1948 Dodge Custom Series

The 1948 Dodge models were positioned slightly above the Plymouth models. While the 1948 Plymouths were offered as the Deluxe Six and Special Deluxe Six, the Dodge models were the Deluxe and Custom Six. Body styles were similar, although a station wagon was offered on the Plymouth. The Plymouth had an L-head six-cylinder 217.8 cubic-inch engine with 95 horsepower, while the Dodge's 230 CID six offered 102 horsepower. The price differences between the Plymouth and Dodge were roughly $300.

Dodge had entered post-war automobile production using slightly updated pre-war designs. 1948 was the final year for the pre-war designs, as the following year would introduce all-new styling. The 1948 Dodge Deluxe and Custom models were identical to the 1947 models. Both the Deluxe and Custom were very similar to the Customs having slightly better interior accouterments. They had dual electric wipers, rear fender moldings, and pencil-stripe seats. Body styles on the Deluxe Series included a 2- and 4-door sedan, and a coupe. Custom Series body styles included a sedan, town sedan, 7-passenger sedan, club coupe, and convertible. The sedan was very popular with 333,911 sold while the 2-door club coupe found 103,800 willing buyers. 27,800 examples of the Town sedan - a higher trim level version of the sedan - and 3,698 were the large, 7-passenger sedan.

Options one the 1948 Dodge models included turn signals, white sidewall tires, back-up lights, an electric clock, and a radio. A three-speed manual transmission was standard.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020