My copy of Thomas A. McPherson’s The Dodge Story does not mince words: “The least popular body style in the DeLuxe Series in [1946, 1947, and 1948] was the three-passenger coupe…the complete production run only produced 27,600.” Indeed, the coupe wasn’t flying off showroom floors even in the heated postwar marketplace, but I’ll argue that it’s the most popular today. I regularly see fairly rough examples selling for far more than their less polarizing counterparts in the Dodge line. Their “coming-or-going” proportions should be all wrong, but I can’t help it; I love ’em. If you too see the beauty in these postwar Dodges, you may be interested in this one. Barn Finds reader NW Iowa Kevin found it on Marketplace in Monticello, Wisconsin, with an asking price of $13,000.
Unfortunately, this car is being sold to settle an estate, and while it “was driven to car shows two years ago,” it doesn’t run now, nor has the seller tried to start it (it doesn’t even have a battery). Two years isn’t that long, but the new owner will certainly want to drain that fuel tank to keep those old valves from sticking. Why pull the head if you don’t need to? The engine itself is the familiar 230-cubic-inch Chrysler six, rated at 102 horsepower; it had a 6.6:1 compression ratio and solid lifters (let’s face it, that will be one of your future tasks once you get it running, so break out the feeler gauges). With a claimed 39,000 miles, there’s a good chance that the engine will run fine with a little tinkering.
The pictures of the interior are not very helpful in determining its condition, but it’s easy to see that the seat doesn’t match; however, it’s also one of the easiest seats to recover, a plain bench, so reupholstering it shouldn’t be too difficult or expensive.
A cool feature: “Fluid Drive” was embossed in the rear bumper to advertise Chrysler’s “almost an automatic” transmission, which was an option on the 1948 Dodge. This angle also gives a better view of the coupe’s gaping rear deck; once again, the proportions shouldn’t work, but I love these “business” coupes.
Is $13,000 too much money for a non-running postwar Dodge? I’ve certainly seen rougher ones being sold for not much less. It’s not exactly the kind of car that makes for a good hot rod (just my opinion), but its unique styling could lend itself to some mild customization if that’s your thing. I’d get it running and see what I could do with that right rear fender, and then I’d get a set of tires, and then I’d worry about the seat…I’m already making my dream list. If a Dodge coupe is your dream car, this looks like a solid example of a model that doesn’t show up for sale too often. It just goes to show, if you wait long enough, everything’s in style.
These are beautiful body styles and highly desirable, don’t know if I would justify the asking price without a running driving vehicle? These were great reliable cars and of good quality and this would be a great car to enjoy for a old car enthusiast , still would be worth looking into if there can be certain details out between seller and buyer….
The lines of this car aren’t flattering. A bit stodgy. The dash looks to be in nice condition, though. I think 13K might be a tad high for this car. Removing the visor might help it’s looks.
Polarizing? You bet! That really short cab make the front and rear look much longer that they really are, but I like it! I think this car was also called a business coupe, meant to carry a salesman up front and all his wares in the back. Hence the missing back seat. (insert traveling salesman jokes here). I think if there’s a little wiggle room on the price, this could be a good buy.
MOPAR’s, Plymouth to Chrysler make these things up to the 1970’s, one collection in my brain is one of each kind, from the late 1930’s up. Even the Studebaker Commander coupes, which had a similar long rear deck, did not reach this excess.
LOVE that DASHBOARD and steering wheel! But the REST of it, you can keep, thank you.
Uh, no they didnt .. business coupes weren’t popular by the late 40s -and were gone by the early 50s .
I’ve grown to really dislike this body style. It looks so out of proportion.
When I was a kid, these cars were, virtually, everywhere. I thought them ugly then; I haven’t changed my mind.
I agree . I’ve never likes the looks of these
What is it lately with people posting cars for sale with no more photos of it than you’d take at a grave site? — Do they use a film camera and have to send the film off to Japan to get them developed? – IMO – being scant on the photos is a huge red flag! – As for this buggy, it appears overall in good condition – at least the dash is in great condition, and the body appears straight and ready for a repaint. Otherwise – no way to tell – and for 13K – a buyer should know everything possible about the car before even considering anything more about it.
It’s an estate sale – the pics were probably taken by clueless offspring/executor who don’t know or care – so, in this case, maybe not a huge red flag but a quiet green one.
Yep – that makes sense. You probably nailed it. — I really like the car – and its period styling, and when I like a car, I want to see as much of it as I can.
