Grabbing Life by the Horns

Dependable. That's the one word we hear over and over again from readers who own Dodge vehicles. Regardless of model or year of manufacture, reliability and durability play an important role in maintaining allegiance to the Dodge brand. Comfort, outstanding design and unique styling are the other key factors in why these owners adore their Dodge cars and trucks. Their tales are inspiring, moving and downright noteworthy.

1946 D24 Sedan

Brenda Suttle; Lenexa, Kansas

1956 Mayfair

Our Dodge stands out, with its deep ebony paint and loads of bright, shiny chrome. The column-mounted shifter gives more front seat room, and all instruments and radio controls, whose tubes remain the original ones, are within an easy arm's length; even the clock and vacuum windshield wipers work. It's a proud car as it makes its way down the highway. When we were young, we all felt cool and safe to be inside such a strong and durable vehicle.

It does drive like a tank, but once on the road, it goes. It was built for moving, and still does a great job at that. The best thing is that it was my father's car, and when I'm in it, I see him sitting next to me.

1950 Meadowbrook

1957 Royal D-500 Hardtop

Dennis Sagvold; Glendale, Pennsylvania

The styling is directly related to the space race at the time. I always liked things that were different, and I definitely liked the Forward Look. It drives well on the highway and is heavy enough to hold the road well. With the Hemi V-8, it has the power when you need it.

1933 Business Coupe

Daniel Walsh; Nine Mile Falls, Washington

The sloping grille, chrome headlamp buckets, long hood, suicide doors and low roofline are nicely tied together with the embossed belt line that travels from the front to the back. It all comes together, producing a very attractive car. Embossed spears on the front fenders add a unique decorative touch.

It travels down the road nicely, with its hydraulic shocks and brakes, and the interior is surprisingly comfortable. This car is original down to its paint and factory pinstriping.

1956 Mayfair

Charles Woodside; San Antonio, Texas

1963 880 Convertible

Built in Canada, this Mayfair is similar to a Plymouth Belvedere from the A-pillar back; it combines the best of Dodge and Plymouth styling. Their soaring fins, dramatic side trim, and daring two-tone paint combinations set them apart from the 1955 models and gave them a more finished look. Mylar thread woven into the upholstery complemented the Mylar trim on the seats, and the vinyl and patterned cloth door panels are true works of art. The two-barrel, 277-cu.in. V-8 and two-speed PowerFlite automatic provide adequate, if not exhilarating, performance.

1956 Custom Royal Lancer

At shows, guys my age typically smile as they approach the car, but the smile changes to a look of puzzlement as they try to reconcile the Dodge grille with the Plymouth fins. They know something is not right, but it takes them a while to figure it out.

1950 Meadowbrook

Mike McDowell; Yukon, Oklahoma

Its design epitomizes "beauty through simplicity." The lines flow naturally, without excessive chrome trim to distract the eye. It was quite an engineering marvel to have designed a car that is not extremely large on the outside, but yet is so very cavernous on the inside. And its interior has this great smell, like a fine wool suit that's been stored in a cedar chest for years.

I never cease to be impressed with how smooth the flathead-six and the Fluid Drive perform when taking off from a complete stop. Its effortless, smooth flow of power gives the impression of built-in lasting quality, and the ride is excellent and surprisingly quiet. It lets me know that it's perfectly capable of cruising at 65 MPH on the highway, but as soon as I stop paying attention, it settles back into a steady 55.

1949 Special Deluxe

Bruce Castle; Calgary, Canada

I like the sedan's profile; it sits high and has plenty of headroom, and its sides are more slender compared to the design of the 1946, '47, and '48 Chrysler products. I also like the pattern of the checkerboard grille--it sets the Dodge's appearance apart from other makes--and the fact that they placed the taillamps back up on the edge of the rear fenders as they did in 1941. This was the only year that Dodge and Plymouth had the ripple bumpers, which make this car even more distinctive and very stylish.

It's a pleasure to drive, and has great visibility, an upright and comfortable front bench seat, and smooth-shifting gears with armstrong steering, due to the radial tires, which have improved the ride, handling and braking considerably. It idles so quietly and runs so smoothly, you hardly know the engine's running.

1964 Dart GT

1952 Coronet Sierra Station Wagon

Laura and Richard Griffin; Reno, Nevada

She is not stylish or flashy, but an elegant lady. There are no gaudy fins or other dramatic body configurations to get in the way of its crisp, clean lines. Nothing is stuck on or appears as an afterthought--everything fits together and forms a continuity from tip to tail. The taillamp and front turn signal lenses are plastic, which is a mystery, as the lenses on the 1952 Plymouth wagon are the same shape and are made of glass. No, the lenses are not interchangeable--we have tried!

The Sierra was made as an all-purpose family vehicle. The rear seat folds down (with one hand) making a level deck from the rear of the back seat to the trailing edge of the tailgate. The deck is 3/4-inch marine plywood, with polished stainless-steel runners. These runners line up perfectly when the rear seat is folded down and the tailgate dropped. The wood deck and panels in the back earned this car the nicknames "tin woody" or "inside-out woody."

The stance is wide enough and the wheelbase long enough to make for a very comfortable ride. Driving it is an awesome experience, with its Fluid Drive transmission. Once in first gear, simply back off the accelerator and the transmission shifts by itself into second gear. While the original straight-six (it has not been rebuilt) will never beat anything off the line, there is plenty of power to cruise comfortably at 60 MPH. The ride is smooth and sturdy, and the large steering wheel makes it easy to turn and park even without power steering.

Owning this Sierra is a privilege, and driving it is a pleasure. We love this car and have no intention of selling her--ever.

