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BadNick · 06-01-2008, 07:29 PM

Rather than starting a new thread I'll add to this one and maybe somebody else will remember something rare they saw recently.

I don't know if you consider this "cheating" since it was at a little local car show held in the parking lot of a synagogue a couple blocks from my house.

Anyway, today I saw this 1957 Dual-Ghia D-500 Convertible. Only about 117 of these were ever built. I'm copying a little history I found about it online:
*************************************************
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
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And for your continued entertainment, though these are not quite as rare, some of the other cars:

A couple of my buddies, the guy on the right owns the highly moded M3 Bimmer and organized the show:

last and almost least, my own "black magic woman"

06-01-2008, 07:29 PM	#365 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	Rather than starting a new thread I'll add to this one and maybe somebody else will remember something rare they saw recently. I don't know if you consider this "cheating" since it was at a little local car show held in the parking lot of a synagogue a couple blocks from my house. Anyway, today I saw this 1957 Dual-Ghia D-500 Convertible. Only about 117 of these were ever built. I'm copying a little history I found about it online: *********************************************** 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 ********************************************** And for your continued entertainment, though these are not quite as rare, some of the other cars: A couple of my buddies, the guy on the right owns the highly moded M3 Bimmer and organized the show: last and almost least, my own "black magic woman" Last edited by BadNick; 06-01-2008 at 07:32 PM..