The 1957 Dual-Ghia occupies a rarefied space in automotive history, representing a time when Detroit muscle and Italian artistry collided to create the ultimate status symbol. This particular example, Chassis 150, carries a provenance that few vehicles can match, having been purchased new by Frank Sinatra’s production company and reportedly gifted to his wife, screen legend Ava Gardner. As the 50th of approximately 115 convertibles produced, it serves as a rolling testament to the “Jet Age” glamour that captivated Hollywood’s elite. From its time on the silver screen in the 1992 miniseries Sinatra to its residency at the Petersen Automotive Museum, this car is a verified cultural icon.
Hand-Sculpted Italian Lines in Midnight Blue
Drawing direct inspiration from Virgil Exner’s Chrysler Firearrow concepts, the exterior of the 1957 Dual-Ghia is a masterclass in hand-formed steel. This example is finished in a deep dark blue that accentuates the subtle tail fins and the wraparound windscreen that defined the era’s forward-looking design. Every body panel was crafted by Ghia in Turin before being shipped back to Dual Motors in Michigan for final assembly. High-end details include the signature mesh-covered side grilles, triple chrome-plated brass trim, and 15-inch steel wheels adorned with Dual-Ghia branded covers. The dark blue convertible top integrates seamlessly with the silhouette, maintaining the car’s sophisticated profile whether open or closed.
A Cabin Tailored for the Chairman of the Board
Stepping inside this 1957 Dual-Ghia reveals a luxurious sanctuary of dark blue and cream leather, a color palette that perfectly mirrors the car’s exterior elegance. The dashboard features a period-correct engine-turned instrument panel housing a 120-mph speedometer and a 6k-rpm tachometer, offering the driver a cockpit that feels both athletic and artisanal. A significant highlight is the dashboard plaque stating the car was made specifically for Frank Sinatra, a detail that reinforces its unique connection to the Rat Pack era. Modern amenities of the time, such as power windows and a town-and-country push-button radio, ensure that the cabin remains as functional as it is beautiful.
Enhanced Chrysler RB V8 Big Block Power
While the Dual-Ghia originally featured Dodge HEMI or Poly power, this example has been upgraded with a formidable replacement 440ci Chrysler RB V8. This big-block heart breathes through dual Weber four-barrel carburetors and is dressed with Dodge D500 valve covers for a factory-inspired look. The engine delivers an effortless wave of torque through an automatic transmission, providing the kind of refined cruising power expected of a transcontinental grand tourer. While performance data for this specific build is a factory benchmark, the 440 displacement significantly increases the car’s capability compared to its original 315ci configuration. Handling is supported by a shortened Dodge chassis with a 115-inch wheelbase and updated power-assisted front disc brakes.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Chassis Number | 150 |
| Engine Type | 440ci Chrysler RB V8 |
| Induction | Dual Weber 4-Barrel Carburetors |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Automatic |
| Braking System | Power-Assisted Front Discs |
| Wheelbase | 115 Inches |
| Exterior Color | Dark Blue |
| Interior Material | Dark Blue & Cream Leather |
Unrivaled Exclusivity and Investment Potential
The 1957 Dual-Ghia was famously more expensive than a Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz when new, and that exclusivity has only intensified with time. With only 34 units believed to survive today, Chassis 150 stands at the apex of the collector market due to its ironclad celebrity connection. While standard Dual-Ghias frequently command high prices at major auctions, the combination of Sinatra ownership and a high-quality refurbishment makes this car a blue-chip investment. It represents a unique alternative to European contemporaries like the Facel Vega or Mercedes 300SL, offering a distinctly American blend of luxury and high-displacement performance that continues to outpace market rivals.
The Ultimate Synthesis of Design and Provenance
This 1957 Dual-Ghia is not merely a vehicle; it is a preserved moment of mid-century high society. By marrying the legendary reliability of Chrysler engineering with the unparalleled grace of Italian coachbuilding, Dual Motors created a masterpiece that remains as striking today as it was on the streets of Palm Springs in the fifties. Whether considered as a concours-level show car or a high-speed touring machine, Chassis 150 offers its next custodian a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Frank Sinatra legacy. It stands as a permanent icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood, ready to lead any world-class collection.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
