1915 Dodge Brothers Model 30-35 Tourer

In what must have seemed like an overnight transformation, the Dodge Brothers' went from being the world's largest supplier of auto parts to a highly successful independent automobile manufacturer. John and Horace Dodge introduced their vehicle in November, 1914. The 'Dodge Main' plant in Detroit suburb of Hamtramck turned out 249 Dodge cars before the end of the year. The following year, the company produced 45,000 vehicles, catapulting Dodge into third place in the company's first complete year as a full line automobile manufacturer.

John and Horace Dodge introduced their eagerly anticipated car in November 1914. Before the end of the year, the highly integrated Dodge Main plant in the Detroit suburb of Hamtramck had turned out 249 Dodge cars. The company produced 45,000 vehicles in 1915, catapulting Dodge into third place in the industry in its first full year as a full-line automobile manufacturer.

The Dodge vehicle had several innovative features, such as the first mass-produced, all-steel body. 'The Dependable Dodge' delivered the quality and durability the company promised, and at an affordable and competitive price.

Sadly, John and Horace Dodge both died of influenza in 1920. Eight years later, the company was purchased by Walter P. Chrysler.

This 1915 Touring Car is powered by an L-head four-cylinder engine offering 35 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel externally contracting, mechanical brakes. In 1915, this vehicle had a base price of $785.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2014