I do like these business coupes and the boubous lines of this. I’ve owned a Plymouth and a Dodge truck with similar flat six engine. They are very reliable. Tune ups simple, including adjusting the “side valves” with the engine warmed up and running. I always got my hand burnt on the manifold! Interior looks nice with as much as is shown. The paint may be an issue, or not. Looks pretty rust free, and very likely easy to get running. Is 8 or 9 thousand more like it?
I’ve always thought these post war “3 searers” and “businessman coupes” were so out of proportion.
And Harrison, I agree that dashboard is a work of art. I miss the beauty of a chromed dashboard.
The cars with the big touchas, :)
I always thought that these 3 seat businesses coupes had nice lines. I like the proportions. And I agree with all the above about the gorgeous dash boards too. So many dash boards were a work of art back then. The steering wheel doesn’t look cracked which is a big plus. Overall it looks solid, hopefully it wouldn’t take much to get it running again.
I’ve always loved these “business coupes”, the mechanicals are so simple “sitting 2 years” doesn’t scare me at all. More projects now than I’ll ever finish or I’d take this on right now at that price. Drive a lot and have a lot of fun!!!
“A cool feature: “Fluid Drive” was embossed in the rear bumper to advertise Chrysler’s “almost an automatic” transmission, which was an option on the 1948 Dodge.”
Not exactly. Fluid Drive on ’48 Dodges just meant the regular 3 speed manual with a fluid coupling that replaced the flywheel. You still had to use the clutch to shift but could start (or stay) in any gear or wait at a light with the clutch out. The M6 semiautomatic transmission was paired with the Fluid Drive coupling but was not offered on Dodges until ’49, only on DeSotos and Chryslers. The fluid coupling/manual setup was standard, not optional, on ’47-’52 Dodges.
I’m a huge business coupe fan. In profile, the proportion of the cab, hood and trunk just work for me. I am kind of in the hunt for one now. But ultimately I want a car that is in top turnkey condition. I’m not going to be doing any more projects. Still give me a few tools, ignition parts, battery and a remote fuel tank and I’ll bet I can have that flattie running in an afternoon. GLWTS.
Unbelievable find! At 74yrs old, if I had the cash I’d be on a plane tomorrow flying to Wisconsin. What an adventure, driving it back to Vonore, Tn. camping along the way. Taking nothing but back roads, a trip of a lifetime. This would be in my estate, I’d never part with it!
Well you can camp in the long trunk. My brother has a 42 Plymouth and it has alot of room in the trunk. This car has alot thicker and better metal . Then any new car or truck puttng out today . Plus it doesn,t have the electronic junk to cause you trouble . These cars are easy to work on . I agree with you Bobby McKain—only I would drive it back to West Virginia.. I like everything about it. Especially the sun visor. It makes the vehicle alot cooler on hot das and you have the floor ventilation directed buy the lover at the bottom of the windshield.
Talk about ugly, this is what’s in the dictionary for visual effect of the word ugly. I hate what that crazy guy in Canada does when he chops a car up but even he couldn’t hurt this thing.
God Bless America
To johnmloghry: I am not fond of the looks, here, either — but it is not as bad as your comment: you now have me feeling sorry for it, and wanting to “rescue” it! For some reason, where I was in the late 1940s through the 1950s, 1948 Dodges of every sort were all over the place! Did they out-sell Plymouth that year? And, to you, Angel_Cadillac_Queen_Diva: I most certainly agree with you on those 1940s dashboards!
Yes they were everywhere in the 50’s. My dad owned a 48 Dodge 4 door sedan that I learned to drive in. I was 8 years old when I was taught how to drive a three speed manual transmission. And yes the dash was beautiful.
johnmloghry – Not “BAD CHAD?” LOL!!
Yep, you got it.
Put a 528 hemi in it and Pro Street it. That body is super cool and would be amazing with 31 x 18 rear tires tubbed.
These cars were highly under rated. These cars probably put on more miles than any of all city cars, combined. We have to remember, after the war, many rural communities still had no electricity, and people had some cash from the war, selling goods to those rural folks meant big business. These salesMEN, sorry ladies, not many lady sales after the war, would put hundreds of thousands of miles on these. After the war, I bet there were warehouses full of these motors, and the stories that were conjured up from the salesman stuck in Nebraska while the motor was changed, could probably fill a book. Think, Newton Monroe( Don Rickles) from Andy Griffith.
Never drove a “Fluid Drive”, I can only imagine it would complicate matters, and like it or not, old codgers, say good bye to the original, this has resto-mod, LS motor, puffy interior, and clown wheels all over it,,,and that’s okay too.
I would love this in black.
