The Dual-Ghia’s present owner has enthusiasti- cally cared for and enjoyed the car since 1988, and it now shows less than 45,000 miles. Recognizing that this car may be one of the best unrestored Dual- Ghias available, the owner has completed a short photo-biography on the car. He states that the en- gine and transmission are original to the car, in good running condition and appear to have never been rebuilt. He also states that most of the paint on the car could be the original 15 coats of lacquer, as some typical crazing is present. The interior leather is described as original with the inviting patina of Connolly leather. Overall, the car shows no signs of neglect and presents as an honest, well-maintained survivor, retaining much of its authentic character that is so often lost after a restoration.

It was Casaroll’s intention to build and sell 150 cars per year. Unfortunately, his refusal to compromise on any detail of the car’s quality proved to be the company’s undoing, as even at such stratospheric prices, it was reported that the company lost money with every car it sold. The example presented here, chassis 158, was sold new in Southern California for $7,920. Finding its way through Newport Beach, the car ultimately resided in Odessa, Texas for a number of years, owned by personal friends of noted collector Wayne Davis. A former employee of his eventually conducted a thorough restoration on the car in the late 1980s, encompassing every mechanical component and cosmetic element. Despite this older restoration, the quality and condition remain outstanding.

Restorative work included a complete strip and repaint, a full mechanical and chassis restoration, a new top, a new interior, and new carpets. The brightwork is show quality, and every detail was addressed, from new wiring to rebuilt instrumentation. Today, it is offered in virtual concours-quality condition. Having not been shown yet, it stands ready to compete – and win – on the show field.

Beautifully presented in every respect, the car has since benefited from a professional, show-quality restoration. It is finished in Eggplant, the same color with which it left the factory, as evidenced by paint remnants uncovered during the restoration. It is a striking finish, made all the more stunning by a burgundy/cream interior, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, dual rear antennas and the lack of rear fins, which were an omission on later Dual-Ghias, reflecting the eventual move away from the flamboyant aerospace-inspired designs of the 1950s. The vendor believes this car to be one of the rare Dual-Ghias to leave the factory without fins, although no documentation is currently available to support this. In fact, the owner even went through the trouble of having molds made for these fins and elected not to use them after being convinced it never had them to begin with. Furthermore, many of the experts and judges who have viewed the car attest to its authenticity and factory correctness.

The attractive and well-presented passenger’s compartment is trimmed in dark green leather upholstery, accompanied by matching green carpeting. As well, the ivory painted dash is topped with dark green padding, and is complemented by an attractive engine-turned insert, which houses the gauge package. The car is equipped with power brakes, power-operated windows, and a Town and Country AM radio. The trunk area is lined in gray carpeting, and appears virtually as new.

Underhood, the powerful 315 cubic inch D-500 engine with its chrome valve covers is cradled within a tidy engine bay. Notably, the under hood area is largely period-correct with the exception of easily replaced items such as hoses and clamps.

In its time, it was said that a Rolls-Royce was reserved for those who could not obtain a Dual-Ghia. Fittingly, this Dual-Ghia is a very fine example, and its sale presents an excellent opportunity for a lucky enthusiast to acquire a very rare and exclusive automobile.

Work included a complete strip and repaint, a full mechanical and chassis restoration, and new top, interior, and carpets. Chrome trim and brightwork is show quality, and every detail was attended to from new wiring to rebuilt instruments. Fitted with the desirable D500 Red Ram Dodge hemi engine, it is consequently very quick. With its luxury appointments, power options, and exquisite restoration, driving no. 69 must certainly be the closest possible experience to traveling back in time to drive off in a new Dual Ghia – as one of Casaroll’s chosen few.

Auction Source: 2007 Monterey Preview