When an automobile nameplate lasts for 7 generations, it usually undergoes a few revisions over the years to stay relevant and successful in the marketplace. The Dodge Coronet is no exception, starting out as a full-size offering but switching to intermediate proportions for its fifth generation. It was also Dodge’s top trim level in its earliest days, but in 1955, the Coronet moved to the bottom of the ladder, where it stayed for the rest of the fifties. However, a sportier, pillarless hardtop known as the Lancer also joined the Coronet lineup in 1955, and this one here on Facebook Marketplace certainly seems capable of turning a fair amount of heads. It’s priced at $14,500 and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our thanks go out to tipster NW Iowa Kevin for finding this cool Mopar and sending us the tip!
Visionary and pioneer stylist Virgil Exner helped restyle the Coronet for ’55, making it longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor. Chrysler fans approved, and sales increased significantly over the previous year. While the seller reports that he’s performed a lot of work here, he is also very transparent that the paint looks better in the photos than in person. The body is said to have some rust, which is described as primarily in the inner rockers, along with a couple of spots of corrosion in the trunk. I’m thinking that if you’re OK with just a fun driver, the cosmetics could wait a while, since this Dodge doesn’t really look that bad outside. On the other hand, I can also understand why some buyers might feel a sense of urgency to start making exterior improvements right away.
Power options started with the 230 cubic-inch inline-6, but thankfully, this one’s got the polysphere V8, measuring in at 270 CI and receiving a factory HP rating of 175. The owner confirms that it’s the original component, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission plus overdrive. That’s one clean engine bay, and the brakes are new and converted to power. There’s also a new aluminum radiator, new shocks, a fresh exhaust system underneath, and electronic ignition with an HEI module.
The interior certainly seems to be a strong point here, with the headliner and carpeting among the new items mentioned inside. The seats are said to have been reupholstered, but the door panels remain original, though they do have a new backing. With some hopefully minor work and a respray, this 1955 Dodge Coronet would likely be a top-tier example, but it also seems like a very competent driver as-is. Would you go ahead and mend the panels and apply new paint soon, or just enjoy getting behind the wheel here for a few seasons?
The ’55 and ’56 Chrysler 300 were always a favorite design of mine. I always liked how the front end of the Dodge has that “family” resemblance. These are handsome cars, especially with the two tones. Love the V8 3 speed stick with an overdrive combination too. I’m not great with pricing in this current market, but, this seems like a good deal to me.
That’s a classy looking car inside and out. My only objection is the wheels. In that lead foto my eyes are immediately drawn to the stark white wheels, which detracts from the beauty of the car.
I wonder if that’s the stock color. I’d expect red or black.
But if it were in my driveway I’d find a way to deal with it.
Easy, wheel covers! ’57 Plymouth ones are one of my favorites.
Why not upper trim 1955 Dodge ones?
Bucket seats?
Bucket seats are completely wrong and out of place in a car like this. UGH!
To Pete Phillips: I ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!
Agreed. Tho a seemingly fine quality remodel, this poor Dodge has been basically ruined by the buckets imo.
One of the finest features of the mid-century car is its ability for Driver to slide-on over to the curb side and out the rf door – ruined!!
Ruins the S.O.B. cornering maneuver. (Slide Over Baby!)
AND BLUE EVEN ???
The ’55 & ’56 Dodges were similar in overall d sign. There was one difference in the electrical system : The 1955 was the last year for the 6 volt system , while the 1956 models changed over to the first 12 volt batteries .
Wow, color scheme and everything about this car screams 50’s. Love it!
Great car and easy to top off repairs if you want. Seats look good, but not stock for any 1950’s years. Nice to own for sure.
Car looks great as is or easy to top off. Seats look good, but not stock.
This car is an excellent turnkey entry into the classic car hobby. I like the 55-56 styling a lot better before Virgil went “Hog Wild” with his rear fins!! It looks like it has already been converted to 12 volt. A set of period correct full wheel covers will solve Craig’s wheel look problem. The bucket seats are probably the owners upgrades. Buy it, drive it, show it and enjoy this car while assessing the rust problems and then get them fixed before they get worse.
