This is a hobby about passion first and foremost. With all the auctions on TV, the speculators, the talk of cars as “investments,” it’s easy to forget that it should be about fun and doing something you enjoy. It’s safe to bet that the fellow who restored this 1940 Dodge DeLuxe 4-door sedan knew all about doing it for love, because he completely ignored the price guides and the pundits on TV and gave this humble sedan a spectacular, high-quality restoration that would be correct on a vehicle costing three times as much. And that is exactly the right way to do a restoration, because I’m sure he was overjoyed by the results—this car is beautiful all out of proportion to its modest sticker price.
If you expected a cut-rate interior, guess again, because this Dodge wears fresh upholstery, new carpets, proper door panels, and a taut headliner. It’s all pretty much the way it would have been when it was new, with a period-correct striped fabric on the seats and plain door panels that match the Dodge’s modest personality. On the other hand, the wonderful woodgrained dashboard and window garnish moldings look quite upscale and really warm up the interior in a good way. The steering wheel was restored and most of the 1940s plastic pieces have been replaced so they’re all in very good shape. The gauges are all functional, with an original-style speedometer in the center that uses a neat circular indicator made of clear plastic to make it appear that the needle is floating above the numbers. There’s also an accessory AM radio that appears to be operational, although I’ve only been able to dial up static on it, as well as a dealer-installed “Airflow” under-dash heater that works well enough to bake a turkey. Other accessories include a flashlight clamped to the steering column and a “trafficator” on the dash, which works with the exterior visor that’s also included with the car. Turn signals have also been added for safety, using the fog lamps up front and the taillights in back. The back seat offers plenty of space and luxury touches like a robe rail behind the front seat. The trunk is also nicely finished with correct materials and includes a full-sized spare tire that’s never been used.
Mechanically, the Mopars of this period are legendary for their durability. You could probably run the 218 cubic inch inline-six on a mixture of vodka and Old Spice aftershave and it would happily spin along as smoothly as a sewing machine. As it sits, it was rebuilt during the restoration and looks quite accurate wearing its corporate gray engine enamel. The wiring is new, including cloth-covered ignition wires, and even the hoses and clamps are what it would have been wearing in 1940. Up top, there’s an oil bath air cleaner and a downdraft Stromberg carburetor, and a 6-volt generator still makes the electricity. Hit the starter and it fires easily, and while it’s a little grumpy while it’s on the choke, once it’s warmed up it’s ready, willing, and eager to hit the road. Performance is probably about as good as a V8 Ford and the little six just sings along with traffic, never seeming to be working very hard. There’s a nice grumble from the reproduction exhaust system and there’s plenty of oil pressure, even at warm idle.
The three-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly once you acquaint yourself with the column-mounted shifter and it’s happy to trundle along at idle in high gear or zip along at 50-55 MPH on the open road. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for an old car like this, too, and thanks to Chrysler’s early adoption of hydraulic brakes, which they’d been using since 1924, this one stops better than most of its peers. The suspension rides well with a big car ride, but it also feels lively and agile, so you never feel like a sitting duck when you’re surrounded by modern iron. The flashy red wheels wear polished trim rings and ornate hubcaps and are wrapped in 7.00-16 BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires that really dress this car up. The only other demerit on the car might be those tires, which, while showing plenty of tread life, have had their whitewalls “touched up” with what appears to be some kind of paint that’s visible upon close inspection. Not a big deal, but on a car this nice, even the little stuff seems to stand out.
The car includes a set of accessory steel fender skirts that have been painted to match, as well as the aforementioned exterior sun visor.
This car gets just about everything right: it’s handsome, fun to drive, a bit unusual, and beautifully finished. In fact, we dare you to find a nicer pre-war car for under $20,000. It’s the kind of car you can get in, turn the key, and drive anywhere on a moment’s notice. You’ll be as pleased by the surroundings inside as onlookers are with the glossy black bodywork, and it’s welcome just about anywhere. This is a great hobby car at a very affordable price, a car that needs no excuses, and that we’re sure you’ll enjoy for all the right reasons.
It’s just right.
