Gone Ghias

In the flashy cash-and-carriage world of Hollywood, actors are often known by the cars they keep. The premier model: a Dual-Ghia convertible. Hand assembled in Detroit, with an Italian body and Chrysler motor, the Dual-Ghia cost $7,500 cash (no trade-ins), and only 117 were made from 1957, when it was introduced, until production was stopped 18 months ago. Frank Sinatra got one of the first Dual-Ghias, and members of his clan, Eddie Fisher and Peter Lawford, were not far behind. But when Sinatra called up to order a fourth for Clansman Sammy Davis Jr., he was turned down. Reason: Detroit's Dual-Motors, which put out the convertible, claim the right to pick and choose their customers.

One would-be buyer from Brooklyn was told he would have to wait because two other Brooklynites had orders in. (He offered to move to Connecticut if that would help.) Financier Alexander Guterma surprisingly got three, but betrayed Dual-Ghia owners everywhere by landing in jail. With status seekers from Beverly Hills to Mount Kisco still clamoring for Dual-Ghias, Dual-Motors last week announced that it will have a new Dual-Ghia hardtop for sale this fall, to be called the "Ghia 6-4-L." Unlike the old car, the new one will be assembled in Italy, exported to the U.S. at the rate of 35 a year. Other new features: air conditioning, a speed near 140 m.p.h.--and a statusmanlike new price: $15,000.

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