1934 Dodge Series DR Deluxe Business Coupe

The new-for-1934 Dodge DR-Series models had a sleek and stylish design and robust engineering. The well-equipped DR Deluxe line was popular with nearly 77,000 examples produced in 1934. Hydraulic brakes and a new independent front suspension were further advantages. Priced from just $665 when new, the five-model DR Deluxe series was supplemented by the lower-production base-model DRXX and extended-wheelbase DS variants.

5,323 examples of the 2/4-Passenger Coupes were built and many have since been modified by hot-rodders of the period. This particular example is in unmodified form. It has had just four owners from new had has less than 28,500 miles from new. It was purchased new by Richard J. Duncalf of Renton, Washington, and used sparingly by him until 1974, when the Dodge passed to his son who traded the car at Tacoma Dodge for a new model. Stan Long and Al Sandine, co-owners of Tacoma Dodge, retained the DR for their collection and soon had it correctly repainted and re-upholstered in the original Medium Brown.

Many years later, Art Astor was eventually able to acquire the car. Under Mr. Astor's care, the DR was properly stored, maintained, and given regular but limited exercise until August of 2008, when the current owner (a Sacramento-based individual) acquired the car.

The car has its original glass and hardware, and the original running boards. The car has its original rubber step pads, complete with 'Dodge Brothers' logo, rumble seat, and the original upholstery. It has the 'Dodge' brand name molded into the taillight lens, the rare spare-tire, Dodge emblem, the steel artillery-style wheels, original paintwork, the trademark Dodge 'Ram' radiator mascott, dual external horns, and a pair of Trippe lights. The interior has its original wood grain dash, instrument cluster, and floor mats.

Power is from a 218 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder engine breathing through a Stromberg EX-22 single-barrel downdraft carburetor. The 82 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The car has an independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014