1975 Dart Swinger

Chris Holley; Montgomery, Pennsylvania

I like the Dart's conservative, boxy body style that is smooth, clean and easily recognizable. The absolute best part of the 1967-'76 two-door hardtop Darts is the side view. The body line peak flows from the front fender to the door and then a slight hump into the quarter panel, with the C-pillar enveloping the concave rear glass. The C-pillar angle is mimicked by the fender wheel opening tapering behind the tires, making a smooth, clean look. With the windows down, this body style looks exceptional.

Equipped with the smooth and quiet 225-cu.in. Slant Six, its acceleration is adequate. The TorqueFlite 904 shifts smoothly and without hesitation, and power steering works well, but does not provide the best feedback, due to the "over assist" making the front end feel light. The interior appointments are sparse, with just a few options that are easily reached, and the bench seat is minimally padded compared to late-model cars, but they are both adequate. Overall, the Dart Swinger is quiet, smooth, and a joy to drive.

1958 Custom Royal Lancer

John and Juanita Flammer; Akron, Ohio

We like the Dodge's long and low look, its swept-wing tailfins and its unique color combination. More importantly, we enjoy owning it because it has been a member of our family since it was brand new.

It drives very smoothly and handles very well, considering it does not have power steering. The brakes leave a lot to be desired, since they are not power assisted either. The overall handling is very good, especially with its original-style bias-ply tires. It does have a small amount of body lean in sharp curves. The torsion bars help the body lean considerably, yet give it a stable ride.

1965 Dart GT

1948 D24 Derham Club Coupe

John White; Sacramento, California

My Club Coupe is a one-off car built by Derham. My father, who was a VP General Manager at a large New York City Dodge dealership, had a special relationship with Derham. Over the postwar years, he had some 20 special Dodges made by Derham to attract attention in his Dodge showroom on Broadway. This is the only Derham Dodge that survived. It was a tribute to Studebaker's Starlight Coupe, with its wraparound rear window.

1922 Touring Car

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to own this unique Dodge, because I've known the car since I was eight years old, and I love the checkerboard egg-crate grille in particular. One day, my father took me to the Derham factory outside of Philadelphia, and I watched the car being built. While my father talked to the Derham brothers, Jim and Enos, I walked around the three-story building with its creaky wood floors to see Derham's custom transformations of Cadillacs, Lincolns, Chryslers and, yes, even a Dodge. I saw it arrive for its debut at the dealership, and I saw it hang around for two years before being sold. It wowed the crowds for a time, but then when the new models came in 1949, it remained unsold and was then banished to a branch in Brooklyn across from Ebbets Field, where it finally sold in 1950. I was fascinated with the car, and was able to purchase it at the 2012 Gooding auction in Scottsdale.

1950 Coronet Sedan

Don Cunningham; Ceres, California

I liked the design of the 1949 Dodge cars, but when the 1950 models arrived, I liked them even better. The grilles were bolder and gave the cars a reliable, stronger look. Four-door cars always appealed to me, and the Coronet had the looks and room for six passengers. The fairly long wheelbase of 123 inches gave it a more flowing appearance, even though the silhouette was a bit boxy.

It drove very smoothly, and featured the optional Tip-Toe Shift Gyro-Matic semi-automatic transmission. But the acceleration was slow from stop in normal forward gear; the car actually started out in what would be a second gear ratio. However, that M6 transmission was extremely durable, and the slow take-off was very smooth. Visibility all around was just excellent, and it cruised at speeds of 60-65 MPH very comfortably. The car was just plain solid, and I loved it.

1948 Deluxe

1970 Challenger R/T

Jack Brown; Delanson, New York

The design of the Challenger is classic, with its modified Coke-bottle shape, long hood and short trunk. It typifies the era of muscle cars and stands up even today with the new generation of Challengers. With the proper slight nose-down stance, there aren't many meaner-looking cars. Only the 1968-'70 Chargers come close to the visual appeal of the '70 Challenger.

With new tires, ball joints and brakes, it does pretty well on the road, but it has all the numbness of over-boosted power steering and sloppiness that were typical of cars of that era. That's part of its personality.

1952 B3B Pickup

Jack Spring; Burnt Hills, New York

1969 Charger R/T

The visibility of the truck's "pilot house" design is wonderful. That flathead six is one great, reliable engine. It drives like a truck, but not badly, and is comfortable at about 50 MPH. I enjoy owning it because it is different, and it always attracts attention.

1937 Sedan Delivery Truck

1963 880 Convertible

Robert Joyner; Richmond, Virginia

1956 Royal Sedan

I like its simple, flowing lines. There are no fins, unusual grilles, slanted headlamps or excessive chrome. The windshield design largely eliminated the "dog leg," which made entry to the front seat awkward. The split front seat backrest on the two-door model makes entry into the back seat very convenient. The dash is simple and well laid out; the gauges are easy to read and well arranged. The pushbutton transmission is cable-operated, simple in design, and almost foolproof. Some 50 years of trouble-free use support this statement.

It drives and rides well at any speed over any surface; the torsion-bar suspension is superb in all situations. There is adequate power from the 383-cu.in. V-8, and gas mileage in the upper teens is acceptable. The TorqueFlite shifts smoothly, and I only hear the engine speed change. I can drive this car for hours without tiring. It's a pleasure to own.

1956 Custom Royal Lancer

Clyde Horst; Lancaster, Pennsylvania

1990 Dakota Sport Convertible

I love its two shades of blue, with the touch of white around the taillamps, and the Forward Look with the "jet" fins. The Dodge emblem on the convertible top is a very nice and rare touch.

It is equipped with the 315-cu.in. Super Red Ram V-8 producing 218hp. And with its pushbutton PowerFlite transmission, coupled with power steering and power brakes, it provides sure-footed, well-handling performance with plenty of power to spare.

