<PAGE>

                                      FORM 10-Q

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ______________________________

                 [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                        OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

                                          OR

                [  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                        OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                      For the transition period from ___ to ___

                            Commission file number 0-21139

                            DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.

                (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

              DELAWARE                      38-3185711
    (State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)      Identification No.)
           4508 IDS CENTER                    55402
        MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA              (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

                                    (612) 342-2311
                 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                    NOT APPLICABLE
      (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.

                             Yes X                No
                                ---                 ---

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Class A common stock, par
value $.01 per share, at October 16, 1997 was 3,881,720 shares.  The number of
shares outstanding of the Registrant's Class B common stock, par value $.01 per
share, at October 16, 1997 was 4,926,992 shares.



<PAGE>


ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS - UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                    1997                1996
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                             (Note 3)

<S>                                              <C>                 <C>
Revenues                                          $ 101,862           $  57,130
Cost of sales                                        86,605              50,010
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Gross profit                                     15,257               7,120
Selling, general and administrative expenses          7,305               3,651
Amortization expense                                  1,032                 219
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Operating income                                  6,920               3,250
Interest expense, net                                 2,299                 387
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Income before provision for income taxes          4,621               2,863
Provision for income taxes                            1,964               1,117
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Net income                                    $   2,657               1,746
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Net income per common and common
         equivalent share                         $    0.30            $   0.25
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Weighted average common and common
         equivalent shares outstanding                8,874               6,955
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------

</TABLE>

                        The accompanying notes are an integral
                   part of these condensed consolidated statements.


                                         -2-
<PAGE>

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS - UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                    1997                1996
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                             (Note 3)
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>
Revenues                                          $ 324,579           $ 184,487
Cost of sales                                       275,147             159,151
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Gross profit                                     49,432              25,336
Selling, general and administrative expenses         21,134              11,237
Amortization expense                                  2,806                 691
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Operating income                                 25,492              13,408
Interest expense, net                                 6,152               2,287
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Income before provision for income taxes         19,340              11,121
Provision for income taxes                            8,039               4,421
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Net income                                    $  11,301           $   6,700
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Net income per common and common
         equivalent share                         $    1.27           $    1.18
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------
    Weighted average common and common
         equivalent shares outstanding                8,864               5,669
                                                  ---------           ---------
                                                  ---------           ---------

</TABLE>

                        The accompanying notes are an integral
                   part of these condensed consolidated statements.


                                         -3-
<PAGE>

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 September 30,       December 31,
              Assets                                  1997               1996
-----------------------------------------        -------------       ------------
                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                    $    5,420          $    1,667
    Accounts receivable, net                         83,921              49,490
    Inventories                                      29,932              18,093
    Other current assets                             17,325              14,678
                                                 ----------          ----------
         Total current assets                       136,598              83,928
Property, plant and equipment, net                   75,295              47,347
Goodwill and other assets, net                      183,094             114,854
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                 $  394,987          $  246,129
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                 ----------          ----------

Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment
-----------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
    Current maturities of long-term debt         $    2,616          $       80
    Accounts payable                                 50,613              30,230
    Accrued liabilities                              34,752              26,090
                                                 ----------          ----------
         Total current liabilities                   87,981              56,400
Long-term debt, net of current maturities           172,807              77,376
Other noncurrent liabilities                         37,390              24,986
                                                 ----------          ----------
Stockholders' investment:
    Preferred stock                                      --                  --
    Common stock - Class A                               39                  38
    Common stock - Class B                               49                  50
    Additional paid-in capital                       63,375              63,061
    Retained earnings                                35,687              24,386
    Cumulative translation adjustment                (2,194)                 -
    Subscriptions receivable                           (147)               (168)
                                                 ----------          ----------
         Total stockholders' investment              96,809              87,367
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                 $  394,987          $  246,129
                                                 ----------          ----------
                                                 ----------          ----------

</TABLE>

                        The accompanying notes are an integral
                 part of these condensed consolidated balance sheets.


