American icon in pristine state

ONE OF THE BEST ORIGINAL DODGES IN EXISTENCE FOR SALE

You’re looking at the starting point for one of America’s dearest automotive icons; the 1955 Dodge C Series pick- up.

It’s true, the C Series wasn’t the first pickup produced ( that happened almost three decades before) but it was the first time Dodge had fitted a V8 power plant into a truck — setting the tone for the traditional American workhorse. The rest would be history, as they say.

The introduction of a V8 unit coincided with an all- new era of pick- up design.

Previous ones were built on effectively the same platform used in pre- war transport trucks. The C Series changed that with a chassis designed and built solely for a cab and tray layout.

Classic design cues were found here, too. With a wraparound windshield and splitopening hood, Dodge was able to distinguish itself from its lead competitors; the Chevrolet Cameo Carrier and the second- generation Ford F- Series.

This particular example was purchased in 1957 by a contractor in Illinois, US. And 60 An American icon, the 1955 Dodge C- 3B Pickup years later, it resides in Waimakariri, North Canterbury.

The owner died in the mid 1960s, and the truck was stored by his partner until a grandson inherited it in 1976. It then spent a long period sitting in the Arizona sunshine, before being sold twice stateside and later arriving in New Zealand.

The now pristine Dodge has undergone an extensive two- year restoration, and is one of the best original examples in existence.

Work to the vehicle has been completed correctly, to the highest standard and with an emphasis on retaining the original look and components from when it rolled out of the factory.

For its model run, the 259.2 cubic inch V8 engine fitted is described by Corporate Historic Collection employee and Dodge expert Bruce Thomas as “very rare”.

The hue is noteworthy, too. The original two- tone Canyon Coral and Chilean Beige colour scheme pictured would have been one of the first factory two- tone examples, which wasn’t introduced range- wide until a year later in 1956.

Factory original accessories also include the painted grill, front bumper guards, rear bumper, dash clock, turning signals ( yes, that was an optional extra), tail lights, heater, sun visors, and a factory radio which still works.

Not a bad list of features for something of this vintage.

Its condition now reflects the odometer reading that has clicked over to only 27,800 miles ( 44,700km).

The pick- up is being sold by Waimak Classic Cars, for a smidge under $ 90,000.