Received a little too late to include in the News Reports page of Hemmings Classic Car, I received word from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum regarding legendary singer/actor Bobby Darin’s custom-made automobile: the 1960 Di Dia 150.
Also referred to as the Bobby Darin Dream Car, the Di Dia was designed by Andy Di Dia in 1953 and took seven years to build at a reported cost in excess of $93,000. The 125-inch wheelbase car features then-radical design elements, including rotating taillamps (when the car is turning), hidden headlamps and hinged glass windows. Also included with the build were thermostatically controlled air conditioning and elaborate bucket seats. It has also been long rumored that 30 coats of paint were originally sprayed onto the body, which was infused with diamond dust. When completed, Darin used the car to make an appearance at the Academy Awards after being nominated for his role in the 1963 film Captain Newman M.D. Later, the car was donated to the St. Louis, Missouri, Museum of Transportation following its 1973 restoration.
The Di Dia is now currently on display at the aforementioned ACD Automobile Museum until September 10, which means if you have plans to stop in Auburn, Indiana, for the annual ACD Festival Labor Day weekend, you’ll be able to check out the custom car for yourself.