Dodge D2 Coupe

Founded as the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 to supply parts and assemblies for Detroit’s growing auto industry, Dodge began making its own complete vehicles in 1914. The brand was sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1928 and fitted into the middle of a range which featured Plymouth at the bottom and Chrysler at the top with Dodge and DeSoto being the mid-priced brands. The famous Dodge ram bonnet mascot was introduced at this time.

 

Traditionally Dodge had always made rather conservatively styled and boxy vehicles but in 1935 the range was restyled in the so-called ‘Wind Stream’ look, a more curvaceous streamlined look which saw sales jump remarkably and still looks very seductive today. The D2 series was restyled at this time with a lengthened bonnet, ‘Air-Styled’ headlamps which matched the body colour and were no longer chromed, a less angled grille and chrome horizontal bars along each side of the bonnet. The instrument panel was revised and engineering innovations included silent front spring shackles. Power came from a 218ci (3.6-litre) inline six producing 87bhp. Introduced in 1934, this engine powered Dodge’s right through to 1941 with power transferred via a three-speed manual transmission.

 

Dating from 1936, this lovely looking right-hand drive Dodge D2 Coupe was made for the export market and was shipped in rolling chassis form to Australia. It was bodied by well-known Adelaide coachbuilders, TJ Richards & Sons, who specialized in high end American cars, and has a rumble seat to the rear. It is not known who it was built for but it was sold by Harden & Johnston in Sydney. After some time spent in Victoria, it was imported to the UK by a David Rice.

 

In 2006 it was fully restored by a subsequent keeper including a bare metal repaint in the colour you see today and a full rechrome. The interior trim was replaced with material correct to the 1930’s. The engine, gearbox and brakes were also rebuilt and the radiator re-cored and a new clutch fitted. The fuel tank is an enlarged factory option as are the unusual triple side-mounted spare wheels. The car is said to drive well with excellent oil pressure (50psi). At Brooklands last year, 128 UXP won Top 10 Chrysler, whilst at Classics on the Green in Hertfordshire it romped home with Best in Show. Altogether a most attractive and unusual car in fine condition throughout.