The 1917 Dort was a standout example of early 20th-century American automotive engineering, produced by the Dort Motor Car Company in Flint, Michigan. Active from 1909 to 1924, Dort offered affordable yet well-constructed vehicles that appealed to the middle-class market. While the Dort brand may not be as widely remembered today, it played a significant role in shaping the American car industry of the era.
In 1917, the Dort continued the company’s legacy of offering solid and reliable cars at a competitive price. Powered by a 4-cylinder engine, this model provided respectable performance for its time, with a smooth ride and dependable engineering that made it popular with everyday drivers. The Dort’s affordable pricing positioned it as a strong competitor against mass-market rivals like Ford and Chevrolet, delivering high value without compromising quality.
The 1917 Dort was available in various body styles, including touring cars, sedans, and roadsters, making it versatile for different customer needs. The brand’s commitment to using solid construction and accessible pricing earned it a loyal customer base. However, despite the 1917 Dort’s solid reputation, the growing competition and financial challenges led to the company’s closure just a few years later in 1924.
Though not as widely known today, the 1917 Dort remains an intriguing chapter in the history of American automobiles, representing a time when reliability and affordability were key factors in shaping the car market.
Photos courtesy of Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum, taken by George Wakim.
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
