1957 Dodge Coronet

1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer 2 Door Sedan Like the rest of the Chrysler Corporation, the entry level 1957 Dodge Coronet received a drastic new design courtesy of Virgil Exner. The Forward Look styling, dubbed swept wing for the Dodge nameplate, featured tall, sweeping fins, copious amounts of chrome trim, wraparound windshields, and exhaust style tail lights. The cars were also long, low, and wide, distinct from anything other manufacturers were putting on the road. Thx Hagerty.com For consignment, a 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer two door sedan with a title verified 87,355 actual miles, owned by our consignor for 20 years. Webster defines a Coronet as a small or lesser crown usually signifying a rank below that of sovereign. Given the extensive Dodge line in 1957, including fifteen trim levels, the Coronet Lancer was placed just below the Royal Lancer, hence the Coronet name. Today, it is as stately as anything coming out of 1957! Exterior Dodge's Swept Wing styling covered the entire nineteen options in '57, including the wagons, and is accentuated here by the stunning and stock configuration two tone layout of Flame Red and Cloud White. The wings also highlight the car's length which is substantial, while its bulk is perhaps tempered by the sandwiching of a red up between a white roof and lower half. This is quintessential '50's with bold and protruding rear tail lights under the wing's fin, underscored by a beefy chrome bumper. The front holds a wild design with a dual headlight appearance under the cartoonish brow of chrome trim, all over a massive twin bumper. The trunk sits well within big fenders and is adorned with twin torpedo ornaments. 14-inch wheels wear proper wheel covers and white wall tires to complete the epic style. The paint and metalwork are fantastic on the car, she is more than show ready. Some minor bubbling on a lower panel make up the short list of imperfections. Interior Black takes over for the white on the interior, starting on the door panels that stack red over black panels with some stainless trim to dress things up and both doors are in great shape. Black patterned inserts are rimmed with black piping on the split bench seats which are bordered in red vinyl, creating a striking contrast, and both front and rear seats are in excellent condition. The driver's station is a robust collection of a substantial steering wheel with a metal center, and an aircraft-like presentation of gauges, from the sweeping horizontal speedometer to the line of circular gauges over a series of chrome knobs. This is an artful and functional cockpit. Shifting is accomplished with the push button panel to the left of the wheel while entertainment is provided by the AM radio to the right. Black carpet covers the open floor nicely and a gray headliner is high and tight. The massive trunk is finished with a black carpeted floor and houses a spare with room for eight more if needed. Drivetrain An impressive engine awaits when you open the hood, what Dodge called their aircraft type V8, a 325ci Red Ram V8 rated at 245 horsepower, fueled through a 2-barrel carburetor and backed by a Torqueflite 3-speed automatic. 3.36 gears are found in the rear axle and power drum brakes on all four wheels do the taming of the power. Some staining on the intake manifold distracts from an otherwise clean and unique power plant under the hood. Undercarriage Conditions are very clean and uncomplicated underneath with minimal surface rust and only a touch of residual oil, including a few drops on each pan. Dual exhaust flows through glasspack style mufflers on their way straight back to angle cut tail pipes that exist under the bumper. Suspension consists of torsion bars up front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability The 1957 Dodge brochure, which we recommend owning, is replete with boastful claims of speed, handling, and rigidity. For a 1957, it certainly fits the bill with decent power and handling for such a big car