• Year of manufacture 
    1957
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    r0015
  • Reference number 
    MI25_r0015
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Miami event, 27 - 28 February 2025.

  • An ultra-exclusive Jet Age masterpiece
  • Dodge 315-cu.-in. Hemi V-8 with handcrafted Italian coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia
  • One of approximately 120 examples constructed
  • Single-family ownership from new
  • First in Class at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

A sleek Italian-American dream car with hand-crafted coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia and a Dodge Hemi V-8 engine, the Dual-Ghia was among the grandest automobiles of its era. Priced higher than a Cadillac Biarritz and no less lavish, Dual-Ghia’s handpicked clientele was a who’s-who of the era’s Jet Set glitterati, including Rat Pack honchos Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

While many of these mid-century automotive marvels have fallen victim to time and neglect, the Dual-Ghia presented here, chassis number 188, has remained in the cherished care of just a single family from new. As its etched dash plaque proudly testifies, this car was purchased new by Alex G. Campbell Jr. of Lexington, Kentucky. So exclusive and difficult to source were Dual-Ghias, unconfirmed lore has it that while Campbell was at the dealership receiving his car, the salesman reportedly received a phone call from Frank Sinatra himself pleading for it to be held for his dear friend, Sammy Davis Jr. Unfortunately for Ol’ Blue Eyes, Campbell was equally smitten with his new prize and Sinatra was forced to seek remedy elsewhere, unable to have it “his way.”

With his stunning purchase finally secure, Campbell then cherished chassis 188 for the next 50 years, reveling in its unparalleled style and effortless power. In 2007, Campbell commissioned what would become a multi-year concours restoration to its present Keeneland Green over dual-tone green and white trim. Following its restoration, chassis 188 was lauded at numerous concours events, culminating in the ultimate automotive prize, a First in Class win at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Scores of photographs documenting the car’s restoration, as well as invoices, period Dual-Ghia advertising, and marque literature accompany the sale.

Conceived in an era when flying cars were thought to be on the verge of reality and eagerly desired by the glittering icons of the Jet Age, this automotive masterpiece now awaits its next steward, an aficionado with a discerning eye for style, seeking a remarkable creation in which to both see and be seen.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mi25/.


RM Sotheby's
5 Heron Square
Richmond
TW9 1EL
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Augustin
Last name 
Sabatie-Garat

Phone 
+44-2078517070