The Dodge Coronet (1953-1971)
1953
The 1953 Coronet began the optional 241 in³ Red Ram
Hemi
Engine and set over 100 land speed records at the Bonneville salt flats.
1955
The 1955 Coronet was the lower end of the Dodge vehicle lineup. Power came from either a 230 in³ Chrysler Flathead engine straight-6 or 270 in³ V8. A number of trim lines were available:
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2 or 4-door station wagon — The Coronet wagon used the
Suburban name and had the V8 or Six.
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hardtop coupé — The V8 Coronet Lancer
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2- or 4-door sedan — V8 or Six
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2-door sedan — V8 or Six
1958
The 1958 Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal used a DeSoto chassis but had less ornate trim. Power came from the 230 in³ "Getaway" L-head straight-6 or the 325 in³ "Red Ram" V8.
1965
After a brief absence, the Coronet name reappeared in 1965 to denote Dodge's mid-sized car. It received a face lift in 1966. Larger, re-bodied models emerged in 1968, with coke-bottle styling. A powerful 390 hp 440 model appeared for the 1969 model year. Two-door hardtop and convertible models were part of the range.
The Coronet and similar Plymouth Belvedere were available for 1969 in 426-S muscle car trim. This included the famous 426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi V8. Output was 425 hp (315 kW) and 490 ft·lbf (650 N·m) (gross). The 440 with a single four barrel was also available in this year. Rated at 375 hp (280 kW), the 440 could really produce 420 hp (313 kW).
1971
The new 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. In 1975, the cars received a freshening, with the body appearing squarer, and the Coronet coupe returned for a single year. 1976 was the final year for the name, as in 1977, the downsized Monaco (and by far the Diplomat) replaced it, although in fact these cars were simply face lifted Coronets.
1980s
Dodge Coronet was used as a name for the Columbian-market Dodge Diplomat.
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* Please see our Classic Cars, 1980s section for these vehicles.
Note: Pre-1965 Coronets can be found in the Classic Cars section in the 1950s under Dodge, the later 1972-1976 Coronets can be found in our 1970s section, also under Dodge.