At shows, I'm struck by people's comments regarding the '56 Dodge's reliability and performance. Comments like, "When growing up, our neighbors had a '56, and they had it for years and years and years." And, "Those '56 Dodges gave all comers a good run for their money!" Perhaps Dodge said it best in its promotion of the 1956 lineup: "A new world of adventure is waiting for you...discover the difference in Dodge!"

1966 Coronet 440

Stam and Joyce Zervanos; Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

We like its overall design, particularly the front grille treatment. The split recessed grille and inward slanted turn signals give the car a bold crisp look. The body has a low, wide appearance, with clean straight lines. The rear quarter panels have a subtle resemblance to the late '60s Coronet Super Bee and R/T designs.

1954 Royal

It has been very reliable. It handles both back roads and open highway driving with ease. The 318-cu.in. V-8 runs very smoothly and has more than enough power for us. As with most cars of this era, the sensitivity of the power steering takes a little getting used to. It's a fun car to drive.

1915 Touring

Steve Thompson; Stockton, California

My dad started his love affair with this Touring car in 1948 when he bought it, then displayed the car in the showroom of his dad's Dodge dealership, Thompson Motors & Son.

1956 B-3-B Deluxe Express

My brothers and Dad were at a swap meet when Dad started looking through an old book, and there it was, a picture of his beloved Dodge in the 1932 marathon race to Reno, Nevada. Dad purchased the book, and new piece of the Dodge's history was found. There was always lettering visible on the body, but now we had the history. If you look closely, you can still see the lettering today. Dad never missed a chance to talk about his beloved 1915 Dodge Touring to anyone who would listen.

1952 Coronet

1960 Dart Phoenix

Dennis and Suzanne Neuser; Platteville, Wisconsin

Dodge nailed it with the 1960 Dart Phoenix convertible. From its headlamps to tailfins, it's a beauty. From the pushbutton drive to its original suspension, it drives just like it drove in the 1960s. With plenty of power from the stock 318-cu.in. four-barrel V-8, it's just a pleasure to drive.

1929 DA Sport Roadster • 1928 Victory 6 Sedan • 1924 Business Coupe Roadster

Gerry Egland; Redmond, Oregon

Many people have never experienced the pulse of a Dodge Brothers four-cylinder engine at idle or at work. Its long stroke, encouraged by an enormous flywheel, makes unique chugging sounds and almost soothing vibrations.

My black 1924 business coupe and green 1928 Victory 6 are both unrestored originals, including paint, interior and mechanicals. My blue and yellow 1929 DA sport roadster, which I restored, was originally sold in Milan, Italy.

The overall appearance is what I like best about Dodge vehicles, and their early use of all-steel body construction, hydraulic brakes and other design advantages. I use the word "robust" when comparisons arise.

On the road, finding my cars' sweet spot is the key to driving enjoyment and endurance for both the car and driver. They all have good road manners.

1948 Deluxe Sedan

Bob Vaughn; Pequot Lakes, Minnesota

My grandparents purchased our 1948 Dodge new, and it has been in the family ever since. We like the design of the 1940s-styled fenders, and still it has a smooth-flowing, rounded design, with lots of attractive chrome inside and out. It's not clunky or boxy-looking like many cars of that era.

The seats are a comfortable chair height, making it easy to get in and out of, as well as sit in. It's easy to see out of, with lots of interior room, but still isn't too long. The unique butterfly hood makes for easy access to the engine compartment.

The Fluid Drive is easy-shifting, and nothing beats leaving it in second gear without using the clutch in the winter on icy roads around town. These cars had a fantastic suspension for their day, and it still provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride at current highway speeds.

1963 D-100

Dave Sinclair; Eagle, Idaho

I like the truck's wide, muscular stance. With no power steering or brakes, it's not a handful at all, but in fact, drives quite easily. Radial tires have reduced the steering effort, and the drum brakes do an excellent job, requiring very light pedal pressure. Everyone knows it's me when they see the dependable Dodge!

1965 Custom 880 Station Wagon

Fred Dole; Colchester, Connecticut

I fell in love almost immediately with its smooth lines--everything is right about this car, from grille to taillamps. Because I'm a station wagon lover, the styling of the Custom 880 wagon with the wood trim was especially beautiful-looking. Its full-length roof rack fits the smooth lines of the body style perfectly, and the combination of that roof rack and the simulated wood trim is overwhelming. Dodge did a perfect job.

My 880 wagon drives beautifully. It shifts through the gears smoothly and the 383-cu.in. V-8 has more power than I need. I think it's the most beautiful wagon on the road.

1927 Cabriolet Coupe

Kenneth Lilley; Silver Lake, Kansas

Our Cabriolet Coupe has several desirable design features. It's a four-passenger car--counting the rumble seat--with a rear curtain that folds up; and the headlamps, bumpers, and radiator shell are nickel-plated instead of chrome. The rumble seat and folding top are what I like most about the design, and also the fact that it has a BUDD all-steel body.

The four-cylinder 212-cu.in. "Fast Four" engine was designed with five main bearings, which makes it run smoothly, and will cruise effortlessly at 50 MPH. It holds the road well and provides a smooth ride. The vacuum-tank fuel pump works well and keeps the engine running well.

We enjoy owning this Dodge, because of how well it runs and handles, and also because of its rarity; this particular body style was only produced for 72 days!

1957 Royal D-500

Wayne Maddox; Westminster, Colorado

While so many cars of the era were loaded with garish trim, Dodge kept it to a minimum, allowing the Royal's beautiful, flowing lines to be seen. The tasteful use of side trim allowed some great possibilities for two-tone paint schemes. I love the clean grille and front-end design as well as the simple, uncluttered design of the back end. Inside, the dash is perfectly symmetrical and all dials and gauges are easy to read. The "ribbon" speedometer lets you know instantly how fast you are going, and all controls are within easy reach.

