Barn Find/230ci Inline 6-Cylinder/Fluid Drive Automatic/Lots of Chrome

1948 Dodge Special 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 1948 Dodge Special. She's rustic, and black, rough and tumble, big and bold, 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 rustic black 4 door shows with little to no rust on the body panels and is of the typical design of the times with bulbous integrated fenders, some chrome trimmings running the gamut, and overall rounded aerodynamic design. Trimmings in dimpled and some rusted condition are all there though. Dulled moon caps 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, side of the hood running rearward on the belt line to the mid rear quarter, and 2 short ones running above the 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 vertical striped broadcloth for 2/3 of the panel and wide horizontal stitched plain broadcloth for the remaining third. A ribbed vertical trim separates these two panels. Inside plaid vinyl seat covers hide more striped broadcloth seating showing as dual benches front and rear. The front bench appears in fair condition despite the covering wearing off, and the rear bench is still covered so we can assume the underlying broadcloth is good. 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, a vertical radio, 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. A water damaged headliner is above, and floors are covered in ribbed rubber in the front and worn tan carpet which has seen better days.

Drivetrain
The 230ci Inline 6-cylinder is present although is fully involved in surface rust, and has several parts and hoses missing, as well as the air cleaner. There is a 1-barrel carburetor attached, and a 3-speed automatic fluid drive is on the back. The rear axle is driven by 3.90 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, structural integrity is still maintained with no invasive rust seen, even on the rockers. There is plenty of surface rust, grease, and accumulated road dirt for this undercarriage.

The definition of a barn find, of 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 600 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.