Dodge Coronet

Dodge Coronet

by

paul4595

The Coronet was a full size car from Dodge in the 1950s, initially the division’s highest trim line but, starting in 1955, the lowest trim line. In the 1960s, the name was transferred to Dodge’s mid size entry. The Dodge Coronet was introduced with the division’s first postwar body styles. Lower trim lines were the Wayfarer and Meadowbrook.

The only engine for the first generation Dodge Coronet was a 230 cubic inch (3,800 cc) flat head straight six cylinder engine with a single barrel Stromberg carburetor, producing 103 horsepower (77 kW) (gross). The stock Dodge Coronet was a smooth running car, and the six cylinder engine could power the car to 90 miles per hour (140 km/h). A limited production model was a four door, eight passenger limousine, an extended version of the stock Dodge Coronet. One of the most notable features of the first generation Coronet was a three speed, fluid driven transmission that was operated by a foot pedal on the floor. It required no shifter. Dodge received a facelift for 1950 but like the 1949 models were still divided into Wayfarer, Meadowbrook and Coronet lines. The 1950 models can be identified easily by the new grille design which featured 3 heavy horizontal bars. The upper and lower bars formed a stylish oblong shape. Within this oblong grille was a thick center bar with parking lights on each end and a large chrome plaque in the center bearing the Dodge crest.

For 1953, the second generation coronet was totally redesigned. It gained an optional 241 cu in (3.9 L) Red Ram Hemi Engine and set over 100 land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Dodge Royal line was added above the Coronet in 1954. Dodge was putting more luxury into all of its models which included the Meadowbrook, Coronet and new Royal lines. Still, styling changes for 1954 were modest. The chrome molding on the hood lip was wider than on the 1953 models and a large chrome upright in the center of the grille replaced the five vertical dividers used previously.

The 1955 third generation coronet dropped to the lower end of the Dodge vehicle lineup, with the Wayfarer and Meadowbrook names no longer used and the Dodge Custom Royal added above the Dodge Royal. Power came from either a 230 cu in (3.8 L) Chrysler Flathead engine straight six, now producing 123 hp (92 kW) thanks to carburetion and other changes, or a 270 cu in (4.4 L) V8 with dual rocker arms (the Hemi).

1957 saw the debut of the new D-501 fourth generation coronet. The D-501 received Chrysler’s proven 354 cid Hemi V8, which were actually left over engines from the 1956 Chrysler 300B production. Camshafts from the 1957 Chrysler 392 cid engines were installed in the 354 V8s for added kick. Topped with a pair of Carter four barrel carbs and sporting a 10.0:1 compression ratio, the new engine put out 340 bhp (250 kW). Other changes included the addition of the Torsion Aire Ride (torsion bar) front suspension and a heavy duty suspension with heavy duty shock absorbers and a heavy duty leaf sprung rear. A 3.73:1 rear axle was standard with the three speed manual transmission, but automatic cars received a 3.18:1 rear axle. Brakes were impressive 12 inch (300 mm) diameter drums. Only 101 D-501s were produced.

For the fifth generation coronet, the Coronet name was attached to the former full size models in 1965 to become Dodge’s intermediate sized car. The 1965 models were basically refreshed Dodge Polaras in the same B-body style offered in 1963 and 1964, riding on a 117 wheelbase. For 1965, Dodge sold slightly over 209,000 units, making the Coronet the most popular model sold by Dodge that year. Trim levels initially were base Coronet including a Deluxe version, Coronet 440 and Coronet 500. The base Coronet and Deluxe were available as two door sedans, four door sedans and station wagons.

The new sixth generation coronet was a twin of the four door Plymouth Satellite and featured more flowing styling. It was offered only as a sedan and station wagon, the related and also restyled Dodge Charger covering the coupe market. Slight alterations of the front grille, headlights, and taillights followed in 1972. Sales of the Coronet were fairly low from this point onwards, with around 80-90,000 produced each year through 1973 (compared with 196,242 as recently as 1968), due both to the fuel crisis and to a proliferation of Dodge and Plymouth models, and the growing effect of overlap with the other Chrysler Corporation brands.

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Dodge Coronet