Nice car. Agree with the question about bucket seats. Probably not original, but thats ok. I, also, think it would look better with a different color on the wheels. Just an observation, but I’ve always thought the Dodge insignia on the hubcaps very closely resembled Packards.
Those bucket seats would NEVER do! I liked Virgil Exner’s final revisions of the ’49 bodies in 1953 — especially the 1953 Chrysler New Yorker, and the 1953 Plymouth, though not the 1954 revisions.. But the only one of his ’55 total re-stylings that I liked was the Dodge. Unfortunately, the 1956 revision, however, ruined it. And the sole thing Exner did after that, that I liked, was the 1962 Imperial. As for this Dodge; unfortunately, it is the entry-level model, which shows in the low level of rear trim and those minimal hubcaps. Otherwise, it is a pretty car, and so very 1950s! There is one near me, higher trim level (I think), black and white, sitting next to a house on four flattening tyres, with surface rust stains running down its sides from years of rain, and with very dull paint. But it still LOOKS to be solid. Clearly, it has sat there for years and but years. Wonder what is wrong with it?
The 55 and 56 Dodges were very similar; same body with some trim changes. The big change came in 57.
The 1956 Dodge had just enough hints of where Exner was headed, to be ruined from the 1955, in my view — especially the changes to the grille and those budding fins atop the rear fenders. I liked the 1955 Dodge, but not the ’56. And the 1957 was hideous.
Blue & white buckets in a black & red color?
I know, I know…I’m scrubbing my eyeballs with Clorox as we speak!
Put whitewalls and full wheel covers.
My cousin had ’55 Pink & White yes, no bucket seats
While a big fluff is being made about the seats, a bigger issue is,,yep, who is going to drive it? Set the “Way back Machine” to that wonderful year of 1955, Sherman,,,no, not me, the Dodge V8 coupe. While this had the “middle” engine offering, I read the SUPER Red Ram, a hemi was also offered, but very few sold. This car, however, flew below the radar, as it was Chevy this and Ford that, I think this car could leave both in the dust. They certainly did well at the race track, and cemented the Dodge name as a hp. leader for generations. I think it all started here.
Now, about that manual transmission,,,for those can still operate one, this car would be a blast. Can’t push the clutch in? Don’t laugh, got out of bed the other day, huge cramp in my left leg, no way could I push a clutch in. I’m going through this on my truckers site, where 94% of all new trucks are automatic, it just widens the sales pool. Most old timers will agree, these were sure cool cars.
Mr A, I agree, advanced age stinks in so many ways. Though, I can still push in the heavy clutch on my 68 Stang, but Mr Ritis does send protest northward on many a cool damp morning. I am just happy I am still around to marvel at mid sixties engineering, many of my friends are not. I greet each morning with a heart felt thank you to above.
Harrison Reed- the 57-78 Plymouths where the best looking cars made, the Dodge wasn’t bad.
With all due respect, frank o, The last nice-looking Plymouths were the 1953-’54… Until 1966-’67. Please understand, I HATED the entire “Forward Look” thing with Exner, as well as his weird 1960-1964 designs (except for the 1962 Imperial). I vividly remember that whole “Suddenly… it’s 1960!” ad/billboard campaign for the 1957 Plymouth. I was a young adult through that whole “futuristic” trend in sryling, and I utterly DESPISED it — and time has only made it WORSE. I also hated that Danish Modern “mid century” furniture!! Minimalist and UGLY!!! the 1953 Chrysler New Yorker was pretty; but name me even one Chrysler after that with decent styling, before the 1967, which in turn got ruined for 1968. 1965 and 1966 Chryslers were heading in the right direction, but the 1967 realisation was beautiful.
My name is furyfrank as to the cars go compare the 53-54 values as to the 57-58.. Sorry but I have owned alot of Plymouths and I disagree with you.
To frank o: most people disagree with me on this. But every 1955 Mopar (other than Dodge) was a shock to me when they first came out — and the entire trend was ugly to me — the worst being 1959.
However, some of the Chrysler engineering (such as the front driver’s seat that turned for easier entrance and exit) I liked.