Description
Dual-Ghia’s allure is more than its sheer exclusivity or the intrigue of an American-Italian co-production. It’s the style, the-overcome-the-impossible swagger and Rat Pack panache. Very few concept cars in history have made it to production, but thanks to Eugene Casaroll’s tenacity, this one did and it’s every bit the star he dreamed of. One look at the Dual-Ghia can transform Sunset Boulevard from seedy to glamourous as the sophisticated beauty purrs down the strip with Sinatra behind the wheel. Old blue eyes, a diehard Dual-Ghia fan and owner, is said to have purchased this particular car, VIN 150, for film star, Ava Gardner.
Only 117 Dual-Ghias were produced and a mere 32 are known to still exist. The fact that they were made at all is quite an anomaly. They evolved from concept cars built by Carrozzeria Ghia for Dodge and staggeringly few concept cars in history ever made it into regular production due to the astronomical cost. The reality of a mass-produced automobile to a handcrafted show car is a gulf of expense; consequently, its quality is like comparing Michelangelo’s David to Mattel’s Ken doll. It’s that level of detail and quality that made Eugene Casaroll’s passion project an unlikely reality; ultimately, it also led to the dream car’s inevitable demise.
Eugene Casaroll, the visionary behind Dual-Ghia, is largely recognized for inventing the modern car hauler. He also manufactured tank movers for the military that were powered by an engine in the front and rear, hence the name Dual Motors. His true passion was the Dual-Ghia. Inspired by Virgil Exner-designed Dodge concept cars built by Italian coachwork firm, Carrozzeria Ghia, Casaroll negotiated with Dodge to use their design. Passenger and trunk space were expanded for luxurious comfort. Then, in response to fin fever gripping the nation, Casaroll made a subtle, last-minute alteration to the design to accommodate the latest trend. The final product is a sophisticated, nuanced fin that complements the mid-century mod aesthetic of the car in a way that is timeless, especially in comparison to some of the garish, overdone fins of the day. It’s often said that Dual-Ghia had the longest production line in the world, from Detroit, Michigan to Turin, Italy and back again. A Dodge chassis was shipped to Ghia where its wheelbase was shortened then world-class craftsmen fabricated the sleek, steel body by hand. No expense was spared in fabrication or in the Turin interior. From there, the car returned to Dual Motors where bodies were fitted with the interior’s trim, electrical and the powerful Dodge powertrain. American mechanical innovation and Italian craftsmanship came together to produce pure dynamite, but when something blazes that hot it’s bound to burn out sooner rather than later. Casaroll is rumored to have lost money on every Dual-Ghia produced and his goal of 150 cars a year fell short at only 117. That did nothing to stem the tide of fervent appeal. Hollywood celebrities and heads of state across the world clamored for a Dual-Ghia. Owners included then-governor Ronald Reagan, President Eisenhower, the Shah of Iran, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, as well as Francis Albert Sinatra and his Rat Pack.
This example, purchased by Frank Sinatra’s production company, is believed to have been a gift for Ava Gardner, but that’s not the car’s only connection to the ‘Chairman of the Board’. In 1992, the sensual, midnight blue beauty was featured in the television series, Sinatra; Warner Brothers’ paperwork and insurance for the car during filming accompany the sale. The car would continue to enjoy the attentions of Hollywood. This Dual-Ghia held a place of prominence when the star-studded Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles first opened its doors; it remained as a featured display for the next 18 months.
This storied Dual-Ghia is dressed in elegant midnight blue exterior with a matching canvas top over whitewall tires and spinner wheel covers. Inside the beautifully restored cabin is a two-toned, cream and blue color scheme offset by nicely preserved chrome controls, striking gauges and the original Town and Country radio. Underneath the hood, resides a 315-cubic-inch D500 V-8 engine, dual quad carburetors, TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, limited slip differential and upgraded power steering and brakes. With excellent performance under the hood, this Dual-Ghia drives better than new. Since restoration, VIN 150 has garnered awards at Palos Verde Concours and Greystone Mansion Concours. This inimitable yet timeless mid-century beauty is 1 of less than some 35 still known to exist and it carries with it a history fit for Hollywood royalty. The star of the sequel has yet to be cast.
