Original California black-plate 4-door sedan, with a rebuilt flathead six-cylinder engine, original 6-volt electrical system, and original “Gyromatic” transmission (Dodge’s version of “fluid drive” – the semi-automatic transmissions of the era, which allow you to drive the car either with, or essentially without, the clutch.) 83,300-ish appear-to-be-original miles; 7K since rebuild. Garage-kept for the last twenty years, and drives practically as new -- better now than in all the time I've had it, due to installation of a new clutch and torque converter; such that it drives so smoothly that I hate to part with it. Truth is, I don't often drive it now, so time for a new owner. Over $20K invested; yours for less than half!
Original interior in very good condition but for a small blemish or two, five wide whitewalls (including the spare), driver- and passenger-side exterior chrome mirrors, six 50’s airplane-style color-coordinated seatbelts with chrome buckles, including driver and front passenger 3-point shoulder harnesses.
In addition to the rebuilt engine, the radiator, muffler, wiring harness, and most weather stripping have all been replaced. The carburetor has been rebuilt. Brand new clutch, torque converter, battery, and fuel-sending unit.
Gauges and heater all work. The dome light works, but the switch controlling it does not. (The light goes on as it should, when the door opens.) The radio works. The floor has been carpeted in matching blue by a previous owner – an improvement on the original rubber mats, if you ask me. The guts of the original ticking clock have been replaced with a silent quartz movement, with the original face showing.
This is a driver, rather than a show car – however the original paint and upholstery make this a very attractive car, and I always get compliments on it, whenever I take it out. It has some patina on the fenders, and a couple scratches on the hood. There is a small, barely perceptible dent in the right rear fender – you have to look for it to find it – I’ve forgotten it’s there. Looks to be an easy fix, if you care. There appears to be a very small bit of bondo around the lower edges of the rear quarter panels.
The headliner is original, darkened with age, but intact. There are what appear to be minor leaks underneath, consistent with a car of this vintage. My mechanic recommends leaving them alone. I change the oil periodically and am good to go.
There is a small tear on the driver's seat back, and faint stains on the rear passenger seats – again, you have to look for them to see them. Otherwise, the upholstery – which appears to be original – is impressive for a car of this vintage. (Front bench has been recovered with matching NOS fabric.)
It drives smooth on city streets or freeway – it feels quite comfortable at up to 70 mph – the fastest I’ve driven it; I’ve read these cars were rated up to 90 mph. It cruises easily at 50-60 mph. Includes a copy of the shop manual and the last 20 years of records.
