Dodge

The Dodge Brothers – comprising American siblings John and Horace – started manufacturing their own cars from 1914 after becoming disillusioned with their ties to Henry Ford’s burgeoning outfit. Their reputation grew with the likes of the Model 30 Touring Car that was marketing as a superior car to the rival Model T, offering extra features and more engine power. The brothers both succumbed suddenly to illnesses in 1920 and eight years later Dodge was established under Chrysler’s wing, where it would be positioned between the Plymouth and Chrysler brands. Dodge models graced Australian roads from the 1950s to the early 1970s with the Kingsway and Custom Royal, the latter produced locally in CKD (knock-down kit) form. Famous for its Charger and Challenger muscle cars, Viper sports car and RAM trucks, the Dodge brand returned to Australia from 2006 with a succession of models before dramatically reducing its showroom offerings.