Dodge 300

Dodge 300
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge UK
Production	1957-1965
Assembly	Kew, United Kingdom
Body and chassis
Body style	Cab over
Platform	LAD cab
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge 100 "Kew"
Successor	Dodge 500

The Dodge 300 was a medium- to heavy-duty cab over truck built by Dodge's British arm at their Kew plant from 1957 until the mid-sixties. It replaced the earlier, bonneted Dodge 100 (nicknamed "Parrot-Nose") truck and was itself replaced by the Ghia-designed Dodge 500 which appeared in late 1964.^[1] Following the retirement of the 300, Dodge's Kew plant was shuttered as production was moved to Dunstable.^[2]

Design

Truck and tractor models were available, as well as a four-wheel drive model for military use. The weight range offered was from 5 to 9 long tons (5,100 to 9,100 kg), with the tractor models being rated for 10 or 12 long tons (10,200 or 12,200 kg).^[1] Most Dodge 300s received diesel engines from Perkins. Bus models of the 300 were also available.

The Motor Panels cab design used was shared with Leyland and Albion.^[2] It is therefore often referred to as the "LAD" cab (Leyland-Albion-Dodge).

1972-1982 models

From 1972 on, a new Dodge 300 series of heavy lorries was sold in the UK. These were made in Spain by Chrysler Spanish subsidiary, and included a 38-tonne tractor and four, six and eighth-wheelers rigids. Sales took off well, and the model was not dropped until 1982, well after Renault Véhicules Industriels took control of Chrysler Europe truck operations.

References