1914 Dodge Brothers Model 30-35

The Dodge Brothers Company of Detroit, Michigan was founded in 1900 by Horace and John Dodge. Early work included manufacturing precision engine and chassis components for the evolving automotive market. Among their early customers was the Olds Motor Vehicle Company and the new Ford Motor Company.

The Dodge Brothers Motor Company was established in 1913 and by 1914, the brothers had designed and introduced their first car, a four-cylinder model called the Model 30/35 touring car. The first example left the factory on November 14th of 1914. It used a welded all-steel body by Budd, the first mass-produced all-steel body in America, and was powered by a 35 horsepower L-head four-cylinder engine with solid valve lifters, four main bearings, and a 212.3 cubic-inch displacement. It was backed by a three-speed selective sliding transmission with floor shift controls, cone type clutch, and heat-treated vanadium gears, and 'back-to-front' gear change. Mechanical brakes were on the rear wheel, and demountable wood spoke wheels at all four corners. Its wheelbase measured 110-inches and used a unique 12-volt electric system.

Standard equipment included an electric self-starter, windshield, demountable rims, a folding top, leather seats, and a speedometer. Optional equipment included running board luggage rack, Motometer, windshield wiper, side curtains, spare tire, spotlight, tool kit, and wire wheels.

The only body style offered was a four-door touring car with seating for five, priced at $785. Although it had four doors, the driver's side door was non-opening. The cars built during 1914 have serial numbers one through three-hundred and seventy - the number of vehicles produced during this year. Some consider the 1914 models as 1915, however, others do not.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020