Auction of Towbin’s classic car to benefit Three Square

Imagine the amount of history surrounding a nearly 90-year-old automobile. Could there be intriguing past owners, adventures across the country or famous drivers behind the wheel?

That’s exactly what Joshua “Chop” Towbin, co-owner and operator of the Towbin Dodge Superstore is counting on with three days left in a 10-day eBay Motors auction of his rare 1924 Dodge Brothers Series 116, 4-door business sedan. All proceeds will go to one of the Towbin family’s favorite local charities: Three Square Food Bank.

“Three Square is a charity we’ve worked with for years,” Towbin said, noting his mother, Carolyn Towbin, president and CEO of Towbin Automotive Group, has served on the charity’s board of directors. “We know how much good work they do and that they are making a good impact on the nutritional needs in our community.”

To sweeten the deal, Towbin has even added some folklore of his own to the 1924 Dodge. Asked to participate in an episode of the locally produced “Pawn Stars,” Towbin insisted on purchasing something unique, and the 1924 Dodge was suggested.

“I love classic cars,” Towbin said. “My son, Rocco, and I go to classic car shows all the time. We picked this car because it is so cool.”

Now the proud owner, Towbin was even asked back to the show with the 1924 Dodge for a second time. “It’s funny. No one cared about the car until it aired on TV,” Towbin said. “And, now it’s been on twice.”

The Dodge Brothers, Horace and John, began building complete cars in 1915. The 1924 Dodge Brothers vehicle, however, was made shortly after the passing of both brothers, but before the company was sold to the Chrysler group in 1928.

According to allpar.com, a leading Mopar (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep and more) Internet site, the 1924 Dodge featured the manufacturer’s most radical styling change to date.

The wheelbase was extended to 116 inches, louvers were placed on the hood and the entire car was given a lower appearance. The 1924 model also featured automatic windshield wipers.

“I have some pretty interesting old materials, books and things, that came with the vehicle as well,” Towbin said, adding he’s researched the vehicle’s original ownership and traced it back to the Midwest. And, it runs pretty well, Towbin said, considering the 4-cylinder, 212.3 cubic-inch engine generates about 35 horsepower.

The eBay auction, which began Oct. 24, with an opening price of $6,500, will be open for bidding until Sunday. Go to www.ebay.com/motors and type 1924 Dodge Brothers 116 Business Sedan in the search box to go directly to the listing.

The car is currently on display at the Towbin Dodge Superstore located at 275 Auto Mall Drive in Henderson (www.TowbinDodge.com) where hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Three Square was established to end hunger in the Las Vegas valley by providing wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit organizations, providing more than 24 million pounds of food and grocery products throughout Southern Nevada. For more information, please visit www.threesquare.org.