In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Gene Casaroll, known for the Dual-Ghia and its successor, the Ghia L 6.4, experienced a wave of success. His company, Automobile Shippers, boasted a fleet of over 100 semi-trailers, delivering new cars from factories to dealers who quickly sold them upon arrival. Not one to rest on his laurels, Casaroll sought new ventures. Post-war, he conceived a dual-engined lowboy transporter for heavy weapons but saw demand decline after V-E Day.
Turning to motorsports, Casaroll entered Indy with his Automobile Shippers Specials, driven by veterans like Henry Banks and George Lynch. He toyed with mass-producing Frank Kurtis’s sports car before encountering the Dodge “Firearrow” dream cars.
These Firearrows, crafted in Italy by Luigi Segre’s Carrozzeria Ghia, caught Casaroll’s eye. After negotiating with Chrysler, he redesigned and renamed them the Dual-Ghia, enhancing space, rigidity, and weight distribution. Launched in 1956, they garnered immediate acclaim. Casaroll selectively sold them, vetting orders based on personal criteria, including social standing and geography. The Rat Pack’s endorsement further elevated their prestige, with orders from luminaries like Frank Sinatra and Eddie Fisher.
In hindsight, these cars represent a pinnacle of luxury and performance, blending European styling with Mopar power, marking a remarkable chapter in automotive history.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
