Hemi Powered: 1955 Dodge Coronet

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Cheshire, Connecticut
• Mileage: 40,000 Shown
• Chassis #: 34838508
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 270 cui Hemi V8
• Transmission: 2-Speed Automatic

Dodge has a long history with the hemispherical head design. While most of us think of the ’60s and ’70s muscle cars that made it so popular, Dodge’s parent company, Chrysler, introduced the first “Hemi” back in 1950. While not the tire-burning big block of the ’70s, these early FirePower Hemis were great engines. The 1955 Coronet seen here features a 270 Hemi V8 and a well-documented history back to its original owner! It’s being offered as a Barn Finds Classified with a $22,000 asking price in Cheshire, Connecticut, with a clean title.

It’s not uncommon to know how many owners a classic car has had, but we don’t usually know much more than that. Mrs. Mary Biggs purchased this Dodge new in March 1955 from Emmert Hoffman Chrysler for $2,751. She financed the car but paid it off the following year. In 1965, she decided to have the car repainted in its original Halo Blue, which cost her just $68 (about $730 today). Unfortunately, a few years later, she parked the car because it lacked power steering. And it stayed parked for 40+ years. Her granddaughter and her husband eventually inherited the car and brought it back to life.

While the engine started and ran, it was decided to give it a full rebuild to ensure it ran well. They honed the block and installed new pistons, rings, and bearings. The heads were machined and received a full valve job. While they had it out, they rebuilt the two-speed automatic transmission. They added a Holley 4-barrel carburetor (the original 4-barrel is with the car) and rebuilt the exhaust with 2.5-inch stainless steel tubing. It’s said to run well and sounds great. To make sure it was ready to drive, they also went through the brakes and the entire fuel system. In 2017, a set of Coker American Classics in 7-10xR15 were mounted up.

The interior was also freshened up, with new seat upholstery, door cards, and a new headliner. According to the seller, the interior painted surfaces are original and have been polished up. The blue carpet looks great, as do all the original knobs and switches. The seller notes that the speedometer has stopped working, but the other gauges work as they should.

After refreshing the car and cleaning up the paint, the original owner’s granddaughter sold the car to the current owner. In the past 6 years of ownership, they have put about 300 miles on it. They have a sizeable collection of cars and are currently thinning it out, so they’ve decided to let someone new enjoy it.

This Dodge looks great and is said to be a fantastic driver. It’s well documented and ready to enjoy. If you are like us and appreciate documentation, this might be the classic for you. Be sure to make the seller an offer and leave any questions you have in the comment section below!