ROAD TEST: 1948 DODHE

Pickup trucks are bought to do work, and most of them eventually die as a result of rust, wear and overwork. A fortunate few survive, and this 1948 Dodge B-1-B half-ton is among the fortunate few. The Dodge pickup was originally bought to do work on a blueberry farm in Connecticut, and it did everything that was asked of it from the same owner for more than 60 years. Careful operation and good maintenance played a major part in its preservation, as did dry winter storage. This truck was put away in a barn every fall where it waited until spring for another summer of work. Another factor in its remarkable survival is that it was a good truck. It still is.

What’s it like to experience a totally original ’48 Dodge truck? It’s a ride into the past. One thing that originals have over restorations is honesty. These trucks were built to do work, not attend social events or boost status. Cosmetic build quality was not a priority when this truck was manufactured, as the fit of the doors will attest. The factory installation of the fender welt on the rear fenders is laughable. A conscientious restorer would correct careless fit and finish, but this truck represents exactly how the manufacturer sent the product out the door. Operator comfort was a new concept that was explored when designing postwar pickups, and no manufacturer gets absolutely everything right on the first try. The truck is fun to drive, but it is not really relaxing. It’s ready to do work, and it has a few scrapes and dings to prove its honest work history. The paint on the featured truck is 100 percent original and while the green is still shiny, the black is dull.

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