Some cars are remembered for their performance. Others for their beauty. But a rare few—like the 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible—are remembered for who rode in them. With only 117 ever built and just 34 known to survive, this hand-built Italian-American hybrid was more exclusive than a country club guest list.
This particular example wasn’t just rare—it was Ava Gardner’s, gifted by Frank Sinatra himself. With Detroit muscle under the hood and Turin craftsmanship on top, it represents a time when style, status, and horsepower all rode in the same car. For collectors, it doesn’t get much more personal.
Hollywood Royalty on Wheels
This 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible wasn’t just any boutique car—it was delivered new to Frank Sinatra’s production company and gifted to Ava Gardner. That alone makes it notable, but the car’s presence is anything but just background decor. Gardner’s ownership adds serious cultural weight, elevating it from rare to historic.
The car’s sleek design, blue-over-cream interior, and star-studded pedigree combine into a snapshot of postwar American glamour. While most movie props fade away, this one comes with its own IMDB credits and a direct line to the Rat Pack. It’s celebrity provenance you can actually park.
Built for the Jet Set, Not the Masses
The Dual-Ghia wasn’t designed to sell by the thousands—it was aimed squarely at the upper crust. Eugene Casaroll’s vision was to create a luxury convertible that blended Detroit brawn with Italian style, and Ghia’s hand-formed bodywork delivered on that promise.
Based on a shortened Dodge chassis, only 117 Dual-Ghias were ever produced. Today, just 34 are known to exist. That’s fewer than most concept cars, and yet these were street-legal, drivable symbols of postwar optimism. If you saw one on the road, it usually had a movie star behind the wheel.
Ghia’s Handcrafted Italian Touch
The Dual-Ghia’s curves didn’t come from a stamping press. Each body was shaped and assembled by hand at Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy. From the swooping fenders to the detailed interior stitching, this wasn’t mass production—it was a production line with a passport.
After receiving the U.S.-built drivetrain and chassis, Ghia shortened the frame and sculpted each car individually. Interiors were trimmed in fine leather, with metal trim and a dashboard that looked closer to a European sports car than a Detroit cruiser. It was artisan craftsmanship on an American powertrain.
Powered by a Dodge D-500 V8
Under the elegant exterior was some very real muscle. The 1957 Dual-Ghia came equipped with Dodge’s 361 cubic inch D-500 V8—an engine with dual four-barrel carburetors and a reputation for torque. It was mated to a smooth three-speed automatic and a limited-slip differential.
The setup produced over 300 horsepower, giving this luxury convertible plenty of go to match its show. Despite its polished manners, it could outrun quite a few domestic sedans of the day. Think of it as an early GT—luxury and power with a hint of menace when provoked.
Options That Weren’t Really Options
The Dual-Ghia wasn’t cheap, and it wasn’t built to be. Each car came loaded with power windows, power steering, power brakes, a heater with defrost, and a Town & Country AM radio. By 1950s standards, this was as close to a private jet as you could get on four wheels.
These features weren’t add-ons—they were expected. With a base price higher than a Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, the Dual-Ghia was for those who didn’t blink at price tags. It was the kind of car where the only decision you made was which club to valet it at.
Only the Elite Could Get One
Casaroll didn’t just sell these to anyone. Buyers had to be personally approved, and word has it the waiting list included names like Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Desi Arnaz. If you were seen in a Dual-Ghia, it meant you knew someone—or were someone.
That exclusivity helped fuel its mystique. Unlike Ferraris or Bentleys, the Dual-Ghia was almost invisible to the broader public. It was a status symbol whispered about in cigar lounges and private studios—not shouted from showroom rooftops. Today, that exclusivity translates to major collector appeal.
Award Winner with a Show Resume
This particular 1957 Dual-Ghia isn’t just a survivor—it’s a star in its own right. It’s been meticulously restored and has taken home honors at the Palos Verdes Concours and the Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance.
It’s also made its screen debut, appearing in the 1992 TV series Sinatra, and was displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In the world of classic cars, that’s like winning a Grammy and getting a Smithsonian residency in the same year.
Midnight Blue With Hollywood Flair
Finished in Midnight Blue with a matching convertible top, this car looks every bit the part of Hollywood royalty. The interior pairs dark blue with cream accents—elegant without trying too hard. It’s the kind of color scheme you’d expect to see pulling up to a 1950s studio lot.
This wasn’t about flash—it was about presence. The color combination only enhances the body’s long, low profile and rich detailing. When it comes to vintage glamour, this Dual-Ghia wears its tuxedo better than most.
Investment-Grade, Museum-Worthy
With only 34 Dual-Ghias known to remain, and fewer still in this condition, values have been climbing steadily. This isn’t just a stylish cruiser—it’s a blue-chip collectible with a proven record of turning heads and winning ribbons.
It also helps that it checks every collector’s box: rarity, provenance, award history, and a top-shelf restoration. Whether it lands in a private garage or a curated museum, this car has already secured its place in automotive history. It just needs the right curator.
Now Available at Daniel Schmitt & Co.
This Ava Gardner-owned Dual-Ghia is currently offered for sale through Daniel Schmitt & Co. in St. Louis. Fully restored and ready to show or drive, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of mid-century celebrity and design history.
It’s not every day that a coachbuilt convertible with this level of provenance hits the market. Whether you’re collecting for passion, prestige, or portfolio growth, this one delivers on all three. It’s ready for the concours lawn—or your garage.
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