                                         -4-
<PAGE>

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                          (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS - UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                    Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                        1997                1996
                                                                    -----------         -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>                 <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Net income                                                        $  11,301            $  6,700
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to
         net cash provided by operating activities -
              Depreciation and amortization                               9,170               4,677
              Deferred income tax provision                                  --               2,218
              Changes in other operating items                          (24,379)             (1,169)
                                                                      ---------           ---------

         Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities             (3,908)             12,426
                                                                      ---------           ---------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired                                  (64,273)                -
    Capital expenditures, net                                            (6,157)             (3,115)
    Other, net                                                                -              (3,211)
                                                                      ---------           ---------

         Net cash used in investing activities                          (70,430)             (6,326)
                                                                      ---------           ---------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Net proceeds from Offering                                               --              49,576
    Borrowings under revolving credit facility                          234,770              71,250
    Repayment of revolving credit facility                             (153,042)            (81,000)
    Repayments of debt                                                   (3,789)            (41,557)
    Other, net                                                              343                 (20)
                                                                      ---------           ---------

         Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities             78,282              (1,751)
                                                                      ---------           ---------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH                                            (191)                -
                                                                      ---------           ---------

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                   3,753               4,349

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
    Beginning of period                                                   1,667               1,732
                                                                      ---------           ---------

    End of period                                                      $  5,420            $  6,081
                                                                      ---------           ---------
                                                                      ---------           ---------

</TABLE>
                        The accompanying notes are an integral
                   part of these condensed consolidated statements.


                                         -5-
<PAGE>

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     (UNAUDITED)

1.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been
    prepared by Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), without audit,
    pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
    Commission.  The information furnished in the condensed consolidated
    financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all
    adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
    presentation of such financial statements.  Certain information and
    footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
    condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  Although the
    Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
    presented not misleading, it is suggested that these condensed consolidated
    financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial
    statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's 1996 Annual
    Report to Stockholders.

    Revenues and operating results for the three and nine months ended
    September 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
    expected for the full year.

2.  Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

                                Sept. 30, 1997      Dec. 31, 1996
                                --------------      -------------
        Raw materials              $15,297              $ 9,384
        Work in process              9,885                4,767
        Finished goods               4,750                3,942
                                   -------              -------
                                   $29,932              $18,093
                                   -------              -------
                                   -------              -------

3.  In October 1996, the Company acquired the parking brake business of
    Rockwell Light Vehicle Systems France S.A. (the French Operations).  The
    aggregate purchase price was approximately $3.75 million.  The parking
    brake business is operated from a facility in Cluses, France.  The pro
    forma effects of this transaction are not material to the Company's results
    of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996.

    In December 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
    of KPI Automotive Group (KPI) from Sparton Corporation for approximately
    $78.8 million in cash.  KPI manufactures shifter systems, parking brake
    mechanisms, brake pedals, underbody spare tire carriers and airbag
    components for the North American automotive industry.  The acquisition was
    financed with proceeds from borrowings under the Company's bank credit
    agreement.

    In January 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
    of the VOFA Group (VOFA) for approximately $38 million in cash and assumed
    indebtedness.  The purchase was financed with borrowings under the
    Company's bank credit agreement.  The


                                         -6-
<PAGE>

    Company will also make additional payments of up to approximately $6
    million if certain operating targets are achieved by VOFA in the first
    three years following the acquisition.  VOFA manufactures shifter cables,
    brake cables and other light duty cables for the European automotive and
    industrial markets from facilities in Dusseldorf, Gehren and Daun, Germany
    and Barcelona, Spain.

    In May 1997, the Company acquired the automotive parking brake business
    from Excel Industries, Inc. for approximately $2.9 million.  The pro forma
    effects of this transaction are not material to the Company's results of
    operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the
    nine months ended September 30, 1997.

