Vehicle Description
1940 Dodge Luxury Liner Series D14 Convertible Coupe
In 1940, the average cost of a home was about $3,000. The cost of a
gallon of milk was 54 cents and gas was 18 cents for that same
gallon. The average income was about $1,400 per year, and cars were
a luxury item with starting prices of $850....more than half the
average national income. And if you were doing really well, you
could step into a Dodge Series D14 for about $1,000. According to
Classic.com, the Luxury Liner was created in 1939 to celebrate
Dodge's 25thanniversary. Production only lasted until 1941 after
which the model was split into the Deluxe and Custom.
For consignment, a rare 1940 Dodge Luxury Liner Series D14
Convertible Coupe - this is a consignor stated 4-owner car and
owner #4 did a frame-up restoration that began in 2005. An effort
that has made this car a consistent award winner including "first
in class" at national meets, including a win at a national Chrysler
products club meet. We often use the term "show and go" and after
looking this car over and despite its mechanically sound state,
we'd reserve this one for mostly show...it is very, very nice.
Exterior
Viper Red paint adorns this car and pops like a cardinal in the
snow. It's bright and shiny with wide fenders arching over red
painted wheels, blingy beauty rings and red-accented Dodge hub
caps...all wrapped in wide white wall tires. The body was brought
to bare metal before painting and the prep work has paid off, most
evident on that huge, rounded trunk. The brightwork is fantastic
with polished stainless steel and chrome everywhere including the
driver's spotlight. The bumper chrome is where quality really
shines, and these are accented with red chevrons on the
bumperettes. A black canvas top is in excellent condition and
functions properly with a glass rear window. The ram ornament leaps
forward and leads the charge of this pre-war beauty. One rust
bubble was noted low on one door but you'd have to look for it.
Interior
The straight stitched split bench seat was done in gray leather and
the simple door panels are also gray, with the added interest of
forward leaning lines pressed into the leather. A simple door
actuator and window crank are also there, not far from the small
armrest. The bottom of the door card picks up on the carpet and
matches with a darker gray. Flip down side seats are found in the
back for additional passengers. An ornate black steering wheel is
accented with red and the dash is pure art deco and not
over-restored. The metal, knobs and gauge faces retain some patina,
a reminder that you're driving something vintage. Some text on the
speedometer reads "Floating Power" and according to some forum
chatter onjalopyjournal.com, this refers to the motor mounts that
reduced engine vibration. A Mopar Deluxe heater box is found in the
passenger footwell...more vintage goodness! A vertical, push-button
radio looks well-played and we can only imagine the big band sounds
that emanated from this car back in the day. The trunk is carpeted
in charcoal and continues the gray theme.
Drivetrain
The original 217.8ci L-head six cylinder is in place and a single
barrel carburetor feeds the fuel. The transmission is a 3-speed
manual that sends power to the rear wheels and 4.10 gears. Our
consignor states that brakes, (drums all around), carburetor, and
wiring were done during the restorative phase of this car's long
life.
Undercarriage
The wheels and underbody parts painted in red surround an otherwise
black underside. Independent suspension and coil springs up front
with leaf springs in the back. Surface rust appears on suspension
components, the driveshaft, and the frame while excess bushing
grease has picked up some dirt along the way. Floorpans look solid
and the single exhaust looks great. Everything seems to be in order
here for a car that is occasionally driven.
Drive-ability
Easy does it as we roll this Luxury Liner out of the garage.
Sixteen-inch wheels provide a comfortable ride and the L-head puts
out that pleasant period sound. Second gear comes on smoothly as we
bring up some speed and our run allows us to advance to third
gear...all butter smooth and trouble free. We rode with the top up
and the back window is narrow, having us wish for a warmer day.
Through that window, however, you can catch a glimpse of the
rolling field of red that is the bulbous trunk. Braking takes some
thought alteration as these are not powered and not disc, so start
earlier than you would normally...and once that technique is
mastered, the car performs flawlessly.
It's likely the first owner of this car spent a good percentage of
his annual income to purchase this car. He probably could not have
fathomed that his luxury car of choice would be alive and well
nearly 100 years later. In fact, his car got an injection of youth
and looks even better today! Gleaming and bright, this rare bird is
ripe for a new caretaker and to be shown to the masses who will
undoubtedly ask, "What are we looking at?" "Well," you'll
respond..."let me tell you..."
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
