The Dodge Coronet received a complete redesign to begin its second generation of production in 1953, with the body displaying some sleeker and more modern styling. In addition, the car also got a significant boost in performance, at least for customers who chose the option known as the Red Ram V8. This was the first year a Hemi could be had in a Coronet, and thankfully, the original buyer decided that would be money well spent. While this one’s a non-running project that hasn’t been operational for a long time, it’s mostly complete, and the reasonable asking price of $2,000 sort of puts this one into the “why not” category. Reader Jack M. found this 1953 Coronet here on Craigslist, and we’d like to thank him for bringing it to our attention! If you’re ready to proceed, grab your 20 Benjamins and a roadworthy trailer, then head to Chimacum, Washington, to pick up this cool old Mopar.
As with the first-generation cars, the straight six remained the standard engine for the Coronet in ’53, and it was the only powerplant available for the earlier examples. However, this one’s equipped with the optional hemispherical V8, which measured 241 cubic inches inside and produced 140 horsepower. This was a pretty hot offering for the period, and it proved capable of allowing the car to set several land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. It’s not stated why this one was parked, but hopefully, the engine will still turn and just require a basic rebuild. The Gyro-Torque Drive semi-automatic transmission is also still present, but there’s no info on whether or not it’s still functional.
The finish has gotten a bit weathered from being outside, but judging from the photos, the panels may still be fairly solid for the most part. There are a few sections that look like some repairs might have been started already, such as the quarters, and with the roof’s patina, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s still the original paint on the top area. Some metal work will certainly be required before this one’s ready for a respray, but perhaps it will be minimal, as this Coronet appears reasonably straight overall.
Inside, the steering wheel shows aging and numerous cracks, but the dash and instruments appear quite good, at least cosmetically. The headliner will for sure need replacing, as it’s got an excessive amount of water damage, but there’s a possibility that some of the other components in here can be refurbished and salvaged. Keeping in mind that the initial investment will be low, I’m seeing this Hemi-powered 1953 Dodge Coronet as a promising project. How about you?
That thing got a hemi? To be clear, crystal clear , in fact, while the hemi was a popular motor in the drag racing scene later on, not here. The V8 was novelly new, by most early 50s standards, it was nothing special. I believe an Olds 88 would dust any early hemi. I remember them as oily, dripping gas hogging slugs, always running poorly, and the back of hemi powered cars pitch black with carbon. These cars would do 0-60 in 16.0 but 1/4 mile in almost 20 sec., power to pass, but ran out of steam, mostly due to lack of carburetion. It didn’t take long for enterprising racers to find out what the hemi was capable of, so much so, a refined version of one is still the standard of all fuel cars today, and that’s impressive.
This car? Golly, I just don’t think so. I’m surprised the hemi hadn’t gone missing before I was born, and someone updated it with an alternator, ( and 12V?) but make no mistake, this car put Barney Fife in the dust in his shoebox Ford. It was a heck of a car for 1953, but again, I just don’t think the interest is there for this today.
I recently learned the hemi engine concept was invented by the Welch Motor Co. about 1906. Who knew?
I like that. Not big enough to be bloated; stick a manual gearbox in it, better carbs and manifold, and you could make a proper good moonshine runner out of it.
Functional air scoop in the hood is a nice touch.
Great hood ornament.
Rare enough and just the right amount of doors. Wobbler on the tightrope between nope and yeah go for it. Would be the only one at C and C.
Replace the original Hemi with a 426 Hemi and Torqueflite. As wide of body color steel wheels wheels as you can stuff under the original wheel wells. Update the suspension and brakes. And have some fun. This body style is kind of growing on me.
My first car was a ’53 Dodge Coronet like this one. My dad bought it for me as an 8th grade graduation present. He told me to disassemble and reassemble the car the find out how it’s put together. He knew I was a car guy but had not had much hands-on experience up to that point. I learned a lot working on that car.
On the Olympic Peninsula surrounded by salt water and that dreaded salt air so unseen rust will be a major issue definitely get eyes on it and get a look underneath it because it could need a new frame but its one definitely worth checking out and the price isn’t stupid high like some other cars that have been posted here
Oh how I like this! Just too far away for me.
Not sure about this car having Gyro-Torque drive. It would have a gear indicator plate on top of the steering column, showing R (Reverse), L (Low), Nu (Neutral), and Dr (Drive). In the dash picture is an “OVERDRIVE” pull-handle visible, to the left of the steering wheel. I think this car has the standard three-speed transmission with “Automatic Overdrive” (Dodge parlance).
The first car I bought when I got my license was an Avocado green version of this 2 door , I think they called these a Club Coupe. I paid $200 and was excited with the idea of owning a Hemi powered Dodge. And then I learned about the Gyro-Torque. The fluid drive made for sluggish performance. It’s upshifts were leisurely and were accompanied by a mild “Clunk-clunk” sound effect. The lack of power steering means you will be using the Armstrong Method to steer and it is very slow with many turns of the wheel from lock to lock. You will get a good upper body workout. Parallel parking is a chore and that’s why the steering wheel is so big. You will need all of that leverage. On the plus side it’s big enough to seat six adults comfortably and has a trunk big enough to hold all their luggage.
Definitely a worthwhile project for the do it yourself restorer who has the commensurate skills that will be required. I would expect that the engine will need a complete rebuild. I wouldn’t be surprised that it is currently stuck. Maybe some Marvel Mystery Oil and patience? I sure hope someone comes to the rescue. GLWTS.