1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible For Sale in St Louis , 2146379360 Tweet

The name Eugene Casaroll may not exactly be well known, but the long-time Detroit insider was nevertheless an essential supporter to the US automobile industry. His business, Auto Shippers, Inc., held close ties with the Chrysler Corporation, handling the critical task of delivering new Chrysler products to dealers around the country. From his transport business grew Dual Motors which produced massive twin-engine tank haulers for the US Military during World War II, leaving Mr. Casaroll with a handy pile of cash after the war.

While touring the 1953 New York Auto Show, Eugene Casaroll was stopped in his tracks by one of Chryslers stunning new Idea Cars the Ghia-designed Dodge Fire Arrow. Chryslers head of design, Virgil Exner, had cultivated a fruitful relationship with the Italian carrozzeria, but he struggled to convince Chryslers conservative board that the cars were worthy of production. Mr. Casaroll, on the other hand, had no board to answer to, an idle factory, a pile of cash burning a hole in his pocket, and a dream of seeing his name in chrome. He acquired the rights to the Fire Arrow design, and Ghia was more than happy to supply him with as many bodies as needed. Casaroll incorporated the new venture as Dual-Ghia and commissioned a prototype, and once the curiously named Fire Bomb hit the show circuit, orders for this extravagant new boulevardier soon rolled in.

Casaroll struck an agreement with his longtime partner Chrysler to supply bare 1956 Dodge chassis, which were shipped to Torino, Italy, to receive their coachwork. They returned to the USA to be fitted with either a 315 cubic-inch Hemi or Poly-head V8. It was extremely costly endeavor, translating into an exorbitant sticker price. Such exclusivity appealed to a select clientele, which included the likes of Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, and Lucille Ball. While exact production numbers have long been a source of debate, marque historians estimate a total production of about 100 examples, of which 80 complete cars are still known.

Chassis 174, the 74^th Dual-Ghia produced, was originally delivered to Arthur Metcalf of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. Metcalf a scientist, inventor, professor, flight engineer, pilot, and philanthropist founded Electronics Corporation of America, producers of automated controls for industrial machinery. His success afforded him the means to indulge on the opulent Dual-Ghia, and he was rather invested in the process reportedly visiting the factory and meeting with Gene Casaroll in person. His car was specified in red over a duo-tone leather interior, and equipped with a pushbutton Town & Country radio, electric windows, and a single-carburetor Hemi V8.

It seems Mr. Metcalf rather enjoyed his glamorous Dual-Ghia, considering he kept it in his possession from new until 1988! It was then when it transferred to its second, and only other owner the late Robert M. Lee of Reno, Nevada. He is known for assembling one of the worlds finest car collections, which is still faithfully maintained by his widow, Anne Brockington Lee. Throughout the years in the Lee collection, the Dual-Ghia has been kept in exceptionally original condition, and it is likely one of the best-preserved unrestored examples left.

Finished in red over a marvelously preserved black and white interior, this splendid Dual-Ghia is as impactful as ever. The intricate exterior bright work, original wheel covers, and trim are intact and exceptionally well-preserved displaying an honest, authentic patina. Inside, the two-tone leather has a wonderfully honest character earned through years of cherished care. The mighty Chrysler Hemi is also wonderfully presented with the sort of patina that cant be faked. An accompanying history file includes correspondence and original Dual Motors paperwork, as well as drive reports from its time in the Lee collection.

Thanks to this legacy of faithful stewardship, chassis 174 has survived as one of the best-preserved Dual-Ghias extant, losing none of the coachbuilt glamour and sophistication that made it the darling of the Jet Set in the late 1950s.

Offers welcome and trades considered