I enjoy trawling the interwebs for Dodge Brothers trucks and cars. They are very well-built, solid vehicles, but many of them have not survived; time is a cruel mistress. I found myself sitting up late the other night, when I ran across this 1924 model – I believe a Series 116 – and had to take a closer look. (Yeah, I’m the guy who stays up late to look at pictures of cars.)

I also had to figure what a “doctors coupe” is. Was this sold only to doctors? Were doctors humored by the play on words? It turns out this is simply a moniker given to this kind of car, which was indeed popular with doctors, who tended to make a lot of house calls during this time. It’s a closed-top, 2-seater with a big trunk, rather than a rumble seat, handy for carrying medical supplies and suchlike. Much like the so-called “golfers coupe” or “business coupe”, this is just a specific body style that was marketed to and popular with a certain type of person. This could just as easily have been called a housewife’s coupe, or a farmer’s coupe (but that would be a pickup!).

[Source: Seattle craigslist]

From the ad:

Antique Dodge Brothers coupe in good condition. Runs well, stops fairly well, drives like an old car. Great parade and show car. It has some minor issues: One window is cracked, a few glitches in the finish, windshield wipers don’t work, and the radiator seeps near the top (though it has been re-cored). These issues don’t detract from the vehicle nor inhibit its urge to perform. I am willing to consider newer-vintage trades though I prefer to sell it. $9,750.

The 212.3 cubic-inch 4-cylinder L-head engine made 35 horsepower brand new. It might have lost a few over the years.

I wonder how many of you have driven a car like this? What’s it like driving an underpowered, overweight car on narrow tires and soft suspension? I’m weird, but I think it would be a lot of fun. In fact, here’s a short video of someone doing just that.