1958 Dual Ghia Roadster

Chassis 53103

The 1958 Dual Ghia Roadster represents a unique collaboration between American engineering and Italian craftsmanship. Eugene Carroll, founder of Dual Motors in Michigan, shipped modified Dodge chassis to Italy, where Ghia hand-built each body with meticulous attention to detail. Once the bodies were completed, they were shipped back to Detroit, where Dual Motors fitted them with powerful D500 Hemi V8 engines and Powerflite transmissions. Production of the Dual Ghia spanned from 1956 to 1962, maintaining the original Firearrow concept’s striking design.

More than just a car, the Dual Ghia became a status symbol, especially in Hollywood. Priced at $7,646—over $1,000 more than the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz—it was the ultimate vehicle for the rich and famous. Icons like Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Ford, and Desi Arnez all proudly owned one. Even Debbie Reynolds and her husband featured their Dual Ghia in publicity photos. However, the car wasn’t for everyone—Dual Motors reserved the right to choose its buyers, famously turning down Sammy Davis Jr.

At the time, it was said that “a Rolls-Royce was for those who couldn’t get a Dual Ghia,” further cementing this car’s legendary status in automotive history and Hollywood lore.