1940 Dodge Luxury Liner Series D14 Convertible Coupe
In 1940, the average cost of a home was about $3,000. The cost of a gallon of milk was 54 cents and gas was 18 cents for that same gallon. The average income was about $1,400 per year, and cars were a luxury item with starting prices of $850....more than half the average national income. And if you were doing really well, you could step into a Dodge Series D14 for about $1,000. According to Classic.com, the Luxury Liner was created in 1939 to celebrate Dodge's 25th anniversary. Production only lasted until 1941 after which the model was split into the Deluxe and Custom.
For consignment, a rare 1940 Dodge Luxury Liner Series D14 Convertible Coupe " this is a consignor stated 4-owner car and owner #4 did a frame-up restoration that began in 2005. An effort that has made this car a consistent award winner including "first in class" at national meets, including a win at a national Chrysler products club meet. We often use the term "show and go" and after looking this car over and despite its mechanically sound state, we'd reserve this one for mostly show...it is very, very nice.
Exterior
Viper Red paint adorns this car and pops like a cardinal in the snow. It's bright and shiny with wide fenders arching over red painted wheels, blingy beauty rings and red-accented Dodge hub caps...all wrapped in wide white wall tires. The body was brought to bare metal before painting and the prep work has paid off, most evident on that huge, rounded trunk. The brightwork is fantastic with polished stainless steel and chrome everywhere including the driver's spotlight. The bumper chrome is where quality really shines, and these are accented with red chevrons on the bumperettes. A black canvas top is in excellent condition and functions properly with a glass rear window. The ram ornament leaps forward and leads the charge of this pre-war beauty. One rust bubble was noted low on one door but you'd have to look for it.
Interior
The straight stitched split bench seat was done in gray leather and the simple door panels are also gray, with the added interest of forward leaning lines pressed into the leather. A simple door actuator and window crank are also there, not far from the small armrest. The bottom of the door card picks up on the carpet and matches with a darker gray. Flip down side seats are found in the back for additional passengers. An ornate black steering wheel is accented with red and the dash is pure art deco and not over-restored. The metal, knobs and gauge faces retain some patina, a reminder that you're driving something vintage. Some text on the speedometer reads "Floating Power" and according to some forum chatter on jalopyjournal.com, this refers to the motor mounts that reduced engine vibration. A Mopar Deluxe heater box is found in the passenger footwell...more vintage goodness! A vertical, push-button radio looks well-played and we can only imagine the big band sounds that emanated from this car back in the day. The trunk is carpeted in charcoal and continues the gray theme.
Drivetrain
The original 217.8ci L-head six cylinder is in place and a single barrel carburetor feeds the fuel. The transmission is a 3-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels and 4.10 gears. Our consignor states that brakes, (drums all around), carburetor, and wiring were done during the restorative phase of this car's long life.
Undercarriage
The wheels and underbody parts painted in red surround an otherwise black underside. Independent suspension and coil springs up front with leaf springs in the back. Surface rust appears on suspension components, the driveshaft, and the frame while excess bushing grease has picked up some dirt along the way. Floorpans look solid and the single exhaust looks great. Everything seems to be in order here for a car that is occasionally driven.
Drive-ability
Easy does it as we roll this Luxury Liner out of the garage. Sixteen-inch wheels provide a comfortable ride and the L-head puts out that pleasant period sound. Second gear comes on smoothly as we bring up some speed and our run allows us to advance to third gear...all butter smooth and trouble free. We rode with the top up and the back window is narrow, having us wish for a warmer day. Through that window, however, you can catch a glimpse of the rolling field of red that is the bulbous trunk. Braking takes some thought alteration as these are not powered and not disc, so start earlier than you would normally...and once that technique is mastered, the car performs flawlessly.
It's likely the first owner of this car spent a good percentage of his annual income to purchase this car. He probably could not have fathomed that his luxury car of choice would be alive and well nearly 100 years later. In fact, his car got an injection of youth and looks even better today! Gleaming and bright, this rare bird is ripe for a new caretaker and to be shown to the masses who will undoubtedly ask, "What are we looking at?" "Well," you'll respond..."let me tell you..."
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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