    In August 1997, the Company acquired GT Automotive Systems, Inc. (GT
    Automotive), headquartered in Livonia, Michigan.  GT Automotive has
    manufacturing facilities in Livonia and Warren, Michigan and Windsor and
    Brantford, Ontario, Canada, with annual revenues of approximately $70
    million.  Initial consideration for the acquisition of GT Automotive was
    $45 million in cash and assumed indebtedness.  The acquisition was financed
    with proceeds from borrowings under the Company's bank credit agreement, as
    amended.

    The accompanying unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations for
    the nine months ended September 30, 1997 gives effect to the acquisition of
    GT Automotive as if it was completed at the beginning of the period.  The
    unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations for the nine months
    ended September 30, 1996 give effect to the Company's August 1996 initial
    public offering of 3,795,000 shares of Class A common stock and the
    acquisitions of KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive as if they were completed at
    the beginning of the period.  The unaudited pro forma financial information
    does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations
    would actually have been if such transactions had occurred at such date or
    to project the Company's results of future operations (in thousands, except
    per share data):

                                   Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                   ------------------------------
                                       1997               1996
                                     --------           --------
        Revenues                     $365,220           $359,307
                                     --------           --------
                                     --------           --------

        Operating income             $ 28,497           $ 25,138
                                     --------           --------
                                     --------           --------

        Net income                   $ 11,520           $  9,298
                                     --------           --------
                                     --------           --------

        Weighted average common
          and common equivalent
          shares outstanding            8,864              8,811
                                     --------           --------
                                     --------           --------

        Net income per common
          and common equivalent
          share                      $   1.30           $   1.06
                                     --------           --------
                                     --------           --------

                                         -7-
<PAGE>

4.  Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

                                     Sept. 30,          Dec. 31,
                                       1997               1996
                                     --------           --------

      Revolving credit facility      $158,728           $77,000
      Other                            16,695               456
                                     --------           -------
                                       175,423            77,456
      Less-current maturities          (2,616)              (80)
                                     --------           -------

                                     $172,807           $77,376
                                     --------           -------
                                     --------           -------



    The Company's bank credit agreement, as amended, consists of a revolving
    credit facility with a committed amount of $200 million, is collateralized
    by substantially all assets of the Company, matures in August 2002 and
    bears interest at the lender's prevailing reference rate plus .5% or the
    Eurocurrency rate plus .5%, at the discretion of the Company.  The
    agreement also provides the Company with the ability to denominate a
    portion of its borrowings in foreign currencies up to an amount equivalent
    to $50 million ($30 million sub-limit for Deutsche Marks).  As of September
    30, 1997, $154.7 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving
    credit facility are denominated in US dollars and $4.0 million of
    borrowings are denominated in Deutsche Marks.  The bank credit agreement
    requires the Company to pay a facility fee on the commitment amount of .25%
    and contains various restrictive covenants, which, among other matters,
    require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum
    liquidity and interest coverage.  The bank credit agreement also limits
    additional indebtedness, investments, rental obligations and cash
    dividends.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at
    September 30, 1997.  In addition, the Company has outstanding letters of
    credit in the amount of approximately $3.0 million expiring through July
    2000.

5.  During March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings
    per Share", which requires the disclosure of basic earnings per share and
    diluted earnings per share.  The Company expects to adopt SFAS 128 in
    fiscal 1998 and anticipates it will not have a material impact on
    previously reported earnings per share.

6.  Supplemental cash flow information (in thousands):

                             Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                                  Sept. 30,               Sept. 30,
                             ------------------      -----------------
                               1997        1996       1997        1996
                               ----        ----       ----        ----
      Cash paid for -
          Interest         $  2,031      $  759   $  5,552    $  2,908
          Income taxes        1,680         910      3,974       1,962


                                         -8-
<PAGE>

ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 TO THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

REVENUES  --  Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1997 increased
by $44.8 million, or 78.5%, to $101.9 million from $57.1 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1996.  The increase in revenues relates primarily to
the acquisitions of KPI Automotive Group (KPI) in December 1996, the VOFA Group
(VOFA) in January 1997 and GT Automotive Systems, Inc. (GT Automotive) in August
1997.

