After a year and a half, the Dual-Ghia was complete. It is finished in a unique PPG color called Silk Khaki. Mike had leather hides designed for the interior. They were tanned to match the elegant exterior color. Its first showing was at the Bay Harbor Concours d'Elegance, where it was awarded the People's Choice Award. In 2001, Mike was invited to bring his Dual-Ghia to the grand daddy of all car shows: the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was awarded second place in the Post-War Custom Coach Work class. In 2002, it was awarded a blue ribbon at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, and in 2003, it was awarded Best in Class and Best in Show at the prestigious Amelia Island Coucours d'Elegance.
The Dual-Ghia stands as one of Chrysler's most unique spin-off automobiles. It featured classic European styling combined with proven American Hemi muscle.
Fast Facts
'58 HandBuilt Dual-Ghia
Mike Stowe
Boyne City, MI
Mopar Power
Engine: Yeah, it's got a Hemi, but it's an old one. at 315 inches, these first behemoths weren't as powerful as current configurations, but they hauled the mail back then.
Transmission: It took the pre-TorqueFlite PowerFlite to hold up to the Hemi of the day.
Differential: Stock 8-3/4.
Horsepower and Performance: this ain't no race car.
Sure Grip
Suspension: These cars were based on the Chrysler 300, so torsion bars and rear parallel leafs are the fare. It's all stock on this rare bird.
Brakes: Push and pray, but it's not a daily driver anymore.
High Impact
Body: The car's body was designed by Chrysler, and the design was fairly conservative. It features single headlamps and slab-sided features, avoiding fins and other styling gimmicks. A four-place convertible was the only offering. A Dodge frame and drivetrain was transported to Italy, where the bodywork was fabricated by the Italian coach-builder Ghia.
Paint: a unique PPG color called Silk Khaki.
Interior: Custom-designed leather for the interior. The parts were tanned to match the elegant exterior color.