The rear fenders look to me like they should extend much further forward, to within 3 or 4 inches of the rear of the door, to center the rear wheel in the fender. Other than that I love the way it looks. Now for that drivetrain/chassis . . .
1980 or so: One of these, flat black, chrome reversibles, 318 under the hood, sail boat in tow. Summer, windows down. Us in the back on a funky old ottoman. Front seat passenger, a one armed young woman, skillfully rolling a joint with her sole hand on an album cover while underway, wind and all!
Westen Champlin’s next cummins diesel project?
I love the dashboard style. The overall body style not so much. I have seen a couple where the trunk lid is removed and a flat sided box inserted to make it a pickup truck. The box extends past the body to just about the end of the rear bumper. In my opinion (as twisted as it can get automotivewise.) It actually Improves the overall look. It also automatically gives reason to the little chopped of roofline/cab.
Hey Howard, wasn’t Newton Monroe driving the ’63 Lincoln sedan in the episode “Man In A Hurry?”. One of my favorite episodes on that show. And yes folks, it’s story time again.
An old friend of mine named Jonesy owned a ’50 Plymouth 3
window coupe that I tried like hell to buy from him. He had this huge garden alongside of his house where he grew most all kinds of veggies and he always shared his bounty with his
friends. He also canned the best sauerkraut you ever wanted
to eat. He would always send some home with me every time
I’d go to see him. And with every visit, I’d ask about the coupe, and every time he said no. So one day, I went to see
him and he did indeed have a car for sale. It was his late wife’s ’57 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door hardtop. The car was in great shape with no rust or rot anywhere. The paint had a great shine to it and the interior was in like new condition. And for you chrome lovers, it was loaded with it. It was a 1owner car with less than 20K miles on it. His wife passed away a year earlier and Jonesy just wanted the car gone. So I wrote him a check for $500(?) and we drove the car home.
I wound up putting my Mom in the Pontiac after the Machinist Union banned their members from buying or owning foreign made vehicles. Seems that they were giving
her grief about the new ’74 Chevy LUV that Dad and I bought
and customized for her on her 39th birthday so the Star Chief was a quick fix for those narrow minded A-holes that wanted to fire her for driving the truck to work. The car had a cammed up 347 cube V-8 with solid lifters and a 3-deuce setup from the factory when Jonesy bought the car new. And the coupe? Never got it. Jonesy drove it til he died in 1984. And the Pontiac? Sold it after we put Mom in a ’75
Mercury Comet 4-door sedan. And the truck? Mom drove it on weekends til we sold it in 1978. So yeah, I like these cars too. And I could think of something else to do in that trunk!
Just saying…
Hi Kenneth, no, that was Robert Emhardt who played Malcom Tucker and was usually cast as the villain or bad guy in many movies. His car was a then new 1963 Lincoln.
Hey Howard, The fluid drive was sweet when dad took me out to learn to drive. You couldn’t kill the engine at stop lights. I only got into trouble when dad got me a ’41 Chev with a stick and I kept killing the engine at stop lights when I would forget to push in the clutch pedal – super easy to drive when I drove his car.
I disagree with the resto-mod crowd! This one is so original, that it deserves to be turned into a nice original vintage driver, to be driven just as it was in 1948. I don’t care for the style, myself; but I would hope someone would save this one, stock, get it reliable mechanically, and make the body cosmetically more-than-presentable in its original colour, re-do the seats in original-style fabric, and drive it. I hope you hot-rodders LET IT ALONE! Find some “basket-case” example, with high mileage and a “frozen” engine and other “fatal” problems, and have AT it! But it ought to be a crime to violate a 39K original!
Totally agree on every point, Harrison! – This one appears to be in excellent condition – and harks back to a time that should be preserved in its timepieces. This ’48 Dodge 3 passenger coupe is a great example. Bring it all back to “original” through and through as much as physically possible – like it was in the dealers lot with a couple miles on the odometer, and drive it with pride. — I like the style – it’s distinctive and perfectly functional for what is was designed to do.
Even though prohibition was past then, a lot of states were still “dry” – meaning all alcohol was prohibited – I grew up in one while it was a dry state. I’d bet some of these 3 passenger Dodge’s with their large trunk packed liquor into these states – in cases labeled “Ladies Foundations” to remote places with old barns that appeared abandoned for years – that had a dug out basement underneath them with the hatch covered by several bales of hay haphazardly laying around. — So – put it all back to its original condition, get a Fedora and a 40’s-style Chicago suit and shoes and have fun driving it.
