Vehicle Description
1935 Dodge Model DU Sedan
The Dodge Brothers machine shop was founded in 1900, they built
engines for Olds and Ford. In 1914 they started building their own
cars. In 1928, Chrysler acquired Fargo Trucks and Dodge Brothers
and also established Plymouth and DeSoto brands. Plymouth was
Chrysler's lowest priced car, Dodge was next, then Desoto and
Chrysler was top of the line. In 1935, Dodge introduced the new DU,
not only did it have a revised narrower grille, but it had a lower
roofline, lower floor and parking lamps mounted on the front
fenders aprons. It also got hydraulic brakes, Autolite ignition,
ventilated clutch, automatic choke, leaf spring front suspension,
concealed radiator cap, easy steering, and a crank-open
windshield.
For consignment, a consignor stated all original car, which was
purchased from an estate. This car has a beautifully designed front
grille complete with a leaping Ram hood ornament. Paint looks to be
original with some rust and dents and dings acquired over the
years. The design mimics the humpback of the Fords, with 4 doors
that share a common pillar for the latches and black fenders and
running boards on either side. The interior retains its niceties
and save for a few faults that comes with age, this car is a
survivor.
Exterior
The beautifully designed front grille is the star of this show, all
in nice chrome, and a cascading oval in vertical format. Flanking
on either side are bullet cased headlights on stalks off of the
grille and just below these lights dual insert running lighting to
emulate the styling of the grille. Curved black fenders frame
yellow steel Artillery wheels on all 4's and a solid running board
connects them. Paint is best described as a steel blue with black
fenders. On this paint we see areas of cracking and some early
signs of light rust in the seams. The steel blue is chipped in a
few areas but is original to this car. Clean bumpers are hanging
off of the front and rear.
Interior
Simple but elegant would best describe the broadcloth interior.
Starting with the door panels which show in a light pleating with
buttons and shiny cranks and actuators. Some carpeting frames the
bottom edge of these doors. Slipping inside there are two
couch-like benches with some tuck and roll inserts and more
buttons. Like the doors these are in a faded orange reddish color
way. A large rear bench with some fancy armrests and ashtrays on
either side is present behind the driver's bench. Brown carpeting
floods the floors and all other surfaces are covered with more
orange/red broadcloth save for the headliner which is a brown
mohair and just a bit loose, particularly towards the rear window
area. The metal dash has some faux woodgraining and a centrally
located instrument panel. Nicely aged cream faced gauges are inset
into an aluminum silvered panel, and several bakelite topped shiny
knobs and levers are peppered throughout. Some wood applique (not
unlike printed drawer liner) not original to this car, have been
glued to the dash on either side of the instruments. A large shift
lever and an original steering wheel with a snazzy running ram
badge in the center reach for the driver.
Drivetrain
A lift of the cowled hood and we meet face to face a 218ci L head
inline 6-cylinder engine. Like the remainder of the car, it is
unrestored but does run. A 1-barrel carburetor is atop, with no air
filtration system I might add, and on back is a 3-speed manual
transmission and a rear axle with a 4.120 ratio rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is peeking through the black painted
undercarriage. Some road dirt, and minor rust on the running
boards, but the X frame is good and solid with no rust. Body
hangers are also solid. Leaf springs provide the ride, and
hydraulic drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
She fires up and runs nicely. Solid steering, and braking one just
has to plan a bit for the drum brakes! The interior was nice and
comfy, and during my drive I noticed the brake lights were in op,
and there seems to be nearly a sure bet that the left front wheel
bearing has gone bad.
A survivor if you will, original paint showing age, and an original
interior which holds up great to today's standards. Not too many of
these around and this one can be enjoyed or restored, have it your
way!
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.
