1949 Dodge Wayfarer Two-Door Roadster (more photos 👇)
Detroit’s Big Three hadn’t produced a true roadster since the 1930s until Dodge introduced the Wayfarer Roadster in 1949.
This new model represented Dodge’s lowest-priced offering on the shorter 115-inch wheelbase platform, and buyers could choose from three body styles: a two-door business Coupe, two-door Sedan, and the sporting Roadster variant.
The Wayfarer shared styling elements with its Chrysler corporate stablemates but rode on a shorter wheelbase than the Coronet and Meadowbrook.
First-year production numbers reflected the Roadster’s limited appeal, with 5,420 examples built compared to more than 100,000 Sedans and roughly 9,000 business Coupes.
Power came from a 230-cubic-inch L-head inline six-cylinder engine fed by a single-barrel carburetor, producing 103 horsepower at 3,600 rpm.
A three-speed manual transmission with optional Fluid Drive coupling sent power to a live rear axle, while independent front suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes completed the mechanical specification.
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