What is the oldest Dodge car?
The oldest Dodge car is the 1914 Dodge Model 30, the first production automobile built by the Dodge Brothers and the beginning of Dodge as a standalone automotive brand.
Origins of the Dodge brand
Long before Dodge became a household name, the Dodge brothers, John and Horace, built a reputation as trusted suppliers in Detroit. In 1914 they shifted from components to complete cars, establishing the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company and launching their first production model. The 1914 Model 30 signaled Dodge’s arrival as a mass-manufactured car maker and laid the groundwork for a brand that would endure for more than a century.
The inaugural model: 1914 Dodge Model 30
To understand the oldest Dodge, start with the company’s first production automobile. The 1914 Dodge Model 30 was introduced as the brand’s premiere passenger car, marking the official entry of Dodge into the automotive market as a full-fledged manufacturer rather than a parts supplier.
Key facts about the inaugural model:
- The 1914 Dodge Model 30 was the company’s first production automobile, launching the Dodge brand’s entry into mass-market car manufacturing.
Its release established Dodge as a standalone automaker and began a lineage that would push the brand through nearly a century of innovation and evolution.
From the Model 30 to the modern Dodge lineup
After the Model 30, the Dodge Brothers’ venture continued to grow, and the brand would undergo ownership changes that shaped its future. In 1928 Dodge became part of Chrysler Corporation, a relationship that helped Dodge expand its product range and reach. Over the decades, Dodge evolved from its early four-cylinder runabouts to a diverse lineup that includes performance-oriented and family-friendly vehicles. In the modern era, Dodge is part of Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, carrying forward a legacy rooted in its 1914 debut.
Why the oldest Dodge matters today
For collectors and automotive historians, the 1914 Model 30 remains a touchstone—the car that launched a brand and a tradition of American manufacturing ingenuity. Museums and private collections occasionally showcase surviving Model 30s, offering a tangible link to Dodge’s origins and the broader story of early 20th‑century mobility.
Additional context and milestones
While the Model 30 stands as the oldest Dodge, the brand’s history includes rapid expansion, integration into larger corporate structures, and a continued presence in the market. This arc helps explain why the oldest Dodge car is more than a relic; it’s a starting point for understanding the company’s evolution and its enduring place in auto history.
Summary
The 1914 Dodge Model 30 is the oldest Dodge car, representing the brand’s first production automobile and the moment Dodge stepped from parts supplier to full-fledged automaker. From that early milestone to its current status within Stellantis, Dodge’s origin story remains a cornerstone of American automotive heritage.
