1958 Dual Ghia 400
The 1958 Dual-Ghia 400 Prototype is not to be confused with the 1956-1958 Dual-Ghia or the 1961-1963 Dual-Ghia L 6.4 cars produced by the small Detroit Auto Manufacturer Dual Motors Corporation, who also made the Prototype that is the subject of this wiki.
Contents
Background
The inspiration for the 400hp/140mph 1958 Dual-Ghia 400 was the 1956/1957 Chrysler Ghia Dart/Diablo, which was designed by Virgil Exner and built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia. Eugene Casaroll was the President of Dual Motors Corporation, who under arrangements of Chrysler Corporation and Ghia had built slightly over 100 1956-1958 Dual Ghia cars for celebrities. The Dual Ghia 400 Prototype looks so much like the retractable hardtop Chrysler Dart (before definned into the Diablo), that it is easy to mistake the two.
During its debut at the 1958 New York Auto Show, Alex Freeman, a New Jersey machine shop owner (who had come to the auto show in search of a family car), was so moved by the Dual Ghia 400, that he was not to be denied when told the car not for sale. He finally offered $15,000 for the car - which Casaroll accepted - provided he could show the car for the remainder of the show car circuit.
Also at the New York Auto Show, and who also fell in love with the car, was a 13-year old Fred Kanter - who later formed Kanter Auto Products. 17-Years later Fred bought the car from Freeman for a pricey $7,000. Fred had the car restored and still owns and drives the car. It is estimated to be worth well over one million dollars
Model Predecessor
1956/1957 Chrysler Ghia Dart/Diablo
Technical
Platform
1957 Chrysler 300
Available Engines
400 hp Chrysler 392 Hemi
Available Transmissions
info needed
Overall Length
info needed
Overall Width
info needed
Height
info needed
Wheelbase
info needed
Front/Rear Track
info needed
Curb Weight
info needed
Name of Reviewer
Article written by: Dave 'BK' Schultz
References
Books & Magazine References
info needed
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