This car is a joy to drive. The torsion-bar suspension gives a nice, comfortable feel to the road. Power steering makes going around corners and parking effortless, and the D-500 Hemi V-8 responds instantly to the demands of the throttle. The TorqueFlite goes through the gears firmly, but gently. I have owned it now for 36 years and still get a twinge of excitement when I see it in my garage!

1964 Dart GT

Daniel Shepherd; Connersville, Indiana

I absolutely love the design of my Dart. What struck me most about it was its front end; it reminded me of the Chrysler turbine car. I like the way the hood corners contour around the headlamp and the small bumper exposes the whole grille. It's a unique design.

It has no power steering and no power brakes and handles corners very well--it rides so smooth with the torsion bar suspension and has a lot of pep for a small 273-cu.in. V-8. With its manual four-speed, as you go through the gears getting up to speed there is no oversteer, and you can easily keep up with traffic. It drives as well as many newer cars.

1965 Dodge Phoenix

Timothy McKern; Forestville, Australia

Contrary to what your eyes might tell you, this car is not a Plymouth Fury. In the early 1960s, Chrysler had established quite a strong following in Australia for a large V-8-powered car, particularly amongst country purchasers who looked for a vehicle capable of towing and covering the large distances presented in rural Australia. This car, until 1964, was the American Dodge Phoenix. Luxurious and well equipped by prevailing Australian standards, it sold very well.

In 1965, Chrysler elected to sell the Plymouth Fury in lieu of the American Dodge, as its full-sized car, but still market the car as a Dodge. The reasons for this are unclear, as it seems most of Chrysler Australia's historical records were destroyed in Mitsubishi's takeover in 1981. It is thought that Chrysler Australia believed a big car was the right product for the market. Dodge had developed an excellent reputation with buyers in Australia, while Plymouth was less well known.

Not wanting to jeopardize their branding reputation, Chrysler Australia decided that the Canadian Plymouth Fury should be rebadged as a Dodge Phoenix. The cars were shipped from Chrysler's Canadian plants to Chrysler Australia's plant in Tonsley Park, Adelaide, South Australia, in complete knock-down-kit form.

The trim level selected appears to be about similar to the American/Canadian Fury II, while the dashboard was straight from the 1965 Dodge Monaco and adapted for right-hand drive. In order to improve local content, some parts were produced in Australia, such as the seat coverings and door trims.

The Phoenix was initially sold only as a four-door sedan running a 318-cu.in. V-8, but beginning in 1967, a four-door hardtop with the 383-cu.in. V-8 was offered. The big Dodge remained on the Australian market until 1972, having commenced in 1960.

Basic details, such as the numbers of cars produced, have been lost. It is thought about 400 each of 1969-'72 sedans and hardtops were produced as "Limited Edition" models and perhaps slightly more of the earlier models.

I have been a long-term Dodge driver, having bought my first Phoenix in 1987, a white 1968 sedan. I did many great trips with this Dodge, the most amazing of which was a 3,500-mile trip from Sydney to Ayers Rock. The Dodge did not miss a beat in the mid-summer heat of over 100 degrees.

Recently I bought a beautiful 1965 Dodge Phoenix sedan, cream with turquoise interior. The big 1965-'68 "C" body Chrysler products, under the design stewardship of Elwood Engel, were in my opinion, amongst the most beautiful cars ever produced. My 1965 Dodge Phoenix is no exception. I love its design--the slim, crisp silhouette and long bonnet. The spare application of ornamentation and consequent reliance on body character lines mean there is not an ounce of fussiness in the Dodge's appearance. The formal style of the steeply raked rear screen combines with the beautiful forward thrust of the front fenders and grille to suggest a car in motion. A formal look with just enough hint of the rakish.

This car is incredibly original, with 113,000 miles on the odometer. It still bears its shiny original paint, and the interior is untouched.

I love driving it, and it's easy to handle, with traditionally light coaxial power steering (so light it sometimes makes me feel that I am at the helm of a trawler in a North Atlantic gale), effective power drum brakes and a TorqueFlite transmission. Vision is great, with the "filling the envelope" design allowing good visibility of all corners. The drivetrain is really quiet, and the untouched engine is superbly smooth and provides more than adequate power. Handling is surprisingly good for a car of its bulk and vintage, while the ride is still supple. Looking out over that vast hood is pretty special.

Owning this Dodge for me means that I am preserving a part of our automotive heritage, in particular a vehicle from that time when American cars were so highly esteemed in Australia's motoring landscape.

1964 Dart 170

Brian Gardner; North Platte, Nebraska

Simplicity is the key to this car. It's a very basic sedan that has an abundance of glass area, so it is very possible to see all four points of the car when driving and parking it. Although it's simple, it still has a certain dignity and hints of the "wedge" design of the Chryslers of the time. The interior is highly functional, and it rides very well.

It's very basic, with its 170-cu.in. Slant Six engine and three-speed manual transmission. While the powertrain is smooth and almost indestructible, it is not a particularly powerful car, and responds better to more casual driving. Without any power-assisted steering or brakes, it's still very easy to drive and park and handles well. Just don't be in any hurry to get to the next stoplight!

1924 Deluxe Sedan

John Ryan; Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

I bought my 90-year-old Dodge back in 1968, and it has been driven only 24,313 miles since new. I like the straight lines of the body, as they give it a sleek, boxy look, and the large windows provide a great view of the scenery. For a car of the 1920s, it handles well and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. However, it is underpowered, top-heavy and hard to shift. Its

212.3-cu.in. four-cylinder engine develops only 30-35 hp. It has a three-speed transmission with a backwards shift pattern, which is why I love the challenge of driving it.

