Dodge Diecast Model Cars

From Bicycles to Vipers

John and Horace Dodge, brothers in the bicycle business, unknowingly launched one of the nation's classic car companies when they moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1901 to provide bearings and small parts to auto manufacturers. By 1914, the brothers knew they were on to something and launched their own Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company.

But, their dynasty was short lived as first John died of pneumonia in 1920 and then Horace was taken by cirrhosis the same year. The company was handed off by the widows to a trusted employee and then to a large investment group that paid a whopping $146 million for the company: then the largest such transaction in history. In 1928, Chrysler acquired Dodge and guided its future.

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From Bicycles to Vipers

John and Horace Dodge, brothers in the bicycle business, unknowingly launched one of the nation's classic car companies when they moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1901 to provide bearings and small parts to auto manufacturers. By 1914, the brothers knew they were on to something and launched their own Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company.

But, their dynasty was short lived as first John died of pneumonia in 1920 and then Horace was taken by cirrhosis the same year. The company was handed off by the widows to a trusted employee and then to a large investment group that paid a whopping $146 million for the company: then the largest such transaction in history. In 1928, Chrysler acquired Dodge and guided its future.

In the 1930s, Dodge was treated to the new "wind stream" look. This early form of "streamlining" style caused a profitable bump in sales. In the 1960s, Dodge entered the compact car market with and became successful with its series of Darts that symbolized the era of scaled- down cars.

In the 1980s, Dodge issued forth a new generation of vehicles that remains a mainstay today when it introduced the Caravan: a family-friendly minivan that offered versatility and comfort. The Caravan is credited with fueling Chrysler's recovery from near financial ruin and for being the vehicle of choice for the iconic "soccer mom."

Dodge also distinguished itself as one of the nation's hottest Muscle Cars. Consequently, the Charger, Coronet and Super Bee are just a few of the favorites of street car collectors and die cast model car collectors as well.

Dodge offered its ultimate Hot Car with the release of the Viper with its sleek and sexy composite body and powerful Lamborghini-engineered V10 engine: undoubtedly a model that would make the Dodge Brothers proud! ...less