The Dual-Ghia was the result of Detroit entrepreneur and industrialist Eugene Cassarol’s vision and relationship formed with Chrysler which enabled him to acquire the Dodge Firebomb, fourth in the Dodge Firearrow (1953) concept series. With the Firebomb as a design template Cassarol hired Italian engineer/stylist Paul Farago to produce a practical car. 1956 Dodge chassis were shipped to Carrozzeria Ghia where hand-crafted bodies and interiors were fitted then back to Chrysler for the 260 HP 315 CI Dodge Red Ram V8 and Chrysler Powerflite automatic transmission. Sold through Dodge dealerships for $7,646 the car attracted a celebrity clientele including future Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Regan, Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, and Hoagie Carmichael. A total of 99 cars were built.
This example is car number five of the original production run. It has had a meticulous four-year complete total restoration completed by Whitehall Auto Sales of Hopkinton, MA. Original owner Esther Jacobson was matriarch of the Detroit area-based Jacobson’s department store chain.
The car has been restored as closely as possible to its original configuration. 1953 Chrysler Vermont Green was determined to be the original color and the paint was matched. Many areas including the right door area, trunk lid, front valance, rear quarter panels, and rear bumper were fabricated along with all the trim. The top material was sourced from Hartz as part of a special run of the discontinued color. The Motor Wheels wire wheels were part of a three-year long search along with a similar search for the NOS 1955 Chrysler carpeting. The hand-crafted interior features in-house dyed hides matching the exterior color.
With the intent of bringing #105 back to its original configuration the final result is at once noteworthy and breathtaking. It is quite possibly the finest Dual-Ghia in existence.
Car number five was the subject of a Hemmings Classic Car cover story (July 2015) and was the Hemmings “Cars of the Fifties” featured car for the 2016 calendar. It has also appeared and was Class Winner at 2014 Concours of America, 2014 Hemmings Concours Class Winner & Best in Show, 2014 AACA Hershey – Class Winner 1st Junior, 2015 Hilton Head Concours Class Winner , Founders Award, 2015 Winter Park Concours Class Winner, Founders Award, 2016 The Elegance at Hershey Spirit of the Elegance Award, 2017 Boca Raton Concours Timeless Elegance Award, 2017 Keeneland Concours Class Winner, 2017 Atlanta Concours Class Winner, 2018 Keels & Wheels Class Winner, 2018 Trump National Concours Speedster Award.
Only the best of everything at the Cavallino Classic.
Classic Sports Sunday – Sunday, April 25 – at The Breakers.
60 rare vintage & classic cars spaced across the front lawn of The Breakers for international judging. 30th Anniversary Year. One of top 8 Concours worldwide.
**Limited tickets available & must be pre-ordered online. Join us for the 30th.
** Tickets are here and at www.cavallinoclassic.com.
You’ll receive your tickets by email and with all info.
Help? Contact us at classic@cavallino.com or 561-994-1345.
