Frank Sinatra purchased his first hybrid car in 1957. So did pals, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Eddie Fisher, as well as music legends Hoagy Carmichael and David Rose, and other celebrities of the time.
These cars, however, were not the environmentally friendly hybrid cars of today; Sinatra’s clan, motored in Dual Ghias, sleek high-performance convertibles with Dodge D-500 hemi engines and custom steel bodies crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia. Such cars were called “hybrids” because they combined reliable and easily serviced American engines clothed in bespoke coachwork from skilled Italian, French and English artisans.
Examples include the Cunningham C-3, built by wealthy sportsman Briggs Cunningham, Facel Vega utilized Chrysler engines with elegant French coachwork, while the Italian-bodied Iso Grifo used a Corvette engine. Allards were typical of this trend with minimalist English bodies cloaking Chrysler or Cadillac V-8s.
The hybrids of the 50s and 60s were exquisitely beautiful automobiles, part of the mid-century renaissance in architecture, furniture, and automobile design and are highly sought after by many collectors today, who appreciate their exclusivity and practicality.
The Greenwich Concours assembled an astonishing array of such rare cars, a display that included a Dual Ghia, Hudson Italia, Facel Vega, Cunningham C-3, Iso Grifo, Allard P1, Fitch Phoenix, Nash Healy and a Shelby-A.C. Cobra in a continuing effort to provide enthusiasts with themed events that focus on unusual and elegant eras in automotive history. With an exquisite location, groomed grounds and spectacular cars, the upcoming concours promises to please and entertain.
The 2012 Greenwich Concours will take place on June 2 and 3, 2012, with American cars shown on June 2 and import marques shown on June 3. Call 203-661-1669 for information or visit www.greenwichconcours.com
