric prices, it was reported that the company lost money with every car it sold. ... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1957 Dual - Ghia - sold for $200,000 This well-preserved Dual-Ghia was originally owned by Clyde and Evelyn Young of Monterey, California. Mr. Young was a local automobile dealer and active in the car hobby. They exhibited their Dual- Ghia at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on four occasions – 1957, 1961, 1964 and 1970 – and were awarded a prize each time. The car is pictured twice in the well-known Robert T. Devlin book, Pebble Beach, A Matter of Style, including a shot on ... more
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

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