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3455 N. Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63074
Telephone: (314)291-7000
Fax: (314)291-0957
E-Mail – info@schmitt.com
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Highlights
American Businessman Eugene Casaroll, who is credited as the inventor of the auto shipping business, had previous success in the automotive industry as his Dual Motors Corporation in Detroit, Michigan built military vehicles for use during WWII. His first production car was born out of his appreciation for the Virgil Exner designed and Carrozzeria-Ghia bodied Dodge Firebomb show car of 1955. After the Chrysler Group decided not to proceed with Firebomb production, Casaroll purchased the show car and together with designer Paul Farago refined the design for larger production. Farago was able to increase both passenger compartment space and luggage space with sacrificing Exner’s original design, but he did make the addition of tail fins, an American staple of the time. The renamed Dual-Ghia was first put into production by Casaroll’s Dual Motors Corporation in 1956. In a press release Casaroll described his new car as “intended for the car lover and, I am proud to say, is built by men who can claim that title by right of their art.” Dual-Ghia production started out with Dodge D-500 chassis that were shipped to Carrozzeria-Ghia in Turin, Italy, who shorted the wheelbase and hand-formed every inch of the Dual-Ghia’s body. Even with all their resources Ghia was limited to producing roughly a dozen bodies a month with each one subject to over 200 man hours of hand finished bodywork. English colony leather was sourced for every Dual-Ghia interior and helped to place the Dual-Ghia in a class of its own. Power was derived from the Dodge “Red Ram” HEMI V8 that was available with an optional 260 horsepower that was mated to a two speed “TorqueFlite” automatic transmission giving the Dual-Ghia effortless performance. Casaroll’s car combined the best of American innovation with the best Italian craftsmen in the world and was really in a class of its own. Despite this, the retail price of roughly $7,500 meant that it was only $200 more than a Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Casaroll’s unwillingness to compromise quality for cost quickly caught up with the Dual Motors Corporation and the model was put out of production by 1958. It has been estimated that only 100 Dual-Ghia’s were produced. Of this only around 30 are known to exist in running and driving condition. Their iconic, hand formed lines mated with the proven American performance originally gained the attention of celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ronald Reagan just as today they gain the attention of the world’s most discerning collectors and museums.
It was this one-upmanship that led legendary Hollywood columnist Dorothy Kilgallen to wisecrack that a Rolls-Royce was the “status symbol for those who can’t get a Ghia.” Presumably, there were a lot of Rolls-Royces delivered in the late 1950s, but only about 100 Dual-Ghias were made between 1956 and 1958. With the exception of a duo of prototype coupes, all were convertibles. Chassis number 197 is a very late-production example that was among the last examples built at the end of first-generation Dual-Ghia production. It is one car of about half of the 100-car production run built with the Dodge “Red Ram” V-8, which was a desirable optional 260-brake horsepower “Hemi” design that was considered to be the most sought-after of the engines offered by enthusiasts.
The 1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible featured here is finished in stunning Midnight Blue with a gorgeous tan and blue leather interior. It has made numerous Concours d‘Elegance appearances and took home an award at the coveted Pebble Beach show in 2010. This investment-grade Dual-Ghia is one of only 30 known to exist and is without question one of the best examples available on the market today. We are proud to offer this incredible 1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible to the most sophisticated collector, investor or enthusiast who only wants the best. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. Buy with confidence; this is an extremely rare opportunity.
High Retail: $714,350.00
High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle
showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent
condition. Note: This value does not represent a “100 Point” or “# 1” vehicle *.* “100 Point” or “# 1” vehicle is not driven. It would generally
be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate-regulated facility.
Daniel Schmitt & Co. is located in beautiful and historic St. Louis, Missouri. Our dealership spans 4 acres, boasts 3 luxurious showrooms, a state-of-the-art service department, a world-class restoration facility, and is only minutes away from Lambert International Airport. While we offer our cars for online sale and auction, we do also encourage you to visit our beautiful classic car showroom!
Family owned and operated for over 50 years, we are a classic and luxury car gallery, committed to delivering some of the rarest, highest-quality classic cars, to customers worldwide. Throughout the years, our classic car dealership has built its reputation as one of the most trusted providers of classic cars to enthusiasts, collectors or investors. We offer truly unique and beautiful motorcars for sale.
As Daniel Schmitt & Co. reviews will attest, we focus on providing a world-class automobile shopping experience with thorough descriptions and detailed images - an absolute must in the digital age, when many of our classic and investment cars are sold online. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
We look forward to working with you!
Finance rates as low as 8.9%.
We know that classic car financing can pose a unique challenge. Although a vintage or exotic car can be an excellent investment, some financial institutions attempt to apply standard “used car” rules for financing a classic car, which in many cases can make loan approval difficult.
We work closely with many banking institutions that understand and recognize the collector value of classic cars and view them as an investment, which allows us to help you get the financing you need so that you can have the car you have dreamed of.
Terms available up to 144 Months
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, (314)291-7000 or credit@schmitt.com
* Rates vary depending on year of car, length of term and credit score.
Warranty Available. Please inquire for more information.
Please note: Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. The prices listed in our ads are only shipping estimates, not the actual cost. Shipping costs vary depending on vehicle size, fuel prices, and carrier type.
Vehicle may be sold by our dealership before the end of auction.
Daniel Schmitt & Company has described the above-mentioned vehicle to the best of our ability. However, as with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, and we recommend that the potential buyer fly out to inspect, as well as test drive any of our vehicles before finalizing their purchase. If it is not feasible for you to personally perform an inspection, we will gladly help facilitate an inspection by an independent service center of your choice and will make delivery arrangements of the vehicle for this purpose. All vehicles are sold in “AS IS” condition. Extended warranty options are available on most vehicles. Please be advised that no verbal statements concerning any vehicle constitutes a representation or warranty of said vehicle. Our goal is to provide you with the best service and buying experience as possible. All purchases include an additional $385 processing fee which covers the processing of paperwork, pre-vehicle delivery costs, FedEx shipping fees, and a 30-day temporary registration plate so that the vehicle can be driven prior to the title transfer. (ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Please be aware that you will be responsible for the Federal Reserve fee(s) charged for all incoming wires).
In regards to winning bidders and Buy It Now customers: All winning bidders and Buy It Now bidders are encouraged to fly out and personally inspect the vehicle. If you deem the vehicle is not as represented upon personal inspection, we will not only refund your deposit, but will also reimburse your airfare at the cost of a coach ticket. Feedback must be left at the time of delivery upon final inspection.
Pertaining to non-eBay winners: Anyone who has provided a deposit but whose purchase is still pending, please note that said vehicle will not be held and is subject to being sold at any time until all contingencies are removed and the purchase order is signed.
The advertised mileage represents the actual miles when the car was posted online. These vehicles are test-driven and actual mileage may vary at the time of sale.
Condition Disclaimer
All used vehicles should be assumed to have some degree of wear. We do not manufacture our product. Each vehicle’s brand has its strengths, styles, tendencies, and shortcomings. Despite our best efforts to verify a vehicle’s mechanical condition, we are not able to warranty a manufacturer’s workmanship or a previous owner’s diligence in care of said vehicle. Due to this reason, all vehicles are sold “AS IS”. There are no mechanical guarantees, expressed or implied.
Daniel Schmitt & Co. reserves the right to end the auction at any time.
Daniel Schmitt & Co. 3455 North Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, MO 63074 (314)291-7000 info@schmitt.com
Showroom Hours Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (open until 5:00 by appointment) Sunday: Closed