Seeing a forgotten classic coming out of a barn after decades is wonderful. It gets even better when the engine fires up, and the car becomes drivable with a bit of work. And I've seen it happen with vehicles that have been sitting for 30 or 40 years. If you think that's amazing, this 1924 Dodge rescue video will blow you away because this 100-year-old classic was revived after a whopping 83 years.
Yup, that is not a typo. According to YouTube's "Classic Car Rescue," this two-door was parked in a barn for over eight decades as of 2023. Specifically, it was retired in 1940 and hasn't been started since. But that's not the only mind-numbing thing about it. Even though it sat since before the US joined World War II, this Dodge is still in solid condition.
Sure, it's dirty, and the black paint has lost its shine, but I've never seen a classic emerge as a rust-free car after so many decades in storage. With so many 1950s and 1960s vehicles showing big rust holes after 20 to 30 years in a barn, the condition of this 1924 two-door is unbelievable, to say the least. What's more, our host managed to get the car running and driving without rebuilding the engine, which, by the way, is the factory-correct one.
The interior is also in fabulous condition. The vinyl on the bench is still in one piece, while the door panels look like they would clean up nicely. There's no rust on the floors or the dashboard either. Moreover, everything on this car appears to be original, so we're looking at an authentic time capsule. It's also a great example of how a vehicle should be cared for while in long-term storage.
Built about 100 years ago, this vehicle was born while Dodge was still a privately-owned firm called the Dodge Brothers Company. Established in 1900 by brothers Dodge and Horace Dodge, the carmaker was sold by their widows to the investment group Dillon, Read & Co., which had rescued Goodyear from going bankrupt in 1921. Dillon, Read & Co. purchased Dodge Brothers for $146 million, the largest cash transaction in history at the time. In 1928, Dodge was sold to the Chrysler Corporation in a stock transfer worth $170 million.
This two-door is part of the Series 116 that Dodge built from 1922 to 1925. Offered in various body styles, it was powered by a 212-cubic-inch (3.5-liter) flathead four-cylinder rated at 35 horsepower and a three-speed manual gearbox. One of the first US-made automobiles with an all-steel body, the Series 116 achieved top speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) and was available with options such as door locks, exhaust heater, and roll-down windows, which were considered luxurious at the time.
But that's enough history for today. Hit the play button below to watch this unbelievable time capsule take its first drive in 83 years.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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