1952 Dodge Wayfarer

Dodge introduced the Wayfarer series in 1949, along with the Meadowbrook and Coronet Series. They wore the first post-war designs, shrugging off the pre-war designs that had been used in the immediate post-war era. Body styles on the Wayfarer included a 2-door with a rear seat, a 2 passenger coupe, and a Sports Roadster, all resting atop a 115-inch wheelbase. During the initial year of production, 9,342 coupes were produced. The total production of the Sport Roadster was 5,420 examples and 49,054 sedans. The Wayfarer was a low-priced vehicle in the Dodge lineup. The sedan sold for $1,756 and weighed 3,180 pounds, the coupe sold for $1,629 and weighed 3,065 pounds. The roadster could be purchased for $1,745 and weighed 3,145 pounds.

The vehicles featured a 230 cubic-inch Flathead 6 cylinder engine that produced 103 horsepower. It came standard with a 3-speed transmission and was void of a radio or a heater. The lifespan of the clutch was extended by fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. A 'semi-automatic' transmission was available as optional equipment. On the Sports Roadster, the side windows were curtains that could be stored behind the passenger seat when not in use. Roll-up windows replace the curtains during the later part of 1949.

The 1951 Wayfarer received a new hood, grille, and bumpers, and the 1952 Wayfarer would be nearly identical, partly due to Dodge's involvement with providing military vehicles to support the Korean conflict. The grille had a bold horizontal bar that wrapped around the parking lights on either end. Bumpers wrapped around the immediate body sides. A chrome stripe appeared on the front and rear fenders and the Wayfarer name could be found on the front fenders below the chrome stripe. Body styles included a six-passenger, two-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and the roadster. Although the roadster was listed, it was not produced and the business coupe was discontinued in February of 1952. The engine continued to be the 230 CID six-cylinder unit offering 103 horsepower and backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $1,885 for the coupe to $2,035 for the 2-door sedan.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2005