1965 Polara

Carter Sandvik; Fargo, North Dakota

The 1965 Polara has a very clean and crisp design; it's not overdone. The roofline on that era of Mopar products is one of my favorite. The best part of the interior design is the seating; you feel like you are in command of your driving and the road. You don't feel like you are sitting on the floor struggling to see over the front fenders.

Its ride feels as it did when new: comfy, but controlled. It drives great. Of course, our addition of power steering helped that. The 440-cu.in. V-8 that we installed years ago has more than enough power to get you where you're going, yet it's an easy engine to maintain. But, of course, the main reason our family enjoys owning this Dodge is the fact that my parents bought it new.

1929 Victory Six Sport Roadster

Gary and Carolyn Gray; Mt. Vernon, Ohio

This particular model is a six-wheel roadster, with matching trunk, hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, rumble seat, leather upholstery, side curtains, 58-hp six-cylinder engine, seven-bearing crankshaft, and fold-down top and windshield. It's a pleasure to drive. Just pull the starter cable, then pull the choke cable out and then back in quickly, and we are up and running. Fuel is delivered via a vacuum tank, and we have found this system to be just as reliable as modern fuel pumps.

Dodge has always used the word "dependability" as their advertising logo. We can truly attest to this: You always feel it will start, it will go, and it will get you home. During all those miles and years of driving it on tours, it has never failed to start and run. It has always completed a tour.

1957 Custom Sierra Spectator

Stuart Suede; Alhambra, California

This is a design by Virgil Exner at his best, with swept-wing styling emphasizing soaring tail fins, large glass areas and low-car stance, with its 14-inch wheels. I also love its elegant sweeping wagon roofline and two-tone paint, and the fact that there's no grille--there's only a Dodge medallion surrounded by chrome bumpers.

"Spectator" designates it as a nine-passenger wagon--the rear-facing back seat is the "spectator" seat. There's something special about a finned car, and a station wagon brings back childhood memories for us baby-boomers.

1970 Challenger

Steve Duncan; Villa Ridge, Missouri

I like the styling of the Challenger's interior, which is very comfortable with its high-back seats, easy-to-read gauges and Pistol Grip shifter. And the hideaway windshield wipers help to see the big hood as I'm cruising down the road. It drives very well, and I really like the manual steering, although it's a little hard to parallel park; but on the road it's a real pleasure. With its 440 Six Pack, manual four-speed and Super Track Pac, there's plenty of power, and the factory power brakes are a real plus.

1965 Dart GT

Bill Weil; Cincinnati, Ohio

I really like the unique look of the trim that wraps around the headlamps and grille; it makes for a very recognizable, clean appearance. The design is user-friendly, so it's roomy, easy to get into and out of, has good visibility, a large trunk, and is easy to access and work on the engine.

It cruises effortlessly at 65 MPH; however, you have to be very cautious to not tailgate the car in front, because the stock drum brakes don't respond like disc brakes. Other than that, it's an enjoyable pleasure to drive.

1955 Custom Royal Lancer

Real Perras; Morrisville, Vermont

I bought this Dodge brand-new, and we've been companions ever since. It's the best driving car I have ever owned, and I've driven it over 100 MPH many times. It's very comfortable on long trips and has never left me stranded.

Over the years, we made nine trips between California and Vermont, with this Dodge performing flawlessly every trip.

I love the way they made it look so beautiful. The way they designed the dash, and its Cameo Red color, with the white convertible. It was and still is very flashy. When I drive this Dodge, it really makes me feel like I have a piece of American Pride.

1954 Suburban station wagon • 1956 D-500

Jeff Paley; Santa Barbara, California

I like the simplicity and straightforward functionality of the Suburban's design and also the color which gets a lot of attention. It drives very nicely; not too heavy, and even with radials it steers easily. Fitted with a 270-cu.in. Hemi V-8 and 1955-spec Power Pak and 3-speed overdrive transmission, I love its performance. It's very quick and satisfying and fun to drive. And because of its utilitarian character it can carry whatever I want in the rear. It's great for camping.

I have wanted one of these D-500s since they came out. I read all the tests and the legendary racing history and drooled over the specs of this Dodge super car. I like that the D-500 is fairly rare and is the only 1956 Dodge with a Hemi V-8 and Chrysler suspension, steering, and brakes. It's a very solid, heavy duty, beautiful and stylish sedan...a real wolf in sheep's clothing.

It's also enjoyable to drive except that, with the large 225/70 R15s tires, it's a bear to steer at very slow speeds, however, it does drive smoothly and handles well at normal driving speeds.

1922 Touring Car

Felix Ruscillo; Venetia, Pennsylvania

I am the second owner of this touring car. It is an engineering marvel. The simplicity of its 92-year-old design is marvelous. The 12-volt electrical system features a starter-generator that is chain linked to the crankshaft. The starter draws electricity and turns the engine at a low RPM, with the engine starting immediately. Once it starts, that starter becomes a generator and the electricity flows in the opposite direction to satisfy the electrical demands of the car. It has a three-speed transmission; however, the shift pattern is different from most autos. To reverse, the gearshift is pushed toward the steering wheel and toward the rear of the car in the same direction you want the car to travel. Isn't that an intuitively better design? To go forward in low gear, you do the exact opposite.

This car was not meant for long-distance driving. It doesn't have a heater or windows, but instead, glass side curtains, and has only one manually operated windshield wiper on the driver's side.

It drives like you would expect an antique to drive. With its 212-cu.in. engine and low gearing, you only use first gear in parades or where a really low speed is needed. Anything over 35 MPH, and the engine sounds like it is really straining. Downshifting from third to second in hilly country means you have to double clutch, because the transmission gears are not synchromesh. It is truly dependable.

