1922 Dodge Brothers Four Model 30 Boat-Tailed Special

John and Horace Dodge established their first machine shop in 1900, and their talents were quickly noticed by several pioneers of the early motor car — Ransom E. Olds and Henry Ford — whose companies bought engines, transmissions, and axles from the Dodge Brothers. By 1913, the brothers realized that they were capable of building their own automobile, an awareness that happily coincided with Henry Ford deciding to move production of his cars’ components in-house.

The first Dodge Brothers car was delivered on 14th November 1914, and the company quickly became known for its fine engineering at a modest price. Only one model was available, a five-passenger touring, at a cost of $785. Word spread quickly of their reputation for producing a quality automobile. Although the Dodge Brothers were not known for being particularly innovative, they were first to use an all-steel, all-welded body in large-scale production. It is likely that more Dodge Brothers cars saw service overseas during WWI than any other manufacturer. By 1920, Dodge was second in industry sales, behind its former employer Ford.

Sadly, both brothers died during 1920, leaving the company to their widows. The company dropped to fifth place in sales by 1925. The company was then sold to the New York banking house, Dillon, Reed & Company for $146,000,000, a record-setting transaction at the time. DR&C would in turn sell to Walter P. Chrysler in 1928, who established the marque as its Dodge Division.

Dating from 25th July 1922, this Dodge Brothers Model 30 is a right-hand drive example destined for the British Empire market and originally exported to Australia as a running chassis (at the time it was not possible to import complete cars). On its arrival, it was fitted with a body of unknown type and, much later, refitted with the boat-tail 'Roadster' bodywork that the car wears today. It remained in Australia until 2006 when it was exported to the UK.

Within the history file is a letter from the Dodge Brothers Club to a David Parker of West Sussex confirming  that the car 'would be considered a '22 Series' and that the numbers appear correct and that the car has the correct engine. It's stamped with a DVLA Brighton stamp confirming its UK-registration number, BF 6085.

This is a good-looking little roadster with a fascinating history and would be a great way into VSCC speed events at a very sensible estimate.