The 1958 Dodge Coronet was a nicely styled automobile on the outside no matter what was under the hood, but buyers who got the D-500 engine also had a strong powerplant to go along with those good looks, although it appears like it’s been quite some time since motor in this one has been in running condition. But if you’ve been looking for a late fifties Mopar project, this 1958 Dodge Coronet for sale here on Craigslist might be worth checking out, just be forewarned it’s one of those cars that’s going to require a lot of love in just about every department. You’ll need to schedule travel plans for Foley, Minnesota to check it out, and bring along $6,500 to make the purchase if the car is to your liking.
T.J., thanks for the great tip here! The only detail shared with us regarding this Coronet’s past is that it resided in the state of Washington all of its life, except for just the time it’s been in the North Star area. The car is stated to have rust in the typical places, but not bad for its age according to the seller, though to my eyes it looks like a considerable amount of corrosion the next owner will have to contend with. The owner also thinks all of the body panels and trim are in decent shape and will be useable, but I’d probably suggest leaving that up to the buyer’s discretion. I’m not saying they aren’t necessarily, but I’d give them a close inspection just to make sure they’re salvageable to start with.
No specific information is provided about the engine, other than the motor and transmission are the original components. For 1958, Dodge offered three different variants of the 361, including those equipped with either a Carter 2 or 4-Barrel on top. There was even a Bendix electronic fuel-injected system available, but it proved to be problematic and many of these cars were eventually retrofitted with a 4-Barrel instead. We’re not told if the engine will turn or any other specifics, but I feel safe in assuming a thorough going-through will be in order.
Warbled is one of the words that come to mind regarding to the inside appearance, but at least the floor covering is gone so we can see the state of the metal, plus we also get to view inside the trunk, which is not exactly promising. For an additional thousand dollars, the seller will provide a full floor cut from a rust-free Arizona car and a few other goodies. Unfortunately, no photos at all are provided of the undercarriage. This one’s a bigger project than I’d be interested in considering, but maybe it’s just right for someone who’s got a strong set of steel skills. What are your thoughts on this 1958 Dodge Coronet?
That single 4 barrel was such a disappointment! I thought that all D-500s had 2 carbs, so I learned something. Something sad. Still, I love the forward look cars!
sorry but i never got into the fin cars. but she definitely has project potential at a decent price
1970 I was 12 years old, my father bought me ’59 Coronet off the back of a carlot for 50 bucks. Was a flathead six w/ a 3 on the tree. It was rusty, bad floors, BIG holes behind the doors and the trunk was gone. There was a piece of plywood on top of the gas tank. I used to drive it up and down the street, great fun for 12 yr. old. This one is solid compared to mine. It would be a labor of love for sure, but somebody will save this one. The ’59’s had longer tailight lenses, every one of mine was broken, and I put that rear bumper right thru the back of the garage wall.
“and I put that rear bumper right thru the back of the garage wall.”
One of those things most of us would like to be able to say at least once.