1959 Sierra Spectator

Roger Irland; Phoenix, Arizona

From the graceful sweep of the headlamp brows to the also graceful sweep of the cut-out taillamp bezels, there's a lot to like. The 1959 Dodge is one of those cars that looks good in any body style.

One of the reasons I've chosen to focus my collection on Mopars is their handling qualities. This car is always very poised on the road, even if the pavement is less than smooth. She also doesn't shy away from the twisty bits, even on bias-ply tires. The 361-cu.in. Red Ram V-8 has plenty of guts to keep up with traffic. Of course, the fact that I've driven her back and forth across the country several times also speaks to her driving qualities.

1932 UF-10 1/2-Ton Pickup

Quentin Robbins; Woodland, Washington

This is a "project truck" that sat in my woodshed for some 15 years. Kind of a basket case, but it's basically all there. I just finished going through the engine, and will now rebuild the brakes. It's powered by a four-cylinder flathead.

It's a unique little truck, with a tall, upright cab, and has hydraulic brakes and an all-metal body. My goal is to make it mechanically street legal, but leaving it looking like a fresh barn find. I think that is a good goal for battered basket cases, especially for old workhorses like this Dodge obviously was.

1979 Omni Woody

Jeff Masoner; Arlington, Virginia

Built with the "Premium Wood-Grain Package," the Omni remains an efficient hatchback design today, and I appreciate that it was available with color, design, and options that were tailored to the American market, making for a very good-looking subcompact car that didn't look like a basic inexpensive economy car. Its Teal Frost Metallic paint makes for a great-looking car that looks anything but "economy."

The interior has comfortable and well-padded teal velour bucket seats, deep teal carpet, and, of course, wood-grain trim. The automatic transmission, power steering, air conditioning, and soft suspension all make for a nearly luxurious ride.

The engine has a lot of pickup, the transmission shifts smoothly through its three speeds, and the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and brakes are precise and have good feel. The engine always lets you know that it's there, with its unrefined idle and sound, which gets very buzzy above 50 MPH. It's a nimble, fun-to-drive car that can fit into a small parking space and yet has four doors and room enough to bring three friends along.

1948 Deluxe

Robert Ullmer; Vandalia, Ohio

I was a proud 12-year-old boy when Dad bought this car brand new. He paid $15 extra for its beautiful metallic green paint. And it had a beautiful chrome dash with a radio and two-tone gray wool interior. I was always fascinated by the speedometer when it changed from green, to yellow, to red. It has been driven over 100,000 miles.

1948 Deluxe

Robert Ullmer; Vandalia, Ohio

I was a proud 12-year-old boy when Dad bought this car brand new. He paid $15 extra for its beautiful metallic green paint. And it had a beautiful chrome dash with a radio and two-tone gray wool interior. I was always fascinated by the speedometer when it changed from green, to yellow, to red. It has been driven over 100,000 miles.

1937 Series D-5 Touring Sedan

Gary Eckenberg; Duluth, Minnesota

September of this year marks the 50th anniversary of my relationship with this Dodge. As a pre-teen looking for a classic car, I only knew that I wanted a car with the headlamps mounted above the fenders.

I think the '37 Dodge is one of the most attractive designs of the era, with its full body-line chrome trim arching over the rear fenders, the subtle rakish slant of the grille, and the sweeping curve of the humpback trunk all giving the Dodge an aggressive look even while parked. Add to this the stylized ram hood ornament, and you've got a superb example of Dodge's Deco design that enticed car buyers to "Switch to the big new Dodge" in 1937. One of those ads touted Clark Gable as switching to the 1937 Dodge, because "it handles magnificently...it's astonishingly economical...and has all the swift smoothness I enjoy in driving." I agree!

1950 Wayfarer Sportabout

Jean-Guy Gagnon; Fort Pierce, Florida

I am enamored with the classic, subtle lines of the fenders. It emits a nostalgia that evokes the history of Dodge. I appreciate the roundness of its lines, the roll-up windows with their curved design, and the single bench seat resting under a low-slung folding roof.

I relish looking at my Wayfarer, realizing that this is not your typical classic car, but a car that has a certain countenance, an undeniable pedigree that expresses excellence. I've been the proud owner of this beauty since 1986.

As soon as I crank it up, my roadster starts to purr, settling into a smooth and quiet idle. The fluid transmission definitely eliminates tire-burning take-offs. The drive is sluggish, but it is a charm, even a great pleasure to just cruise on the scenic roads at a speed between 45-50 MPH. It's very dependable for a 64-year-old car, has never let me down on the road and has always brought me home. I value the simplicity and ease of maintenance, and the ready availability of parts at local stores.

I treasure riding my Wayfarer in sunny Florida accompanied by my lady wearing her straw hat, her long hair floating in the wind. It makes me feel like a young man again.

1969 Charger R/T

Mike Feldman; North Easton, Massachusetts

My Charger looks timeless. The scalloped doors and hood give the impression that it's moving forward even while standing still, and the infamous Coke-bottle shape of the fenders blending into the doors and then into the quarter panels reinforces this appearance of moving at high velocity. The other standout feature is the sail panels that flow from the rear roofline into the top of the quarter panels, then continue into the decklid and the mini ducktail wing. And its quarter panel-mounted gas cap supports the NASCAR racing theme that, at the time, was a huge influence in car sales.

I enjoy cruising down the back roads. There is nothing like the sound of a 426 Hemi, no matter what speed you are driving at. Being a B-Body with 3:23 gears, the car just feels so calm on the highway. When you step on it, you hear the carbs sucking in the volume of air and the exhaust rewarding you with that infamous roar. Today, the 1969 Charger is an icon, a testament to its enduring and creative design.

