According to Merriam-Webster, a Wayfarer is defined as: noun – way·far·er ˈwā-ˌfer-ər: a traveler, especially on foot. It’s also a term used for a type of boat and a really expensive pair of sunglasses. In this case, however, we’re talking about a 1950 Dodge “Sportabout” roadster. The seller opens the listing with, “Selling a rare and cool classic“. Well, he certainly got that rare part right as this subject is one of only 2,900 assembled three-quarters of a century ago. Located in Tucson, Arizona, this overly patinaed drop top (no top?) is available, here on craigslist for $5,000. Zappenduster gets two thumbs up for this discovery!
Dodge’s Wayfarer, offered from ’49 through ’52, was available in three different body styles: three-passenger coupes and roadsters as well as a six-passenger two-door sedan. Those three models equated to a total Wayfarer production of about 75K copies in ’50. In addition to the standard roadster, there was a “Sportabout” trim level offered too and that’s what we have here. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to determine the production volume for this trim and badging option. Right off the bat, we’re met with some rather extreme patina that appears to have been preserved with a clear coat. Whether that’s really the case or not, can’t be determined from the images but that’s how it looks to my eyes. And, I question if that patina has been “gigged” a bit as opposed to being the result of natural environmental conditions and age. Rust is apparent, and as the seller states, the worst of it seems to have affected the rocker panels. There appears to be a convertible top frame still in place, and the seller acknowledges as much but the fabric is likely long lost to the ages. Beyond that, there are smaller issues such as missing lenses, etc.
The interior is gutted which affords potential buyers the ability to review the floor pans – they look pretty good. That’s the good news, the bad news is that there’s really nothing there, save for the dash, instrument panel, and steering wheel. There is a single bench seat but it’s probably the worst excuse for seating that I have witnessed. The seller states, “Seat frame is there and needs reupholstered as is the top frame.” Yes, it needs to be reupholstered – at the least, and a whole lot more than that.
Wayfarer power is a 103 gross HP, 230 CI, inline, flathead six-cylinder “Get-Away” engine. The seller suggests, “Motor runs with gas down the carb” so I guess that sorta qualifies as a runner. Transmission responsibilities are handled by a three-speed Fluid-Drive arrangement.
This is a neat find but the overall condition is going to make for a challenge. As is often stated here by various contributors, the patina effect isn’t always appreciated and I don’t think it does a thing to enhance this Dodge. I can say that an original and stock condition Wayfarer roadster is a nice looking, and somewhat unique automobile and it would be great to see this example return to its day one form. My thought is that probably won’t happen but there are always alternatives. Have you any suggestions for this Dodge’s next station in life?
Needs a modern hemi
Fluid drive was a bit of a pain in my opinion, just find a nice standard 3sp from a Plymouth, more reliable. Seats? That rear end sure is dragging, ,going to need suspension work. Once competed would make an incredible weekend cruiser. No, I do not think it needs ridiculous V8 HP. Never set up for this, and would not be safe, besides, give the old lady her dignity.
if you are concerned about safety, then a 1950 anything isn’t for you
Good point.
Steve R
@Curt
Some of us old ladies have always had a V8 under our hood. Some develope a taste for the racy life later on, even in our 70s. This old girl is only a couple of years older than I, and a V8 would do her wonders. Safe you say? Beef up her suspension & you got safe. These things are tanks straight from the factory.
A 225 slant 6 and a 727 automatic tranny would do it for me. Either the
rear springs need to be re arched, or
rust has eaten out the places where
the springs would locate to the frame.
It’s been over 50 years since I’ve seen
one of these so this to me is a real treat. Looks like a very straightforward restoration but you’re gonna need deep pockets on this one.
no 727s for a slant six, but the 904 will do perfectly
Seen a couple of these lately from southern states, claiming just needs some floor work, the paint was the only thing keeping them in one piece. No other location in the U.S. other than the Southwest can provide such a solid starting point for a perfect restomod.
Fluid Drive (FD) was simply a fluid coupling (as opposed to a torque converter) in addition to a conventional dry clutch and 3-speed gearbox. The FD was simply- literally- a step up if the owner/driver wanted to be lazy from time to time and not de-clutch at a stop.
The driver had the option of going through the gears as in a conventional clutch/gearbox setup or use the FD to reduce clutch “feathering,” around town gear changes, etc.
In some ways, it was a nice, inexpensive compromise between a straight gear train and an automatic. Choice. As BK used to tout, “Have it your way,…”
While I wouldn’t call this car “sleek”, it does look a lot better sans top, than the coupe model. 230 was a good robust engine, and fluid drives were virtually indestructible. Cool drop top for some brave early Moper aficionado.
This is a good starting point for someone who wants to have a very unique old Mopar from the early fifties. It will have to be a labor of love though if you plan on a comprehensive restoration. You will quickly be upside down even if you can do most of the work yourself. Too bad that I’m just about as old as this car. I can’t do near what I used to be able to do. Oh to be able to turn back the hands of time and I would give it a go. The good thing is you can find what you need to replace what is missing or needs fixing. And you only have one seat and two door cards to deal with. Top fabric kit might be an issue but it isn’t a big top. I could be wrong but I think the top operates manually on these. Nothing wrong with leaving the drive train as is; just get it running right. These are solid well engineered vehicles. Hopefully the right person buys this and gives it the love it deserves. GLWTS.
The big thing now is body swapping , this one would be a great candidate , so many new platforms with all the goodies built in
YOLO