Dodge began its run of “Job-Rated” trucks in 1939, but though the advertising nomenclature was prosaic, the trucks were anything but. The “Art Deco” movement had evolved, and the new streamline moderne style was all the rage: Americans bought streamlined toasters, streamlined lamps and radios, and strolled through streamlined buildings. Auto designers followed suit, sculpting sheet metal to match the trend. The new Dodge trucks looked fancy and worked hard. Buyers could choose from over 1800 permutations of body styles, equipment, weight ratings, and accessories. Engine options were more of a constant, with three or four six-cylinder motors ranging from 85 to 104 hp available. Here on craigslist is a 1941 Dodge cabover dressed for duty as a fire truck; the seller is asking $10,000, and the truck is located in Sagle, Idaho. We have Jack M. to thank for this tip!
Delivered new to Fontana, California, this Dodge is said to be completely original, from its paint to its wheels to its drivetrain. The flathead six-cylinder turns over but hasn’t run in a few years. The truck rolls and steers “easily” – as much as a heavy-duty truck can. Vintage cabovers of any ilk are tough to find these days, with those labeled Dodge particularly rare. What fare is available is usually rebuilt to modern specifications, like this example, where the six-cylinder has been replaced with a Chevy small block V8 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Or for a flashier option, try this green ’41.
While exteriors were as stylish as supermodels, interiors were still sparse. It took another decade for truck makers to consider the comfort of the operator, though on the safety side of the ledger a previous owner installed seat belts. Bits of firefighting paraphernalia remain. This truck’s day job makes its systems more complicated; bringing the entire apparatus to working order might be substantially challenging, or the new owner could go the resto-mod route.
This vintage photo gives a sense of scale – these cabovers are big ‘uns. Values are tough to define, since original versions of pre-war Dodge cabovers almost never come up for sale, let alone in fire truck trim. My sense is the price is aggressive, but perhaps someone has a vision for this old guy that justifies its acquisition. What do you think of this artifact from the streamliner era?
Another old truck? YEE-HAW( firing pistols in the air) I was saddened that someone, a member no less, trashed our beloved Louisville, and called it junk, they did, I assume they feel the same about this. Luckily the author( and the site) is smart enough to post another, reducing despair considerable
Can’t add much to her great post, I’m not so sure it was streamline so much, cabovers got a quick reputation for tight turning and perfect for a fire dept. So many cool things, that unit on the dash, the turn signals( Diamond T had those), and the sight tube for how much water left, and seat belts? Clearly for a rollover, I’d be curious what powered the pump?
Cabovers of this era are indeed rare, I saw’r this one ( a Chevy) at a storage place near me, but they generally led a rough life, discarded after the war for one of those new “diesels” coming in, and a fire truck is about the only way you’ll find one.
It’s cool the seller included pics of when it was new, I’d say late 1940, and fire departments are usually very proud of their history. Shame Fontana Fire Dept. doesn’t want to restore it, as a tribute to all those guys in the 2nd CL picture when it was new, all said “anchors aweigh” a few short months later. With that, I’d cosmetically restore it, and put it on display.
I’m with Howard. Please keep them coming. One thing that we don’t get to see a lot of is a known history. And seeing those photos of this Dodge when it was new is a real treat. I know if you could get that old Flathead 6 running, it may not keep up with modern traffic, but still, it would be nice to see it restored to original, especially given its history. I’m wondering if this truck has a Brownie Box in it? There is a second shifter poking out from the rear of the cab. It looks very complete and solid too. I sure hope someone can restore it. Thank you Jack M. For spotting this gem, and of course Michelle for writing it up. I really enjoyed this one. ( Well…… I enjoy all of them……) -Dave
Dave, you and Howard nailed again. inasmuch as we all very much like and appreciate the cars, stuff like this truck, old dozers and similar type iron seem to always draw a litany of responses.
This is a great old truck project. It’s not as sexy as a hook and ladder truck of that era but it does stand as a broader canvas for purposed variations. Really hope whoever takes this on makes it whole quickly then shows it off somewhere that we get to see it!
As a retired firefighter (31 Years) in a major city, I have never had any interest in owning a fire truck. It is just a tool that I have no practical use for. However, this art deco fire truck is just too cool. I am sure if I owned it, I would find something to do with it!
Interesting piece of history. Got a lot of questions, does the short shifter operate the transfer case that shifts from ground drive to pump drive or is that another engine/pump at the rear of the truck? The operators panel is usually close to the pump and in this case at the rear of the truck. Unusual discharge setup at the rear but that may be a retro fit. Nice old rig that needs to live on.
A two-speed axle was available on these. I’ve always thought the short shifter coming from under the seat was to shift the axle, but I dunno! Howard? Geo? They’d know.
Jeepers Creepers ,I no that as a 41 Chevy steel looks mean .