We’ve recently seen some great 1950s classics crossing our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1957 Dodge Coronet continues that trend. It doesn’t merely look nice, because it is a rock-solid car with a healthy V8 under the hood. The seller has recently invested a significant sum below the surface, ensuring that the buyer will slip behind the wheel of a turnkey proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Coronet listed here on Craigslist in Milford, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $15,900 for this extremely tidy driver.
Virgil Exner pioneered Chrysler’s “Forward Look” styling program, with the company’s various marques producing cars in the second half of the 1950s featuring lower rooflines and fins that accentuated their sleek appearance. The Fourth Generation Coronet range, released in 1957, has the distinctive Exner appearance, but Chrysler’s fins were yet to reach their zenith when our first-year featured car rolled off the line. Its presentation is impressive, with the listing suggesting a previous high-quality repaint. The color combination of Velvet Blue and Turquoise is a winner, and finding any significant faults is seemingly impossible. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots confirm that this Coronet has avoided the typical rust issues and is rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Lancer “spinner” wheel covers add to the car’s visual appeal.
Chrysler enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing some of the automotive world’s great V8s, and this Coronet is no exception. It features a 325ci “Red Ram” Poly V8, producing a factory-declared 245hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission, and thanks to the Red Ram’s low-end torque, performance should be quite impressive in a 1957 context. Interestingly, the first owner may have been on a budget, because this Dodge doesn’t feature options like power steering or power brakes. The seller recently installed a new radiator, exhaust, and tires. They replaced the distributor and treated the Coronet to a tune-up. It runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to potentially fly in and drive it home.
The Coronet’s interior probably won’t win many show trophies, but it also won’t embarrass the new owner. The seatcovers are mismatched, and I think that the front one might be relatively new. The carpet is clean, and the door trims aren’t torn or damaged, aside from a couple of small flaws in the lower corners. The painted surfaces are excellent, and the only other visible shortcoming is a couple of cracks on the wheel. A factory pushbutton radio is the only option, and should provide entertainment on long journeys.
This 1957 Dodge Coronet appears to tick most of the boxes enthusiasts prefer when searching for a classic to park in their garage. Its presentation is extremely tidy, and the underside shots confirm that it doesn’t hide any nasty, unwelcome surprises. The interior is clean, and the V8 under the hood delivers excellent performance. The recent mechanical work is a bonus, ensuring that the new owner will spend more time behind the wheel than tinkering in their garage. It has been on the market for under a week, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home? More importantly, are you tempted to make it yours?
Came for the taillights and was not let down.