103 bhp, 230 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine, Stromberg single-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115"

- Equipped with a rare Carson removable hardtop

- Owned most recently by three Ohio collectors

Introduced for 1949, the entry-level Dodge Wayfarer was offered as a two-door, six-passenger sedan, a two-door, three-passenger coupe and as a two-door, three-passenger roadster. The Wayfarer roadster was initially offered with removable windows, which were superseded by roll-up windows with vents in 1951. The 1949 and 1950 Wayfarer are of the last production roadsters built in America with the exception of the Chevrolet Corvette and the Kaiser-Darrin. Today, the Wayfarer roadster remains one of the most desirable 1949 Dodge models, with only 5,420 built that year and remarkably few remaining today.

This first-year example is equipped with a heater, full wheel covers, new and correct wide whitewall tires, radio- and clock-delete options and optional turn-signal indicators. It also features a very rare hand-built Carson removable padded roof from California, which was evidently a factory option on the Wayfarer Roadster. The owner believes this to be the only Wayfarer in existence to be so equipped. This fully lined Carson top fits the car’s original side-curtains perfectly and retains the builder’s identifying tag, mounted just above the center release latch on the header bar of the top.

According to its valid Ohio title, this 1949 Wayfarer has traveled only 40,900 actual miles and appears to be very solid, with few body repairs made prior to a quality refinish in authentic light green. The light grey vinyl interior upholstery is offset by the inside of the Carson top, which is lined in off-white vinyl with dark piping. It is complete with new B.F. Goodrich wide whitewall tires from Coker Tire, and the current owner notes that this attractive Wayfarer is a pleasure to drive with the brakes and clutch performing well.