Automobile [Dodge Tourer]
Maker and role
Dodge Brothers Company, Manufacturer
Production date
1921
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1971.221.1
Maker
Production period
Description
1921 Dodge Open Tourer car with folding hood. Maroon body and black mudguards. Reg. No.402.341, Car No.531536. This is a 4-cylinder vertical 24 horse power car with an engine capacity of 212 cubic inches (3.480 litres). It has 3 forward speeds and one reverse. The brakes have a mechanical linkage to the rear wheels. SPREADLIGHT headlamps.
Brief History
Prior to World War II (1939-1945) most of New Zealand’s vehicles were American. They were considered better suited to New Zealand’s roads which were very rough, especially in the country areas. In 1929 the Taranaki region had the highest car ownership rate in New Zealand - one car for every 5.53 people. Although most of New Zealand had appalling roads, Taranaki had made an effort to improve their roads by collecting tolls, and putting the money into roads. However in 1925 a law was passed which ruled that tolls could not be acquired from main highways and the toll gates were removed.
This Dodge Tourer was donated to MOTAT by Hugh Martin of Waiti, Taranaki. He owned the car from new and used it as his every day car until about 1954. This car represents the early open-topped cars, which began to be replaced by hard tops in the late 1920s and 1930s.
This Dodge Tourer was donated to MOTAT by Hugh Martin of Waiti, Taranaki. He owned the car from new and used it as his every day car until about 1954. This car represents the early open-topped cars, which began to be replaced by hard tops in the late 1920s and 1930s.
Marks
DODGE BROTHERS / DETROIT U.S.A. Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Other name
Tourer
Collection
Credit Line
Dodge Brothers Company. 1921. Automobile [Dodge Tourer], 1971.221.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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