1957 Dual Ghia Convertible
- Engine
- 5.2L OHV V8, 230 bhp, four-barrel carburetor
- Colour
- Eggplant (dark purple)
Chassis 191 is a notably fin-less example of the rare Dual-Ghia convertible, one of roughly 100 hand-built automobiles produced between 1956 and 1958 by Eugene Casaroll's Dual Motors, combining a Dodge V-8 drivetrain with coachwork by Ghia of Turin. The absence of tailfins, a characteristic shared with only a small number of the final production cars, gives this example a distinctly modern silhouette. It was once owned by Canadian musician Rick Danko of The Band, who bought it for his wife in Woodstock, New York, and subsequently passed through several American and Canadian hands before receiving a documented restoration in its original Eggplant colour.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$275,000 – US$350,000
- Date unknownFactory deliveryEugene Casarollpartial documentation
Casaroll was the founder of Dual Motors and this chassis is noted as being among the last built, sharing the tailfin-delete feature seen on his personal vehicle.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRick Dankopartial documentation
Canadian musician, member of The Band, who acquired the car during the 1970s as a gift for his then-wife Grace Seldner; the couple used it around Woodstock, New York.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGrace Seldnerpartial documentation
Wife of Rick Danko; the car was purchased for her use and she drove it locally in the Woodstock area.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownEnthusiast owners in New York, Tennessee, and Ontarionone documentation
A series of unnamed owners across three locations followed the Danko period; no specific individuals or dates are identified.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGeorge Evoypartial documentation
Carried out a careful full restoration early in the 21st century, returning the car to its factory Eggplant color and fitting a burgundy and cream interior; work was praised by marque historian Dr. Paul Sable.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Used the car actively, including participation in a European touring event; engine was professionally serviced during this ownership.
Competition
- —Ladies Classic Car Tour
The car was driven through Europe as part of this touring event during the current ownership period.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Full restoration carried out by George Evoy in the early 2000s, returning the car to its original Eggplant exterior colour — traces of which were found in the bodywork — and fitting a burgundy and cream interior. The result was praised by Dual-Ghia historian Dr. Paul Sable.
Restoration described as presenting well at time of cataloguing.
- —Mechanical
Engine professionally sorted under current ownership; the car was otherwise reported to need little further attention.
Owner's account; no specialist workshop named.
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