Vehicle Description
The Big Three all introduced new pickup trucks in 1948, but
historians generally acknowledge that the Dodge B-series was the
most advanced of them all. While Ford and Chevy tried to put new
details in old trucks, Dodge went all-out and designed a completely
new vehicle with several notable improvements to design, safety,
and carrying capacity. The result is that trucks like this 1950
Dodge B100 drive like much more modern pieces, and when they're as
nicely restored as this one is, they're unusual and admired
additions to any collection.
The single most noteworthy design feature of the new Dodge trucks
was the fender line that sweeps all the way into the door panel.
Not only was this the first foray into the completely integrated
designs that would come in the 1950s, but it instantly made the
Ford and Chevy trucks look dated. Dodge designers referred to it as
the Pilothouse safety cab. Refinished in bright red with a black
bed, this handsome half-ton shows just the right amount of gloss,
perfectly appropriate to a working vehicle. Nicely assembled, the
door gaps are good, the fenders line up well, and that unique
side-opening hood sits just right. There's not a lot of chrome, and
the grille has been painted in white as was the fashion of the day,
giving the truck an honest, blue-collar look that's extremely
appealing. Bumpers are basic black, the bed features beautiful
fresh planks and drop-in stake sides, and it's still running a
single taillight, just like 1950.
The interior is spartan, yes, but still stylish in a hard-working
way. The bench seat features new black vinyl as original, and the
rubber floor mat meant that you could hose the interior out after a
long day working out in the field. Dual pods create a symmetrical
dashboard design, with only a speedometer and fuel gauge on the
driver's side, with controls for the wipers, lights, and ignition
in the center. Presumably, the passenger-side pod could hold an AM
radio, although as a work vehicle, such equipment would be quite
rare. All the gauges are fully operational and it isn't difficult
to feel at home behind that big steering wheel.
Flip up the side-opening hood and discover Dodge's rugged 218 cubic
inch inline-six engine, which was a mainstay of Chrysler products
for many years. Virtually indestructible, these flathead engines
made good torque and ran forever with only basic maintenance.
Thanks to a freshly rebuilt carburetor, this one runs smoothly and
moves the half-ton pickup very well on city streets, and will
cruise happily at 50 MPH all day. It's not detailed for show but
it's tidy, and from behind the wheel it delivers the true early
truck experience. It also features heavy duty oil and air filters
and a big radiator that will keep this hard working engine cool no
matter what the conditions. It's backed by a 4-speed manual
transmission with an ultra-low first gear for slow-speed work, but
in most cases you won't need it. The front axles and wheels of all
models eight inches further back than the former trucks and moved
the engine slightly forward, resulting in shifting more of the
payload to the front axle and allowing greater payload ratings
without adding heavier rear axle springs. As a result, the Dodge
rides and handles extremely well and feels much more car-like than
its contemporaries. A set of blackwall radials on the original
steel wheels certainly help ride and handling, yet look authentic
under the fenders.
If you've been looking for a vintage truck to cruise around in, and
are tired of all the Fords and Chevys you see these days, perhaps a
B-series Dodge is what you've been looking for. Give us a call
today!
