Dodge Meadowbrook

The Dodge Meadowbrook was manufactured and produced by Dodge from 1949 to 1954. The Meadowbrook was designed to act as the middle ground, above the Wayfarer and below the Coronet. Interestingly enough, the Meadowbrook was largely identical to the Coronet in almost every way. The differences included the trim and the quality of equipment which went into the model. After the Wayfarer was cancelled in 1952, the Meadowbrook became Dodge’s lowest priced model on the market at the time in the United States.

History

In its first year alone starting in 1949 the four door Meadowbrook accounted for 30 % of Dodge’s sales. The model included “Safe-Guard Hydraulic Brakes”. It was also advertised as a “cradled” ride, making it softer to ride in than any other car on the market. In 1950, the six-cylinder engine was dubbed the “Get-Away” engine. 1951 brought with it large cosmetic changes, including all new front skin, bumpers, and dashboard. The windshield was also enlarged. The engine was left alone and would be until 1954.

By 1952, sales of the Meadowbrook had gone up 2%. However, due to Chrysler’s involvement in the Korean war, there were almost no changes or modifications made that year, besides slightly redesigned hubcaps and red reflector tail lights. By the time 1953 rolled around, the Meadowbrook was due for a change. The changes were not nearly as modest as the previous years changes. The doors now included pull handles and opened wider. The rear window was all one piece instead of three. The taillights became oval. Additionally, superficial cosmetic changes were made, including the grille and chrome applications. 1953 also brought the addition of the “Meadowbrook Special”, aka the replacement for the Wayfarer model and new lower end car. The two and four door sedans previously were offered in Meadowbrook and Special trim levels, however, the Special did not survive nor suit the car market in the United States at that time and was discontinued shortly thereafter. Essentially it was built for traveling salesmen with almost no decorative trim and a bare interior. The Coronet with the new V8 engine took over instead.

1954 was the last year the Meadowbrook was offered. It featured a new Powerflight automatic and was offered in four or two door sedan varieties. The two-door sedan was appropriately named the “Club Coupe”. That year, the Meadowbrook could also be purchased with a “Red Ram” Hemi V8 engine. The horsepower was less than other senior Dodge models due to a lower compression ratio but was powerful nonetheless.

Unfortunately for the Meadowbrook, the Coronet and Royal lines were more prestigious and thus more desirable for consumers. 1954 was the last year the Meadowbrook would be manufactured.