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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Dodge Firearrow I

1953Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1953
Body style
Roadster
Engine
V8
Type
Concept

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Dodge Firearrow I was a striking concept car that made its debut in 1953, designed and built by the renowned Carrozzeria Ghia in Torino. Riding atop a 1954 Dodge chassis, the Firearrow I was an eye-catching creation that showcased Ghia’s masterful blend of Italian design and American automotive engineering. Finished in a vibrant bright red with dramatic gray molding that curved around the vehicle, the Firearrow I exuded an unmistakable sense of elegance and speed. The front featured a blade-like bumper that was split by a single pod, adding a dynamic flair to its already bold appearance. The first of four Firearrows, this concept car was equipped with dual headlamps and full wheel covers, which further complemented its futuristic yet refined look. Exposed exhaust pipes, two per side, were strategically placed along the flanks of the car, contributing to its aggressive and performance-oriented character. This was no ordinary concept car—it was an attention-grabbing, high-performance machine built to captivate. Inside, the Firearrow I’s cabin was a luxurious affair, with well-padded yellow leather seats accented by narrow maroon piping. The interior radiated Italian style, and the presence of a wood-rimmed steering wheel added an extra layer of sophistication. It was clear that every detail of the design was carefully considered to create a harmonious balance between beauty and function. The Dodge Firearrow I was showcased at the 1953 Turin Motor Show and the 1953 New York Auto Show, where it quickly caught the eye of automotive enthusiasts. Eugene Casaroll, a key figure in American automotive design, was particularly taken by the Firearrow I. Inspired by the concept, Casaroll went on to develop the Dual-Ghia Convertible, a successful production car that carried the spirit of the Firearrow I into the streets, cementing the concept car’s legacy in automotive history.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Designer · Documented
Virgil Exner
Manufacturer · Documented
Dodge
Design features · Legacy attribution
Firearrow

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1953
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
CarStyling — 1953 Dodge Firearrow I (Ghia) carstyling.ru Specialist design archive with period press reference

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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