Dodge Coronet

In 1949, Dodge introduced the Coronet as the brand's new flagship model. The model was comparable to the GOLF COURSE except that there were differences in finish and interior. The top model was the two-door station wagon, which had seating for six people. The Coronet was fitted with a 100 hp six-cylinder engine under the hood, coupled to a three-speed gearbox.

Early Coronet from 1949.

In 1950, the Coronet remained Dodge's top-of-the-line model, sharing many similarities with the Meadowbrook: all features were identical, and additionally, the model received a chrome trim strip on the wheels, rear fender guards, and the name 'Coronet' appeared on the body. In 1952, the eight-seater sedan was no longer offered. In 1953, the Dodge Coronet received an air scoop on the hood with 'Dodge V-8' underneath for the eight-cylinder variants. The Hemi V8 engine produced 140 hp, while the six-cylinder produced 103 hp.

Coronet from 1950.

Interior of a 1950 Coronet.

Coronet from 1952.

In 1954, the name Coronet was used on the intermediate trim levels. The body received chrome trim, including a chrome strip running down the center of the body. The name 'Coronet' could now be found on the sides of the rear fenders. The top model of the line was the six-seater, four-door Sierra. The Coronet was also the official pace car of the Indy 500.

In 1956, the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six centimeters, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six- and eight-cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit stood at 175 hp. Tri-color paint schemes were not uncommon. At the front was a new grille that was divided into two separate openings. The daytime running lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a stylish wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicle's mechanical capabilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision not to tamper with the design for 1956. The side trim and tail lights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology was borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be quite popular with many.

In 1956, Dodge created a true 'sleeper' car. The Coronet D-500, similar to other Coronets but hidden under the hood was a 315 cubic inch V8 that could pump out 260 horsepower. It was capable of going from zero to sixty in less than nine seconds. One of the rules for competing in NASCAR was that at least 500 identical models had to be produced. The Coronet D-550 was a purpose-built vehicle intended for the NASCAR track. It featured a 315 cubic inch Hemi V8 that produced 285 horsepower. In addition to a larger engine, the suspension, tires, brakes, and transmission were all modified to make it a very competitive, highly effective muscle car/race machine.

The Coronet was restyled again in 1957. Dodge began incorporating its 'Forward Look' design. The wheelbase grew, as did the length. The car was lowered and now sat even closer to the ground. One of the most recognizable features was the large tail fins. The headlights were placed under 'eyebrow' headlights. A chrome strip ran the entire length of the vehicle on both sides. Chrome trim could be found throughout the vehicle, encompassing lights and grille openings. The base engine was the L-head six-cylinder engine that produced 138 hp. Eight-cylinder engines were available.

In 1957, the D-500 was replaced by the D-501. The '500' series was a high-performance option offered on all series. The Coronet D-501 featured a 354 cubic inch Hemi V8 that produced 340 hp. Only 56 examples were produced.

Rare 1957 Dodge Coronet D-501.

The grille and headlights were the most significant changes to the Dodge Coronet for 1958. The headlights were now rectangular. The engines were improved. The most powerful engine was the 361-cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 that delivered a whopping 333 horsepower. The Dodge name was now also displayed in block letters along the leading edge of the hood.

In 1959, the Dodge Coronet received even larger fins. The eyebrows above the headlights were also accentuated, and the model grew in length and width and was lowered even further. A 383-cubic-inch V8 engine was available, delivering 345 horsepower in its Super D-500 guise. Buyers were treated to an extensive list of options; a unique option was the so-called Swivel-Seat. Upon opening the doors, the seat swiveled outwards for easy entry. Dodge also offered rear air suspension called LevelFlite. The name 'Dodge' could be found in block letters on the trunk lid. The name 'Coronet' was written in script on the front fender.

The Coronet name would not be found on a Dodge model in 1960. It did not reappear until 1965 as a mid-size muscle car with a 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine producing 425 horsepower. It was now a mid-segment model. The base version of the Coronet was equipped with a 224-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. The following year, the Dodge was restyled and shortened by one centimeter. In 1966, a Race Hemi was also available, which was more suitable for drag racing. It was the most powerful production car engine ever built.

Corona R/T from 1967.

In 1967, an R/T version, short for Road/Track, was released as a two-door hardtop version, of which more than 10.000 units were produced. The 440 cubic inch, 375 hp V8 engine propelled the car from zero to 100 km/h in seven seconds. The engine from this model was popular on the drag strip. As if that wasn't enough, a 426 cubic inch Hemi engine with 425 hp could be installed. Only 238 vehicles were equipped with this power plant. Fifty-five units were built to comply with the Hot Rod Association Super Stock B regulations. These SS/B models were equipped with the 440 cubic inch V8 engine with 375 hp and 480 Nm of torque.

In 1968, the Coronet was restyled and given a smoother, rounder profile. Quad headlights were incorporated across the full width of the grille. At the rear, the taillights were integrated into a full-width panel. That year, 10.456 Coronet R/T versions were sold, and 230 examples of the Coronet 426 cubic inch V8 were produced. The Coronet was completely restyled: bucket seats, dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension, and brakes were all standard.

The 440 cubic inch V8 Six Pack came onto the market in 1969. With this 390 hp engine, the sprint to 100 km/h took just 6,6 seconds. However, sales began to decline: fewer than 7500 units were produced in 1969, while the design remained unchanged from 1968. The Coronet Super Bee and R/T versions were equipped with the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8. They were offered in a two-door coupe version, of which an estimated 166 units were produced. 90 two-door hardtops were also built.

Dodge Coronet super bee 440 from 1969.

Dodge Coronet super bee 440 six pack engine from 1969.

For 1971, Dodge wanted to increase the distinction between the Coronet and the Charger, which until then shared many mechanical components and design elements. Consequently, the new Coronet was placed on a 118-inch wheelbase, and the design became rounder compared to the previous year. The triangular Dodge emblem was now located in the grille, which featured horizontal bars. The mid-size Coronets were offered as four-door sedans or station wagons. The base engine was the 225-cubic-inch Slant six-cylinder engine with 125 horsepower; V8 engines were available as an option. The Coronet Custom series was also offered with six- and eight-cylinder engines. This series had all the standard options of the base Coronet but with colored carpeting, a two-tone horn, air vents, a three-spoke steering wheel, and different finishes.

The muscle car era came to an end, and changes were happening rapidly in the early 1970s: Government regulations, safety concerns, and a looming oil embargo meant that powerplants were made smaller. For the Dodge Coronet, Dodge decided to simplify its lineup by offering only a four-door sedan and station wagon. The Coronet was Dodge's base model in 1972. The 198-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine produced 100 horsepower, while the 225-six-cylinder produced an equally tame 110 horsepower. The 318-cubic-inch V8 only managed 150 horsepower. Many brands noticed that the American public wanted larger vehicles with luxury features. With the Coronet, Dodge followed suit.

In 1974, little changed for the Coronet. The following year, another two-door model was added to the Coronet line. Production of the model ended in 1976.