1958 Dual Ghia 400

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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.

Dual Ghia 400 (Yellow) with Chrysler Diablo (red) and 1963 Chrysler Turbine
dual Ghia 400 after restoration
dual Ghia 400 after restoration
dual Ghia 400 after restoration
dual Ghia 400 after restoration
dual Ghia 400 after restoration

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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