1951 Dodge Meadowbrook 4 Door Sedan
The Dodge Meadowbrook was produced by Dodge and offered as the midline trim level from February 1949 until 1954, above the Wayfarer and beneath the Coronet. The Meadowbrook was largely identical to the Coronet, excepting trim and equipment differences. In 1952 the Wayfarer was cancelled and the Meadowbrook became the lowest priced Dodge in the United States; export markets, (including Canada), continued to receive the Plymouth based Dodge Kingsway. The 1951 Meadowbrook received a thorough change, with all new front skin. Bumpers were also new, as was the dashboard, and the windshield was enlarged. The engine remained unchanged, as it would until 1954. The 1951 maintained the 3-speed fluid drive transmission, which remained unchanged until 1954.
Offered for consignment and your viewing pleasure, a 1951 Dodge in mid-level Meadowbrook 4 door sedan trim with 81,283 miles which cannot be title verified, but after looking under, over, around, and throughout this example you'll be hard pressed to think otherwise. Our consignor states this car is the only remaining of its ilk registered in New York and has recently been treated to a valve job, new brakes, new tires and a new battery. Take a second and breathe in all the originality!
Exterior
It's hard to argue with factory installed steel, and this car has it. From the decently minded gaps to the mis-matched coat of paint in Granite Gray that adorns the steel panels of this massive slab sided car we are in factory designed heaven. From the body spear upward we note varying shades of gray coating the bulbous front and rear fenders. All chrome on this car is nicely preserved, and even the door handles retain their vivid shine. Leading the way, we need to look closely at the color faded cloisonn© badge on the leading edge of the hood which still shines well. Just above, residing top dead center of the bulbous hood, is a ram hood ornament with curled horns showing its age. The large bumpers and their guards and a big front chromed oval grille surround show some staining, but that did not deter me from looking at my reflection in them. All window trim is buttoned up and just beautiful and a quick view of the side profile shows what the auto industry was doing across the boards with a slightly curved roof accentuated by the added on body colored visor. This side view also allows us to explore the twin mid beltline trim spears with one gracing the front fenders along with Meadowbrook and Fluid-Drive badging, and another on the semi-pontoon styled rear quarters. Out back is the sloping trunk lid with its guarded bumper below and chrome trimmed cathedral style tail lights to either side. 225/75R15 blackwall tires from 2009 wrap Granite Gray painted steel wheels and Dodge badged dog dish wheel covers, which are showing some age and rust staining. Overall the exterior of this car is in used but honest condition with areas of paint peeling, surface rust on the roof, the aforementioned color mis-match, as well as some bubbling and areas of poorly done body repairs on the lowers.
Interior
Age worn door panels utilize painted uppers in taupe/gray, with some textured tan broadcloth housing the worn gray and gray vinyl armrest, shiny door actuators and window cranks and a straight trim piece which delineates the broadcloth from the lower brown vinyl. A straight marble granite gray finished steel dash has plenty of chromed trimmed gauges in square and round format. The bottom of the dash cascades in a curve toward the floor, but before it gets there is housing the radio and heater panels, a metal vertical ribbed and screened speaker cover and a shiny ash receptacle. A large metal door glovebox resides in front of the passenger side along with an analog clock. Simply breathtaking will best describe the original steering wheel and horn rim topping a big steering column with its chrome and red center badge. Sitting in front of the dash is a long complimenting tan with black and brown striped broadcloth split bench that shows some seam separation underneath the green cloth slipcovers. We note the leading edge of the lower cushion shows in a contrasting dark blue vinyl. The rear bench takes on the same look, sans covers but with tears on the top upper seat section, and has small outboard armrests integrated into the side panels. Low pile tan carpet that is worn and soiled is on the floors in the rear and up front is a utilitarian ribbed black mat. Above is a tan mohair broadcloth headliner that hangs tightly to the roof.
Drivetrain
A 230ci L-head inline 6 cylinder in original condition resides under the hood and can be verified as correct to the car. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this engine and a 3-speed Fluid-Drive semi-automatic transmission is strapped to the back of the engine. 3.90 gears for the rear, and we are all good to go with a recently performed valve job and newer battery.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the usual suspects but it is sparsely appearing. Patina, along with black undercoating takes over the scene for the remainder of the underside with the flooring, frame and rockers remaining solid. Independent coil spring suspension for the front and leaf springs on the rear are noted as are 4 wheel drum brakes. Just the way it came from the factory.
Drive-Ability
Due to an aversion to cloth slip coverings, protective or not, I deferred to our test driver for this one and he reported a quick start, smooth idle, and much comfortable ease of operation. Not a fireball in the acceleration department, but then again it is a family cruiser, which it handles just perfectly. A clean driver with all functions working as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Before you is a nice example of this model year and car, with all features functional, honest exterior paint and chrome, a worn but original interior right out of 1951, and a nice running engine and drivetrain. An awesome and rarely seen example, ready to turn the key and enjoy immediately.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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