Dodge Coronet is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge in 7 generations, and shared nameplates with the same bodyshell. Introduced as a full-size car in 1949, it was the division’s highest trim line and moved to the lowest level starting in 1955 through 1959. The name was reintroduced on intermediate-sized models from the 1965 to the 1976 model years. Muscle car versions were available starting in 1965 with the 383 and 426 wedge cubic inch (7.0 liter) engine. Do you remember this car?
Dodge Coronet Generations
First Generation
The Dodge Coronet was introduced with the division’s first post-World War Two body styles. Lower trim lines were the Wayfarer and Meadowbrook, with the Wayfarer being built on a shorter 115-inch wheelbase. The only engine for Dodge was a 230-cubic-inch flat-head straight six cylinder engine with a single-barrel Stromberg carburetor, producing 103 horsepower. The stock Dodge Coronet was a smooth-running car, and the six-cylinder engine could power the car to 90 mph.
Second Generation
In 1953, the Dodge Coronet was radically redesigned. It gained an optional 241 cubic inch (3.9 liter) “Red Ram”[ Hemi Engine and set over 100 land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The windshield became one-piece. Electric windshield wipers were standard, while the radio cost $83.
Third Generation
The 1955 Dodge Coronet dropped to the lower end of the Dodge vehicle lineup, with the Wayfarer and Meadowbrook names no longer used, and the Custom Royal Trademark was added above the Royal, Lancer, and La Femme. Bodies were restyled to be lower, wider, and longer than the lumpy prewar style, which in turn generated a healthy boost in sales over 1954. Power came from either a 230 cubic inch (3.8 liter) Chrysler Flathead engine straight-6, now producing 123 horsepower.
Fourth Generation
The 1957 model year debuted a new D-501, which replaced the D-500 from the year before as the top Dodge Coronet. The D-501 received Chrysler’s proven 354 cubic inch (5.8 liter) Hemi V8 engine. These were leftover engines from the 1956 Chrysler 300B production. Camshafts from the 1957 Chrysler 392 cubic inch (6.4 liter) engines were installed in the 354 cubic inch (5.8 liter) V8s.
Fifth Generation
The Dodge Coronet reappeared for the 1965 model year as the intermediate-sized B-body using a 117-inch wheelbase, continuing what had been the Dodge Polara, which was once again full-size. In 1965, Dodge sold slightly over 209,000 units, making the Coronet the most popular model sold by Dodge that year. Trim levels initially were the base Coronet, Coronet 440, and Coronet 500. The base Coronet was available as two-door sedans, four-door sedans, and station wagons. Front seat belts and a padded dash were standard.
Sixth Generation
The new Dodge Coronet for the sixth generation was a twin of the four-door Plymouth Satellite and featured more flowing styling. It was offered as a sedan and 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 low from this point onwards, with around 80–90,000 produced each year through 1973 (compared with 196,242 in 1968), due to the fuel crisis
Seventh Generation
For 1975, the Coronet received a refreshed, squarer-appearing body as well as a new front fascia with two round dual-beam headlights shared with its Plymouth Fury stablemate. After a four-year absence, the two-door car 2-door returned for 1975. 1976 was the final model year for the Dodge Coronet, and its body style choices were reduced to four-door wagon and four-door sedan.
Conclusion
This was a flexible car that served both the large and mid-sized car markets; it was also available as both a sedan and a spacious station wagon. People may have forgotten this car, because it was discontinued almost 50 years ago, but you should not forget it. Asa was typical of Dodges of the time; it had a massive engine and was a gas-guzzler. It was done in by the fuel crisis.
