LOT 181

Ex-Congressman William "Fishbait" Miller 1947 Dodge D24 Custom Chassis no. 30833683

Sold for US$560 inc. premium

Lot 181

Ex-Congressman William "Fishbait" Miller
1947 Dodge D24 Custom

Collectors' Motorcycles and Motorcars at the Barber Museum|10 October 2020, 16:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

Ex-Congressman William "Fishbait" Miller
1947 Dodge D24 Custom
Chassis no. 30833683

Introduced in 1946, here is one such example of Dodge's top trim level, the D24 Custom. What D24 lacked in aesthetics, it made up for in proven engineering features. This D24 appealed to non-other than Mississippi native William Miller. Known for his flamboyant personality and affinity for public spotlight, "Fishbait", having served the 83rd Congress is most fondly remembered for his distinctive announcement of, "'Mr. Speaker, the President of The United States". It is believed that "Fishbait" purchased the vehicle off his then friend Pop Curtis. The car would be seen caravanning notable passengers and parked on the Capitol Grounds, nearby the building itself. Regularly used and serviced, the car was donated to the University of Mississippi in the mid-1980s before being acquired by the Tupelo Automobile Museum in the early 2000s. Seldom if ever again will a car of this type with this provenance be offered, one better hook and reel this Dodge in.

Acquired from Bonhams Tupelo Museum dispersal auction in 2019, the project has been advanced no further and is now offered for the next enthusiast to pursue.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Please Note the Buyer's Premium for this auction is as follows:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000. For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000. For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% on the amount above $3,000 up to and including $400,000, 20% on the amount above $400,000 up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% of any amount which exceeds $4,000,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Click here for detailed information about the event including viewing dates, times and locations.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international transport as well as export licences please contact the Motorcycle Department at [email protected].
- Cars
- Motorcycles