Engine - 315 cubic-inch Dodge “Hemi” V8
Transmission - PowerFlite 2-speed automatic
Horsepower - 230 at 4300 rpm
Production - 117 produced


The conception of the Dual-Ghia began with Chryler’s Firearrow line of show vehicles. Following World War II, Chrysler executive Virgil Exner contracted Ghia, the iconic Italian coachbuilder, to construct several unique concept vehicles using Dodge underpinnings. Four vehicles made up the Dodge Firearrow line of automobiles, which were intended to be functional, drivable production models. Chrysler displayed these Firearrows extensively throughout the United States but ultimately did not manufacture them to be sold. This inspired Gene Casaroll to acquire the design and build the car independently - an opportunity afforded by his status as head of Auto Shippers, Inc., another Detroit-based company. The nascent vehicle’s striking design was further refined by Paul Farago working with Ghia in the United States. Casaroll’s company, Dual Motors Corporation, oversaw the marketing of this sporty new car. Prior to the 1950s, Dual Motors had made its name producing dual-engine tank haulers during World War II. In contrast, the stylish bodies used for the Dual-Ghia were constructed in Italy by Carrozzeria Ghia, with final assembly of the car being carried out in Michigan by Dual Motors Corporation.

The Dual-Ghia was popular among influential Americans like Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden and Richard Nixon. Singer Dean Martin famously owned a Dual-Ghia convertible, and could be seen driving it in the 1964 film, Kiss Me, Stupid. This fully restored example from 1957 represents one of the very few remaining Dual-Ghia convertibles produced, and features the 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine. With Italian style and Detroit muscle, this short-lived enterprise by Dual Motors surely exemplifies “the best of both.”