Australian 1948 Dodge

[Robin (UK)]

I was invited to take my car to historic Brooklands on Saturday.

As soon as I arrived, I met an older, Australian guy who told me some great stories of a 1948 Dodge he once owned.

He owned it from 1951, for 'many' years, and eventually swapped it for a MkIV Jaguar... a decision he said he regretted almost straight away!

This guy knew his stuff, discussing the subtle differences between Dodge and Plymouth models, etc.

Interestingly, he said his car was a sedan but had a separate trunk, rather than being a fastback.

Was this perhaps a local body style (by Richards)?

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks.

Robin.

[TodFitch]

Separate trunk in 1948? That sounds odd.

 

In the US trunks were optional and separate through 1934 on Plymouth. In 1933 and 1934 one of the options was a "form fit" trunk which might, at a distance, fool one into thinking it was integral with the body. I assume Dodge has a similar history.

 

Once the started adding trunks they made it as a separate line. Sedans without trunks were called sedans. Sedans with trunks were called "touring sedans". Nowadays the "sedans" are referred to as slopeback or fastback. The touring sedans were much more popular than the sedans and it wasn't all that long before the non-touring version disappeared. I am surprised that they were apparently still available after the war.

[Andydodge]

All Oz 46-48 Mopars were Richards bodies and were the same basic shell from 1940 to 48, ie the sloping or fastback style, same as that on my 1940 Dodge, see attached pic.......fenders etc were different obviously but the bodies were the same......I have never seen nor heard of an oz mopar with a separate boot or trunk, the last that I know of were the 1939 models of which there were some with the 37/38 body made.......regards,andyd

[Ricky Luke]

An Australian 48 Dodge

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/CRCAVic/CRCACars04#5848479409591059042

 

As Andy said, it's the same body as the prewar cars (see my 40 Chrysler avatar...). Would have been nice to get his details and maybe some pics when he had it. Only thing I can think of that it was modified.

 

Rick

[Robin (UK)]

He didn't mention that he had any pictures of the car.

But he was very clear about the model and body style.

I guess this will remain a mystery.

[Andydodge]

Robin, re reading your 1st post makes me think that his car may have been a 1949..........they DID have a separate trunk or boot, but I can assure you that NO 1940-48 Oz mopar that I know of or have seen in 44yrs of playing with Oz mopars had a separate trunk, none.........the 1938 "humped" body shell did get used in 1939, what I have been informed were a "1st" series but the majority were the later fastback body shell, same front sheetmetal tho........andyd