One of the most unusual automobile designs to come along, at least from today’s perspective and looking back, is the Business Coupe such as this 1952 Dodge Wayfarer. Times have obviously changed, and as far as the need for a car like this, they changed a long time ago so I consider these to be curious finds these days. This example is located in Miami, Florida and is available, here on craigslist for $5,850.
Most domestic manufacturers offered a business coup in ’52 but the trend faded away by the end of the decade, these single bench seat models usually occupied the lowest rung trim level. That’s the case here as Dodge’s Wayfarer started the ball rolling, was one-upped by the Meadowbrook, and then topped out by the Coronet. Other Wayfayer body styles included a two-door sedan and total production equaled about 77K units in ’52. Of that total, however, only 6,700 were Business Coupes.
When I was just a kid, there was an older gentleman that lived near me and he collected cars from the twenties and thirties but the one that I was most intrigued with was a 1950 Plymouth Business Coupe – it had no back seat, and I was too young to grasp the real purpose of a car designed in this fashion. I don’t remember that Plymouth ever going anywhere, it mostly sat but he had many other old Dodges, Packards, and Chryslers that he drove with certain regularity. This example looks like a taxicab with its scruffy two-tone paint job. The body appears to be in fair shape, at least as far as completeness and panel damage are concerned. That said, the lower driver’s side quarter panel is looking shaky in the potential rot department.
Another cause for concern is under the hood where the 103 HP, 230 CI, in-line, flathead six-cylinder engine looks to be missing a few things. It is stated that this car has been sitting for a while and the engine’s appearance would bear out that sentiment. Whether it turns over is not stated but it’s logical to assume that this lump will be given the bum’s rush by the next owner. A three-speed manual transmission handles gear changes.
The interior is in better shape than the exterior, and based on what can be spied, it shows pretty well. The seat looks as if it has been reupholstered and the dash and instrument panel appear to be complete. I’d like to get a look at the inside of the business end of this coupe, but unfortunately, no images were provided.
OK, so it’s what to do with it time. Let’s face it, a hot rod is likely in this Dodge’s future (and no, don’t suggest, “Put an LS in it!”). There are plenty of Mopar possibilities such as a turnkey modern Hemi or even going old school with a LA small block. With the right stance and finish, this coupe could be built into one sinister-looking and driving throw-back, wouldn’t you agree?
This content was originally published here.
