To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Hershey
event, 10 - 11 October 2019.
Estimate:
$15,000 - $25,000
- Famed sturdy four-cylinder Dodge
- 12-volt electrical system
- Well-conserved older restoration
Horace and John Dodge were foundry owners and engine manufacturers,
notably for Henry Ford. In 1913 they decided to build their own
car, launched the following year. A no-nonsense four, the Dodge
Brothers car was heavier than the Ford. It proved reliable and was
immediately popular, its exemplary service in World War I and with
General Pershing in Mexico adding to its appeal. Both brothers died
in 1920, and by the time this car was built, their widows were
tired of running the company. On 30 April 1925 they sold out to
Dillon, Read & Co., a New York banking firm. Walter Chrysler took
over scarcely three years later.
The 1923 Dodges were introduced in June 1922. Standard models
offered five body styles; Customs had four. The Standard Type B
business coupe featured the industry's first all-steel bodies; it
was joined by a Type B all-steel business sedan with Spanish
leather upholstery in September. Type A cars carried over from the
1922 model year, and closed bodies featured mohair upholstery.
Gifted to the Merrick Auto Museum in 1992, this Dodge Brothers
Standard Type A Roadster was the beneficiary of a frame-off
restoration the previous year. Very tidy in gloss black, it has
matching pleated leather upholstery and a black canvas top. The
engine compartment is very sanitary and features Dodge's famed
North East 12-volt electrical system with a chain-drive
starter-generator. The 212-cubic-inch Dodge four develops 35 bhp
and is known to be extremely reliable. The tires are 32 � 4 B.F.
Goodrich blackwall Silvertowns on demountable rims. The artillery
wheels have varnished wood spokes.
A desirable and rare original example of the sturdy 1923 Dodge,
this car should give excellent service to its new owner.
Please note the MotoMeter has broken off its winged radiator
cap.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
