Vehicle Description
1935 was the year that aerodynamics really started to resonate with
the car-buying public, and the result was that even
bread-and-butter cars like this lovely Dodge DU 4-door sedan were
simply gorgeous examples of art-deco design. A clean, solid car, it
has been very well-preserved over the course of its life, and
remains a very affordable way to enjoy some 1930s style.
There's a reason the Chrysler products were the best-looking cars
on the road in 1936. Custom designer Ray Dietrich was lured away
from Lincoln and became Chrysler's first true stylist. As a result,
the cars that arrived in 1935 were well-proportioned, modern, and
striking in execution. Even the four-door sedan, which was by far
their biggest seller, carries itself like a much more expensive
automobile. The survivor black paint works well on the somber
bodywork, highlighting the fact that this car has never been rusty
or bent, and although it shows some chips, cracks, and other signs
of age, it also gives this Dodge an honest, old-timey look. A
graceful waterfall grille shows good chrome, and widespread
adoption of stainless means that the trim is in good shape with a
nice, soft shine. And if you think the Dodge "Ram" mascot is a new
invention, just check out the hood ornament.
The interior is original brown mohair, a material so durable and
well-made that it's still functional and presentable an amazing 84
years later. Sure, it has signs of wear and tear throughout, and it
smells like an antique store, but it has no major problems to
address and we hope that the new owner would leave it be just as it
is. Combined with the woodgrained dash and lovely black-faced
instruments, it's a warm, inviting place to spend some time. The
wide bench seats are supportive and surprisingly comfortable for a
long drive, and the sedan body style offers plenty of room for your
whole family. Rubber mats in front and carpets in back was not
unusual in 1935, and that setup has been accurately recreated here.
All the original door hardware is very well preserved, and you'll
especially enjoy all the ivory knobs on the dash. Everything is as
you would have found it in 1935, which shows an incredible amount
of restraint on behalf of all the past owners that spanned the
course of almost 90 years, and even all the gauges appear to be
properly functioning, which shows you how well cars were made in
America in the 1930s.
Chrysler was famous for embracing innovation as it came along, and
as a result their cars have always offered hydraulic brakes and
fuel pumps, replacing two of the weakest links in most old cars'
mechanical resumes. The 218 cubic inch inline six made a very
respectable 87 horsepower and the design would power Mopar vehicles
for years with incredible reliability. The engine bay looks highly
original save for the updated ignition system and its bright red
wires, but we figure everyone is happy for that small trade off if
it means this 'ol girl will start more dependably. The silver head,
single-barrel carburetor with oil bath air cleaner, and thick
radiator are all reminders of how your grandparents used to travel.
The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily and feeds the stock
rear end, highlighting a chassis that looks nicely maintained,
particularly for its age. Handsome steel artillery wheels were
painted red and sport shiny beauty rings and Dodge hubcaps, and
they're all wrapped in pie-crust 6.00-16 whitewall bias-ply tires
to complete the correct look.
As when it was new, this Dodge offers a stylish, practical way to
get into a neat car for not a lot of money. If you're tired of hot
rods and customs, try this on for size. You may be pleasantly
surprised. Call today!