First introduced in 1949, Dodge’s first slightly redesigned midsize postwar offering was the Wayfarer. Offered in three different body styles; the two door sedan, business coupe and the open top roadster. Marketed to the young population of the time, the Wayferer roadster was meant to be a affordable yet fun and sporty convertible that actually proved to be quite popular, yet only selling just over 5000 roadsters in the first year. Dodge found that while having only removable side windows made the car a true sport roadster, buyers really wanted roll up windows, so part way through the 1950 model year roll up windows were added and the car was then renamed the “Sportabout.” In 1951 the Wayfarer was given a facelift with a much prettier grille and rear fender and taillight design. They also redesigned the dashboard making it much more appealing that the previous two years. These cars are fun being a two/three seater roadster with a nice low vee windshield, round side window shape and a nice little low top. They were powered by Dodges bullit proof 103 horsepower L-head six cylinder flathead engine and paired with Chryslers well known fluid drive transmission. The transmissions in the Dodge is really nice as it can be driven as a traditional 3 speed or put in gear and driven as an automatic. Even though the 1951 cars were prettier and more refined Dodge only built 1002 1951 Sportabouts making them very rare today and very much sought after.
Offered here is a really wonderful original 1951 Dodge Wayfarer Sportabout in fantastic original condition with just shy of 42,000 original miles on the clock. Sold new in Texas this car is rust free and super well preserved. The floor mat as well as the sill plates are original and even the chrome and much of the Monarch maroon paint is also original. Even on the underside of the dashboard it still has the factory chalk writing where you can clearly read “Roadster” written. The black canvas top has been redone, but done well and inside the trunk is all original including its original grey/blue colored paint which all of these cars had inside the trunk area. The original spare and jack are also present. This car also runs and drives like a true low mileage car with a tight front end and a smooth running and shifting engine and transmission. Overall this is such a neat car and such a good straight original example. Possibly the best original 1951 Sportabouts in existence. Contact us today for more information.
