Chassis No. WA92167664

Dual-Ghia Serial No. 160

Some of the most exquisitely luxurious motor cars in automotive history are the byproduct of a hybrid Italian-American collaboration, marrying the very best in Italian style and elegance with the latest in American performance and flash. Indeed, from the Cunningham to the Monteverdi, none of these creations were ever intended for the average driver, but rather halo cars for the well-heeled and well-connected. The Dual-Ghia is precisely such a car, equally at home on the Italian Riviera as it is in Beverly Hills, particularly since its illustrious original owners included such names as Frank Sinatra, Desi Arnaz, Dean Martin, and Richard Nixon.

The car's remarkable origins are attributable to the Firearrow concept cars initiated by Dodge and designed and bodied by Ghia. Eugene Casaroll, who owned Dual-Motors in Detroit, assumed the design rights and following the introduction of his own Firebomb concept, released the production-ready Dual-Ghia Convertible – an ultra-exclusive cabriolet with a stunning price-tag of nearly $7,500, the finest interior leathers and outfitings, and the stout power of a Chrysler V8 under the hood.

This particular Dual-Ghia is believed to have been delivered new to California and while its early history is not well known, it was ultimately found and restored by a Mr. R. Golden of Inwood, New York. The workmanship was conducted to nut-and-bolt, concours-quality levels and carried out by well-respected restoration company Redline Restoration in Bridgeport, Connecticut. While in Mr. Golden's collection, the car was shown at various concours events, including The Bridge in recent years.

The quality of the restoration is truly superb, from the Burgundy exterior to the detailed engine bay and the two-tone tan/burgundy interior with such classic features as an engine-turned dash and an in-dash record player! Particularly delightful is the addition of a custom, matching five-piece assortment of luggage, including a full barware kit and a full picnic set.

The Dual-Ghia is without question one of the most exclusive American motor cars ever made. In fact, it's estimated that only about 117 examples were ever made, each one destined for an illustrious new owner. Of those, a much smaller number remain in existence and fewer still can claim the exquisite restoration quality of this particular Rat Pack-worthy example.