1935 Dodge Model DU Sedan

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.

ExteriorThe 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.

InteriorSimple 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 appliqu (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.

DrivetrainA 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.

UndercarriageSome 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-AbilityShe 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.