1937 Sedan Delivery Truck

Johnny Sunderland; Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee

The design is an interesting blend of a front end that captures the nostalgic look of the generation in which it was built, and a back end that reflects a look of modern-day designs that have returned to a simplified appearance. I appreciate the comfortable driving and roominess inside, and the front windshield that cranks out four inches to allow a gentle breeze to flow through. The stainless metal installed on the hood stands out on the sleek front, and the tear-drop headlamps draw attention to the aerodynamic look of the fenders, which beautify the appearance. The all-steel design gives a sense of durability and security.

The real pleasure I have from owning it is the fact that my grandparents purchased this Dodge truck brand new in April 1937 for their grocery store. Because my grandmother only used this truck for delivering groceries and accumulated just 33,000 original miles, the flathead six-cylinder still possesses the power and stability with which it was originally designed.

1956 Royal Sedan

Leland and Janice Ober; Irwin, Pennsylvania

This is a fun car to drive. It's equipped with power steering and power brakes, and the 315-cu.in. V-8 keeps us moving along with everyday traffic. I like its two-tone hood, with the large chrome ornament and the big rear fins. The turquoise-and-black combination gets many compliments and thumbs up when we are out with the car.

1939 Luxury Liner Special

John Daly; Helmetta, New Jersey

I always admired the front end of the 1939 Dodge since I was a child. The nose and the teardrop front-end is stylish, and the built-in headlamps are smooth looking, reflecting a nice design flow. The interior is very attractive, especially the woodgrain effect which shows elegance.

This car drives perfect. It keeps up with traffic and doesn't have any problem driving at 55 MPH. It handles bumps in the road with little effort but due to its weight and high roof, does not take turns very well. Most of the time you cannot hear the six-cylinder engine running, and I do enjoy driving it and the praises from onlookers.

1961 Dart Seneca

Cary Slevinsky; Calabash, North Carolina

I really like the Seneca's reverse-slanted fins, which appear to grow out of the fenders at the base of the "C" pillars and then taper towards the rear. Its sturdy construction is one reason why it became the mainstay of Highway Patrol and Police units in 27 states.

Being a base model Dart, it's a very attractive car in its original Aztec Gold finish and a white top. This fine car is equipped with the Economy 225-cu.in. Slant Six and with its 145hp is very peppy for its size and it gets great gas mileage. Even the A/C unit that's mounted under the dash still blows cold on hot summer days. But what I like most about this Dodge is that it always starts right up, and it still gives a great ride.

1919 Speedster • 1920 Speedster Racer

DeWayne Ashmead; Fruit Heights, Utah

This 1919 Dodge Brothers Speedster reminds me of the Stutz Bearcat. It's minimal, crude, and fast. I like to describe it as two seats on a frame with wheels and an engine. It looks ready for the action that the Roaring Twenties promised. And it delivers.

The car is fast. It has been clocked going over the mountains of Utah at 83 MPH. That being said, its speed is also frightening. There are no seatbelts, no protection for the driver or passenger, no front brakes--only mechanical rear brakes--and narrow wood spoke wheels. The steering is very sensitive and over-correction can easily occur if the driver loses concentration. The gear changes require double clutching to keep from grinding the gears (no synchromesh). While the transmission has three forward gears, first gear is a "stump puller." Generally, I start in second gear. I have to anticipate stops considerably before they occur. Panic stops require the added use of the emergency brake, which slows the driveline. In spite of these characteristics, I enjoy the experience of cruising in it on the back roads with the cutout wide open.

As for my 1920 Speedster, when this car was offered to me, it was a basket case, but complete, except for the carburetor. I almost turned it down, but having the supercharger still bolted to the block convinced me otherwise. As I restored the car over a 2½-year period, I came to admire the engineering that went into its original construction. For example, a traditional vacuum tank was insufficient to support the supercharger, so the gas tank was pressurized to push more fuel to the carburetor and supercharger. The engine, by its very nature, used oil, so an oil reservoir was constructed under the seat of the passenger/racing mechanic. It can deliver supplemental oil on demand to the engine while the car is still racing. Those and many other details continually amaze me. I don't know who originally designed and built the car, but his thinking went far beyond what the average automobile offered in its day. And that, more than anything else, attracted me to it.

This car is very fast. It can easily exceed 100 MPH, yet the wheels and brakes are totally inadequate for its speed. It's a two-person job to obtain maximum performance from the car. The driver is required to focus on acceleration, speed and braking. The riding mechanic monitors and adjusts the pressure to the supercharger, the oil pressure, the fuel tank pressure, etc. He keeps track of the engine temperature and voltage, and adjusts the Clymer headlamps in the windshield for night driving.

This Dodge was ahead of its time as far as technology was concerned. Every time I drive it, sit in it, or even just look at it, I marvel at what it took to conceive and construct this car.

Dodge Collection

Jack Dyson; Phoenix, Arizona

My love affair with Dodge began in April of 1968, when I was hired by Chrysler as a Dodge service rep in Philadelphia. My job required a lot of travel, so in order to stay out of trouble when in a strange city, I would look for old cars in the evening. Today, our family's collection totals 13 Dodges. My 1968 Dart GT convertible is an absolute blast to drive, with its 340 V-8, while my '68 Charger I consider to be one of the best-looking cars of all time. Other models of note include a '68 Dart GT hardtop, '71 Coronet, '74 Dart S/E hardtop and '88 Daytona Turbo 2. Trucks include a '74 D-100 pickup and a '78 Li'l Red Express, among others.

1990 Dakota Sport Convertible

Gordon White; Bryan, Texas

This is the first stock pickup convertible since Ford's Model A. There were only 909 made this year. It has a 3.9-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic, A/C, power windows and power steering. And it drives great, but is noisy at highway speeds. Best of all, I can put the top down and can carry cargo in the bed.