COST OF SALES  --  Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 1997
increased by $36.6 million, or 73.2%, to $86.6 million from $50.0 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1996.  Cost of sales as a percentage of
revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1997 was 85.0% compared to
87.6% for the three months ended September 30, 1996.  Lower margins from the
KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive acquisitions were offset by higher incremental
margins on certain new business, continued cost reduction efforts, including
cellular manufacturing and plant consolidation, and the effects of cost
reduction opportunities at KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive.

S, G & A EXPENSES  --  Selling, general and administrative expenses doubled from
1996 levels to $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1997 from
$3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996.  The increase was
due to increased support for worldwide engineering and marketing efforts
partially offset by initial consolidation opportunities at KPI, VOFA and GT
Automotive.  As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative
expenses were 7.2% for the three months ended September 30, 1997 compared to
6.5% for the three months ended September 30, 1996.

INTEREST EXPENSE  --  Interest expense for the three months ended September 30,
1997 was $2.3 million compared to $387,000 for the three months ended September
30, 1996.  The increase was due principally to borrowings incurred related to
the acquisitions of KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive.

INCOME TAXES  --  The effective income tax rate was 42.5% for the three months
ended September 30, 1997 and 39.0% for the three months ended September 30,
1996.  The effective rates differed from the statutory rates as a result of
higher foreign tax rates and the effects of state taxes and non-deductible
goodwill amortization.

COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

REVENUES - Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 increased by
$140.1 million, or 75.9%, to $324.6 million from $184.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996.  The increase in revenues relates primarily to
the acquisitions of KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive.


                                         -9-
<PAGE>

COST OF SALES - Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
increased by $115.9 million, or 72.8%, to $275.1 million from $159.2 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  Cost of sales as a percentage of
revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was 84.8% compared to
86.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. Lower margins from the KPI,
VOFA and GT Automotive acquisitions were offset by higher incremental margins on
certain new business, continued cost reduction efforts, including cellular
manufacturing and plant consolidation, and the initial effects of cost reduction
opportunities at KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive.

S, G & A EXPENSES - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
$9.9 million, or 88.4%, to $21.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 from $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  The
increase is due primarily to incremental costs from the acquisitions of KPI,
VOFA and GT Automotive.  As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and
administrative expenses were 6.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
compared to 6.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.

INTEREST EXPENSE - Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1997
was $6.2 million compared to $2.3 million for the nine months ended September
30, 1996.  The increase was due principally to borrowings incurred related to
the acquisitions of KPI, VOFA and GT Automotive.

INCOME TAXES - The effective income tax rate was 41.6% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 39.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  The
effective rates differed from the statutory rates primarily as a result of
higher foreign tax rates, state taxes and non-deductible goodwill amortization.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's bank credit agreement, as amended, consists of a $200 million
revolving credit facility which expires in August 2002.  The agreement also
provides the Company with the ability to denominate a portion of its borrowings
in foreign currencies up to an amount equivalent to $50 million ($30 million
sub-limit for Deutsche marks).  As of September 30, 1997, there was $158.7
million outstanding under this revolving credit facility, including $4.0 million
which is denominated in Duetsche Marks.  The bank credit agreement requires the
Company to pay a facility fee on the commitment amount of .25% and contains
various restrictive covenants, which, among other matters, require the Company
to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum liquidity and interest
coverage.  The bank credit agreement also limits additional indebtedness,
investments, rental obligations and cash dividends.  The Company was in
compliance with all such covenants at September 30, 1997.  In addition, the
Company has outstanding letters of credit in the amount of approximately $3.0
million expiring through July 2000.

In October 1996, the Company acquired the parking brake business of Rockwell
Light Vehicle Systems France S.A.  The aggregate purchase price was
approximately $3.75 million.  The parking brake business is operated from a
facility in Cluses, France.