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. While we do our best to present all vehicles as honestly and accurately as possible, Harwood Motors Ltd. cannot guarantee the veracity of the information contained herein. Our auctions and all advertising information may updated without notice whenever new information is obtained and may contain mistakes and inaccuracies. Information is provided to the best of our knowledge and that of the owners of the vehicles, and we make no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy, truth, suitability, or reliability of such information. We cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies contained in information provided by third parties. Harwood Motors Ltd. is not an expert in the construction, metallurgy, engineering, finishes, materials, and componentry of every single vehicle ever made. Harwood Motors Ltd. strives to perform extensive visual inspections on all vehicles we represent but we do not disassemble vehicles or components for inspection purposes and therefore it is always possible that there is hidden damage that is not readily apparent. We cannot guarantee the fitness of any components beyond a visual inspection and normal operation of the vehicle. We do not perform internal examinations, so we cannot guarantee the condition of unseen internal components such as crankshafts, bearings, gears, and other mechanical equipment. This also applies to electronics such as radios, clocks, gauges, light fixtures, switches, or other electrical devices. Buyer should personally inspect the vehicle and satisfy himself as to its mechanical and cosmetic fitness. We always welcome inspections by Buyers and/or third parties who wish to undertake such examinations at their own expense. Harwood makes no warranty or representation regarding mileage unless otherwise stated. Listed prices do not include additional fees, state, federal, or local taxes, or shipping and delivery costs. Harwood Motors Ltd collects a $150.00 documentation fee on every vehicle purchase. Buyer is entirely responsible for satisfying himself that the car is as-represented prior to purchase and there are no warranties, expressed or implied, involved in the sale of any motor vehicle represented by Harwood Motors Ltd.
All vehicles are sold as-is, where-is unless otherwise specified in the description. All sales are binding and final, and winning this auction does not entitle you to inspect the car and then decide not to buy it, but obligates you to complete the transaction. We are always available by phone or E-mail to answer questions, and all our cars may be personally inspected with 24 hours' notice. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to eBay.
A non-refundable $500 PayPal deposit is required within 24 hours of the auction's end, or immediately for those buyers using the "Buy It Now" feature. For final payment, we accept certified bank checks, and bank to bank wire transfer of funds (please calls us for routing and account numbers). We will also accept your credit union or bank auto financing check from any reputable institution. Please contact us for financing options. Note that no vehicle ships without payment in full clearing our bank.
The buyer is responsible for all local state, county, and city tax fees, as well as title and registration fees and any other costs that may apply, and Harwood Motors charges a $150 document preparation fee on each transaction.
The Buyer is responsible for pickup and/or shipping of the vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped we will gladly assist you in making arrangements and work with several large shipping companies to deliver cars all over the world. Please contact us for details.
In an effort to honor the intent of the auction and maintain fairness to all bidders, we do not release our reserve prices. Please do not ask.
Note that all vehicles listed by Harwood Motors are also for sale in other media at all times, so we reserve the right to end this auction at any time without prior notice. Note that we list many of our cars on eBay, but only a small number of cars are actually sold through the eBay auction process. What that means is that if you see a car you like, don't hesitate! Contact us or hit the Buy It Now! button. We can be reached at WeLoveGreatCars@HarwoodMotors.com or by phone at 440-565-5335.
Fee and Tax Information:
The buyer is responsible for all local state, county, and city tax fees, as well as title and registration fees and any other costs that may apply, and Harwood Motors charges a $150 document preparation fee on each transaction.
Harwood Motors offers enthusiasts an effortless way to buy and sell collector vehicles. It's important to note that while the name "Harwood Motors" is new, the people behind it have years of experience buying, selling, and collecting vintage automobiles. It's also a family business with close ties to the hobby itself and we like to think of ourselves as matchmakers rather than a mere car dealership. There's a right car for you out there, and we can help you find it, even if you don't particularly know where to start. What Harwood Motors does isn't new, but the way we do it will make you a client for life, whether you're a buyer or a seller. Call us any time to talk cars, trucks, or even just about the hobby in general; you'll be surprised to find you already have a friend.
If you have a special car that you would like to market, Harwood Motors can put it in front of real buyers. We have an extensive network of clients who are always looking for their next special vehicle. We also accept interesting, high-quality trades and can help with financing. Please contact us for more information on any of our programs.
Our name on eBay is new, but we are long-time eBay users. If you have concerns about our current feedback, please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss it.
This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer to come see and further inspect the car before the end of the auction.-->