Well said, Harrison! I agree with all that you said about keeping it original. But I do like the style. It wants someone with a fedora perhaps. This has people on both sides of “like or dislike”. It is good to hear from you again. How is the 89 Lincoln Town Car progressing?
It’s a weird but common thing to see this bulbous style in human terms but all of these 1940s business coupes bring to mind a big fat person with thick legs, enormous buttocks and a tiny head. Someone like the characters that the great Oliver Hardy used to portray.
This one is probably nicer in person. The steering wheel and the plastic knobs all look excellent which indicates that this car was well treated and garaged by its owners. Whatever is keeping it from running is likely the entropy of just sitting around unused. The bug screen and visor are nice useful period accessories. Wisconsin is noted for its robust flying insect population, no? With some detailing and refurbishment this will be a very nice car, no need to bother with the time and money of a complete restoration which won’t gain you any greater automotive joy and satisfaction.
The windshield overhang didn’t do much for bugs hitting your windshield. It was there to keep the occupants from cooking in the sun. — My parents had a ’49 Pontiac with the windshield sun guard on it, and the bugs on the country roads still plastered the windshield with their guts. — They had to take the car to a body shop for hail damage. When they called and said it was finished, Mom went to get it and immediately wanted to know what happened to the sun shield. They said they were still working on it (a stupid excuse for not putting it back on – or losing it). They said the car would be fine without it, and they’d call her when it was ready (ie: when they found it). – So she took the car and within hours brought it back telling them she was getting a sunburn driving the car without it. She left the car there until they found the sun guard and put it back on.
People saying to take the sun guard off this ’48 Dodge have NO idea it is there for a VERY GOOD reason. Without it – you will be a nicely-done sun-cooked dinner for a cannibal in short order. DO NOT remove it and leave it off!
Absolutely tired of , with a little work or tinkering it will or should run?! And btw I want 13000 for it? Makes me wonder who’s the dope here? Glwts and peace out!
Right about the price too high for the unknown parts, but we like to be optimistic with details given, that it MAY start and run well with “tinkering”. Yes, you take your chances, or not. For some of us this it is just a fun fantasy, and it makes us think of years past. For others, this may be an opportunity. Inspection and maybe negotiation required.
I am surprised that none of the comments mentioned the Ram Chargers High and Mighty race car. Basically the same body.
Thanks to all of you who responded positively to my comments! I hadn’t thought of this as a vehicle for running moonshine through “dry” States and Counties: I could see the right sort of hat and a pin-striped suit — although that’s the early 1930s and not the late 1940s. (smile). To Dave in Pa.: I put about $2,800 more into that Lincoln, and the “check engine” problem is fixed. But there is a much nicer version of the same car, same colour, without the sagging driver’s seat and broken driver’s side arm-rest, right near where I live. That one has 37K original miles, and no rust. But it sat in storage for more than 20 years, and they want $12,000 for it. They pulled it out of storage, cleaned it, and got it running. But it smells bad inside, even though it LOOKS much better than the one I bought in Schenectady. And it has the nicer spoked hubcaps, not those “basics” which mine has. I might take some photos of it: I doubt that they’ll find a buyer at that price!
Harrison, the Lincoln sitting for 20 years and smelling is not a good sign. Inactivity may well present more problems than that down the road, even at half the asking price. There are products to rid odor through chemistry, but the bigger issue may with be with rubber, seals, and gaskets. Decisions, decisions, for sure. Paint the inside of the ashtrays or better ones with no rust? I think the insides were plated but could that be an option? I have an aerosol can in the basement called “Zinc It”, made by the CRC Company, here in Warminster I believe 10 miles away. I’ve had it for years, but it may be available or one similar.
Well, ugly or not, the ad says “Pending” so someone is scooping it up. I do like the idea of camping in it though. More incognito than the Van-lifers have it. Take the slow roads across the country and have the time of your life.
To Dave in Pa: thanks for rhe caution: I had similar thoughts, that maybe $5,000-$6,000 would be more realistic for that long-parked, recently-revived Town Car. The problem with the one I bought, is, someone weighing around 400 pounds must have owned it at some point. The driver’s seat sags badly, the leather is worn and cracked, and the arm-rest is broken-down. My fear is, I might need to have the driver’s side seat re-cushioned, re-springed, and re-upholstered. And, finding an intact arm-rest might also be a problem. If I had the funds and the means, I would negotiate a better price for the $12,000 one, then have my mechanic combine the best of the two cars into one, and then sell the remaining one. Both cars present beautifully on the outside, but the one I bought in Schenectady has some rust behind the rear wheels at the bottom of the sheet metal: this $12,000 one is rust-free.