It’s impossible to see an early Dodge Brothers car without picturing the punishing “Oil Field Dodge” promotional film in which a hard top version endures a punishing day in the life of an early automobile. The vintage movie gives an idea of why these cars look like motorized horse wagons. Tall skinny tires are the ticket for deep snow and mud, and the roads of the day necessitated wagon-style wheels. This 1916 Dodge Brothers Touring Convertible in Quincy, Illinois may not have been subjected to this sort of punishment, but as the seller mentions, it looks pretty good for 106 years old! Properly sorted, these early cars can go down today’s super-smooth paved roads while barely exercising their spring travel and other torture-tested components. Compared to the rutted horse trails of the early 1900s, modern roads are like driving on a pillow. If you fancy yourself piloting this handsome Touring Convertible, look no further than Barnfinds Classifieds where it can be yours for $19,500.
Sadly a single blurry photograph is all we have to work with, so this picture comes from a similar car found at LangCollections. The simple dashboard provides relevant data in a no-nonsense industrial manner. Blind spot detection? A proper lane-change head check beats technology every time. While you can’t change radio stations or volume with buttons on the steering wheel, controls for throttle and spark advance put engine management at your fingertips.
The listing reports this antique to be in good running condition with a sound body, top, and interior. The simple 212 cid (3.5L) L-head inline four cylinder made 35 horsepower at a time when many citizens made due with a single horsepower. Emissions from the Dodge Brothers’ tail pipe are arguably less objectionable too. An electric starter brought the driving experience to a host of operators who wouldn’t readily jump in with a handle and hand crank the engine to start it, as was commonplace in those days. Picture courtesy of CollectorCar. Have you driven a pre-First-World War classic?
A suggestion to Barn Finds. If the seller doesn’t submit more than at least three good photographs of the car, don’t feature it. You may be aiding a scam otherwise.
Terrry, call me at 573-541-1970 to set up an appointment to see the car and I guarantee you, you will be eating your words when you view the car for yourself. In fact, you will be seeing all the classic cars that I have in my block long warehouse
Is that a 1938 LaSalle next to it? Picture is a bit fuzzy.
Thanks Terry. I was a little suspicious about the Estonian photo site link but I couldn’t pass up an obvious segue to sharing the awesome “Oilfield Dodge” movie.
Nice car. Just a note – not a COMPLAINT – back then the word “convertible” hadn’t been invented yet. This would a a “touring car” .vs. a single row of seats which would be a “roadster”
Thanks Alan Robbins. Clarifications are always welcome! Sometimes I correct the seller’s description of a car if I know better or research proves it’s not accurate. This time I just lazily lifted it from the original post. Details and insights like your comment are what make Barnfinds a great resource on into the future. Thank you Sir!
On and On, Here is a better photo of the 1937 LaSalle Dual Side Mount/Rumble Seat Convertible with 40,000 original miles. It is not for sale.
I doubt it will bring north of $13500.00, nice car though
I would have listed the 12V system that the car has and also the starter/generator which you see in the under hood picture. This item cranked the car from the front of the engine using an industrial multi link chain. This unit was called a silent starter because it was not engaging a flywheel.
Overall I like the car, even with the limited photo’s. One thing to be aware of or cautious of is the wooden wheels. I have no personal experience with them but used to know a guy who had a car with wooden wheels on it. Turned out 2 had issues and finding replacements was next to impossible. He finally found an Amish shop out in Pennsylvania IIRC that was able to make him some new rims, at a price. Wood wheels are beautiful but can be a maintenance nightmare from what I’ve been told.
Send offer to collectorcarsandparts@yahoo.com
My name is Donald and I am restoring a 1923 Dodge touring. I am in need of a driver side rear door. Does anybody out there know where I might be able to find one?
Sorry but I don’t have what you are looking for