1947 Dodge Deluxe D-24 Sedan

Some features were never duplicated by others in Detroit.  Take, for example, Fluid Drive.  Starting in 1939, vehicles so equipped had a standard three-speed manual transmission and clutch, but also had a fluid coupling torque converter in lieu of a conventional flywheel; there was no direct connection between the engine and the driveshaft. The only moving parts were two finned and bowl-shaped steel shells…one attached to the crankshaft, acting as an impeller, while the other attached to the driveshaft.  The two parts were submerged in a couple of gallons of low-viscosity oil and never touched.  The practical effect was that, once you got going, you could drive without a clutch, even after stopping for a traffic light; a light touch on the brake while stationary and pointed uphill was enough to keep from rolling backward.

For consignment and your enjoyment, a barn find of more big Detroit 1940's build 'em like a brick s%%t house iron road monsters in the embodiment of a 1947 Dodge Deluxe D-24.  She's rustic, rough and tumble, big and bold, has had the vast majority of the mechanicals gone through and repaired as needed and is awaiting a good hand to bring her back to the large and in charge floating glory she once was.  Imagine rolling up in one of these beauties, and this one an open pallet to do with what you want.

Exterior
This faded and possibly original Windward Green dipped 4 door sedan shows with a mix of surface rust and notable invasive rust on the lower extremities of the body panels.  The body follows the typical design of the times with bulbous integrated fenders, some chrome trimmings running the gamut, and overall rounded aerodynamic design.  The trimmings are dimpled and some are in rusted condition but all pieces appear to be present and accounted for.  Red oxide painted 16-inch steel wheels with deeply treaded snow tires are on all 4 corners, and a large egg crate grille spans across the bow of this car.   Plenty of trim spears are seen, as one is on the center of the hood running towards the windshield and another is on the side of the hood running rearward on the belt line to the mid rear quarter, and 2 short ones running above the front wheel wells and ending mid fender.  A chromed rocker trim is seen, and this has a very thin fender seam trim running the gamut on the rear quarter.  A nicely curved back of this car curves gracefully downward, but also rounds off just a bit side to side, as it morphs into the rear trunk lid.

Interior
Cracking open the doors we see Art Deco inspired door panels with plaid striped broadcloth for 2/3 of the panel and wide horizontal stitched plain broadcloth for the remaining lower.  A steel faux wood painted sill and glass surround tops all of this off.  Inside gray juting material seat covers hides the front seating and in the rear is a soiled and stained tan striped tan broadcloth seat showing as dual benches front and rear.  More Art Deco inspired design is picked up for the dash which has painted faux woodgrain intermixed with vertical ribbed chromed panels which house square gauges, a round speedometer, and a central speaker and clock with plenty of brown bakelite buttons below.  The original steering wheel is fronting this dash and contains its massive center horn ring and bakelite surrounding ring, all in need of restoration.  The remnants of the cloth headliner is above, and floors are covered in ribbed rubber mats overtop of rusted flooring.    

Drivetrain
A non-original 230ci Inline 6-cylinder is present and peppered with surface rust.  This mill has been gone through and now is running smooth as silk thanks to a multitude of repairs and maintenance. There is a 1-barrel carburetor attached, and a 3-speed semi-automatic Fluid Drive is on the back.  The rear axle is driven by 4.10 gears.

Undercarriage
Independent coil springs and leaf springs are the suspension which are attached to a heavily surface rusted frame and overall undercarriage.  Even though there is an abundance of rusted surfaces, overall things remain solid with the exception of the inner rockers and passenger's floor pan, with both having heavy invasive rust. There is plenty of surface rust, grease, and accumulated road dirt for this undercarriage.  Redone drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners and a like new single exhaust system efficiently handles the exhale.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and press of a button and the flat 6 came to life and settled into a near inaudible idle.  The car performed on par with cars of its era and all functions save for the clock were working at the time of my test drive.

The definition of a barn find plus, a massive car with big metal and miles of chrome.  It will need a total redux but restored examples of these cars are simply beautiful and show off the excesses of the era for sure.  Float on down the highway with this one.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.