1964 Dart GT Convertible

David Jackman; London, Ohio

On March 21, 1964, my parents bought this Dart brand-new, paying a total of $2,650, plus $79.50 sales tax. They drove it all over the U.S. and pulled a trailer to the Canadian Rockies and to Mexico. It lived up to its slogan as being a "Dependable Dodge." The 225 Slant Six engine and drivetrain are quite impressive. It handles well with its torsion bar suspension, and the 111-inch wheelbase made it a nice-sized car with plenty of room in the back seat for a truly nice four-passenger convertible. Its styling is timeless, which I really like.

It has been driven 102,000 miles, and has not even had the valves adjusted. Even the convertible top is original. It handles well, with good performance. I enjoy the pushbutton transmission and particularly like the bucket seats. Its trunk is gigantic. It averages 23 MPG and is a good parade car as it does not overheat.

I also own a 1965 Custom 880 convertible that I bought brand new. It does not handle as well, as the suspension is too soft; so, when I want to drive a Chrysler product, I normally drive the Dart. It's an excellent car.

1925 Touring

William Carothers; Columbus, Indiana

I've owned my five-passenger Touring car since 1965; it's one of 16 different models Dodge produced that year. The speedometer has always worked and now shows 25,502 miles, but it has been restored due to sitting under a tree for years on a farm in Coldwater, Michigan. The only thing that is not original is an electric fuel pump that I installed to replace the old vacuum pump. It's not a show car but we have had a lot of enjoyment with it over the years. It's almost one of the family.

1954 Royal

John Rowerdink; Pinehurst, North Carolina

The features I like best are the Hemi V-8 engine and the PowerFlite automatic transmission--both still work perfectly. The engine was rebuilt, but the transmission has never been worked on, other than to change fluid and replace the seals. Every time I drive it, I'm reminded how perfectly the engine and transmission work.

It drives beautifully. Everything just seems to work great, and it's pretty amazing for a 60-year-old car. It seems like the more I drive it, the better it runs. It cruises nicely at highway speeds, and the engine has that nice, throaty exhaust sound that old V-8s seem to have.

1925 C Cab Bread Delivery Truck • 1928 Senior Six Cabriolet

Robert Molner; Oswego, Oregon

This bread delivery truck is based on a Dodge Brothers truck chassis and fitted with a custom built "C" cab. After we installed new tires and brakes and fixed the radiator and fuel tank, it started right up and ran great; it could be delivering bread again! It idles at just 375 RPM, and brings such great memories to everyone who sees it.

My Senior Six Cabriolet has a unique look to it, and the Dodge Brothers Club indicates there are only seven others known to exist. I like the sturdy design of its wire wheels, and its special body, with the front half of its roof being solid, while its rear half is a convertible. And it drives great.

1956 Custom Royal Lancer

Margaret and Don Carson; Tequesta, Florida

It's a very dependable car, and an absolute pleasure to drive. My parents owned one; I drove it to high school and always thought it was a cool car with the tailfins. It is absolutely beautiful.

It's surprisingly powerful and gets up to 60 MPH in just over 10 seconds. It is very comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. At highway speeds, she cruises stable and easily at 70 to 75 MPH. The ride is nice and smooth--although the bias-ply tires are not as steady as radials, they do give a nice ride. The seats are soft and feel like a sofa, so it's a great car to take on long trips. Last year, we put about 460 miles on it in one weekend, as we love driving it anywhere. The more we drive it, the more we are amazed at how nicely preserved everything is.

This Lancer is a wonderful piece of history that we can enjoy. There will never be cars like this again, and we try to do everything right and with original parts, in order to keep the car exactly as it came from the factory. It's a wonderful American automobile. We love it!

1956 B-3-B Deluxe Express

Mike Hughes; Alexandria, Virginia

The wraparound windshield and large windows in the wide cab make it seem spacious, light and airy compared with the contemporary Chevy and Ford trucks. There is a large glovebox in the middle of the simple, symmetrical painted dash, which makes it useful for the driver to use. And the running boards run the full length between the fenders; the wide cab extends out over the running boards so that they are barely noticeable. Finally, take a look at the rear fenders. This same stamping was still being used on Dodge Stepside trucks over 30 years later. Talk about timeless design.

The "Poly" V-8 transformed the Dodge trucks into sparkling performers. First gear is almost unnecessary, unless starting off on an uphill grade. Most driving is done in second and third only, but once under way, it's rarely necessary to shift. It pulls smoothly and effortlessly from 10 MPH in third gear, even up the mountain. Despite being nearly 60 years old, in many respects it really does drive like a much newer truck.

1952 Coronet

David Felderstein; Sacramento, California

I have other cars that are much flashier than this Dodge, but somehow, this Coronet is more important. It's such a good driver that it's a pleasure to get behind the wheel and go somewhere. It has good ventilation, great visibility, and a nice seat.

It keeps up easily with normal traffic. It's powerful. It's comfortable. It handles magnificently. However, I switched back to a set of bias-ply tires; with the radials, it just wasn't right. The suspension had a lot of reverberation through the car, and it kept popping hubcaps. I decided I was going to try bias-ply tires instead, and it was much better.

As to its Fluid-Drive transmission, I really have it dialed in; it's very smooth. The way you drive this car is, you put it into gear just one time, unless you want to go in reverse. If you just went forward, you would never have to move the shift lever--ever! There is no neutral start switch, so you do have to be conscious.

The things that you do with this Coronet are kind of in a slowish motion. Slowed down. Everything is kind of slower. I find it very competent. It's floaty, there's no doubt about it, but it tracks very straight. The steering is extremely excellent. Chrysler engineering was always absolutely the top of the game. These cars drive down the road spectacularly well. There's no other way to put it. They're excellent road cars.

[Ed: Look for a full feature on this unrestored Coronet in an upcoming issue.]