                                         -10-
<PAGE>

In December 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
KPI from Sparton Corporation for approximately $78.8 million in cash.  KPI
manufactures shifter systems, parking brake mechanisms, brake pedals, underbody
spare tire carriers and airbag components for the North American automotive
industry from facilities in Indiana and Michigan.  The acquisition was financed
with proceeds from borrowings under the Company's bank credit agreement.

In January 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of the
VOFA for approximately $38 million in cash and assumed indebtedness.  The
Company will also make additional payments of up to approximately $6 million if
certain operating targets are achieved by VOFA in the first three years
following the acquisition.  VOFA manufactures shifter cables, brake cables and
other light duty cables for the European automotive and industrial markets from
facilities in Dusseldorf, Gehren and Daun, Germany and Barcelona, Spain.

In May 1997, the Company acquired the automotive parking brake business from
Excel for approximately $2.9 million.  The acquisition was financed with
proceeds from borrowings under the Company's bank credit agreement.

In August 1997, the Company acquired GT Automotive headquartered in Livonia,
Michigan.  GT Automotive has manufacturing facilities in Livonia and Warren,
Michigan and Windsor and Brantford, Ontario, Canada, with annual revenues of
approximately $70 million.  Initial consideration for GT Automotive was $45
million in cash and assumed indebtedness.  The acquisition was financed with
proceeds from borrowings under the Company's bank credit agreement, as amended.

The Company believes borrowings under its bank credit agreement, as amended,
together with funds generated by the Company's operations, will provide the
Company with sufficient liquidity and capital resources for working capital,
capital expenditures and other needs.  However, any additional significant
acquisitions may require additional debt or equity financing.  The Company
believes additional financing will be available from bank lenders, through the
issuance of public or private debt securities or through additional offerings of
equity securities.

The Company's principal source of funds has been, and is anticipated to be, its
cash flows from operations.  During the nine months ended September 30, 1997,
the Company generated cash from operations of $20.5 million before the effects
of changes in working capital compared to $13.6 million in 1996.  The Company
estimates that it will fund approximately $6 million in capital expenditures for
the remaining months of 1997.  These capital expenditures will be used primarily
for the purchase of machinery and equipment to support new business awards, as
well as to finance continued cost reduction efforts.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

Inflation generally affects the Company by increasing the interest expense of
floating rate indebtedness and by increasing the cost of labor, equipment and
raw materials.  Management believes that inflation has not significantly
effected the Company's business over the past 12 months.  Prevailing industry
practices have not allowed the Company to pass such costs on to its customers.
Rather, the effects of inflation must be offset by productivity improvements and
volume from new business awards.


                                         -11-
<PAGE>

                             PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

                    DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings:

         Other than as reported in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form
         10-K under the caption "Legal Proceedings," the Company is not
         currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings, other
         than routine matters incidental to the business of the Company.

Item 2.  Change in Securities:

         None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities:

         None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:

         None

Item 5.  Other Information:

         None

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:
                                                                Sequential
         (a)  Exhibits:                                        Page Number
                                                               -----------

              4.1  Form of Amendment No. 1, dated July 1, 1997,
                   to the Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. Amended
                   and Restated Stockholders Agreement dated
                   August 13, 1996.

              11   Statements of Computation of Earnings Per
                   Share For the Three and Nine Months Ended
                   September 30, 1997 and 1996.

              27   Financial Data Schedule

         (b)  On September 12, 1997, the Company filed Form 8-K
              reporting under Item 2 of that Report the
              acquisition of GT Automotive Systems, Inc. on
              August 29, 1997.


                                         -12-
<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                       DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.


Date:  November 12, 1997               By /s/ Stephen E.K. Graham
                                          --------------------------
                                          Stephen E.K. Graham
                                          Vice President, Chief
                                          Financial Officer
                                          (principal accounting and
                                          financial officer)






                                         -13-