Vehicle Description
1948 Dodge Special Sedan
Some features were never duplicated by others in Detroit. Take, for
example, Fluid Drive. Starting in 1939, vehicles so equipped had a
standard three-speed manual transmission and clutch, but also had a
fluid coupling torque converter in lieu of a conventional flywheel;
there was no direct connection between the engine and the
driveshaft. The only moving parts were two finned and bowl-shaped
steel shells...one attached to the crankshaft, acting as an
impeller, while the other attached to the driveshaft. The two parts
were submerged in a couple of gallons of low-viscosity oil and
never touched. The practical effect was that, once you got going,
you could drive without a clutch, even after stopping for a traffic
light; a light touch on the brake while stationary and pointed
uphill was enough to keep from rolling backward.
For consignment and your enjoyment, a barn find of more big Detroit
1940's build 'em like a brick s%%t house iron road monsters in the
embodiment of a 1948 Dodge Special. She's rustic, and black, rough
and tumble, big and bold, and is awaiting a good hand to bring her
back to the large and in charge floating glory she once was.
Imagine rolling up in one of these beauties, and this one an open
pallet to do with what you want.
Exterior
This rustic black 4 door shows with little to no rust on the body
panels and is of the typical design of the times with bulbous
integrated fenders, some chrome trimmings running the gamut, and
overall rounded aerodynamic design. Trimmings in dimpled and some
rusted condition are all there though. Dulled moon caps are on all
4 corners, and a large egg crate grille spans across the bow of
this car. Plenty of trim spears are seen, as one is on the center
of the hood running towards the windshield, side of the hood
running rearward on the belt line to the mid rear quarter, and 2
short ones running above the wheel wells and ending mid fender. A
chromed rocker trim is seen, and this has a very thin fender seam
trim running the gamut on the rear quarter. A nicely curved back of
this car curves gracefully downward, but also rounds off just a bit
side to side, as it morphs into the rear trunk lid.
Interior
Cracking open the doors we see Art Deco inspired door panels with
vertical striped broadcloth for 2/3 of the panel and wide
horizontal stitched plain broadcloth for the remaining third. A
ribbed vertical trim separates these two panels. Inside plaid vinyl
seat covers hide more striped broadcloth seating showing as dual
benches front and rear. The front bench appears in fair condition
despite the covering wearing off, and the rear bench is still
covered so we can assume the underlying broadcloth is good. More
Art Deco inspired design is picked up for the dash which has
painted faux woodgrain intermixed with vertical ribbed chromed
panels which house square gauges, a round speedometer, a vertical
radio, and a central speaker and clock with plenty of brown
bakelite buttons below. The original steering wheel is fronting
this dash, and contains its massive center, horn ring, and bakelite
surrounding ring, all in need of restoration. A water damaged
headliner is above, and floors are covered in ribbed rubber in the
front and worn tan carpet which has seen better days.
Drivetrain
The 230ci Inline 6-cylinder is present although is fully involved
in surface rust, and has several parts and hoses missing, as well
as the air cleaner. There is a 1-barrel carburetor attached, and a
3-speed automatic fluid drive is on the back. The rear axle is
driven by 3.90 gears.
Undercarriage
Independent coil springs and leaf springs are the suspension which
are attached to a heavily surface rusted frame and overall
undercarriage. Even though there is an abundance of rusted
surfaces, structural integrity is still maintained with no invasive
rust seen, even on the rockers. There is plenty of surface rust,
grease, and accumulated road dirt for this undercarriage.
The definition of a barn find, of a massive car with big metal and
miles of chrome. It will need a total redux but restored examples
of these cars are simply beautiful and show off the excesses of the
era for sure. Float on down the highway with this one.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
