Sweet Fins: No Reserve 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer

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Listing any classic with No Reserve can lead to a buyer frenzy, and such is the case with this 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer. It presents extremely nicely, and with its engine rebuilt a few years ago, it drives perfectly. It is ideal for enthusiasts who want to slip behind the wheel and revel in the classic motoring experience. The seller has listed the Coronet here on eBay in Sarasota, Florida. Bidding has reached $15,100 as numerous people stake their claim for this beauty.

Virgil Exner was firmly ensconced in Chrysler’s Styling Department by 1957, with the Fourth Generation Coronet range benefiting from his “forward look” design philosophy. His latest offerings were longer and lower than their predecessors, with vehicles perfectly reflecting his passion for fins. These cars graced showroom floors from 1957 until 1959, with this Coronet Lancer a first-year example. It is a stunning classic, making a subtle statement in Glacier White and Gallant Gold. A close inspection may reveal small imperfections, but the shining paint and arrow-straight panels ensure that this beauty will turn heads. Many Mopar products from this era developed an unfortunate reputation for rust, but this garage-kept Coronet is as solid as the day it left the factory. The trim looks exceptional for its age, and the glass is clear. The new whitewalls represent the ideal finishing touch to the exterior.

The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, suggesting that this Coronet might be a genuine survivor. The interior condition is particularly noteworthy if that is the case, although I suspect it may have received seatcovers at some point. There is no appreciable wear, no evidence of abuse, and no visible aftermarket additions. The painted surfaces look crisp and clean, and the wheel has avoided the wear issues that are common with classics of this vintage. It certainly isn’t loaded with luxury touches by modern standards, but the seller confirms that the radio and other items work as they should.

Powering this Dodge is a 325ci “Red Ram” V8, with the company’s 1957 Sales Brochure quoting an output figure of 255hp. Shifting duties fall to a two-speed Powerglide transmission, with power steering lightening the driver’s load. The car’s performance would have been considered very respectable in 1957, and it remains so today. The seller confirms that the engine received a rebuild a few years ago. It fires into life at a turn of the key, even on cold days. They say that the engine runs like a top, making this a turnkey gem that can provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring pleasure.

This 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer perfectly embodies the fins trend that has become a hallmark of that decade. It is a stunning-looking car, helping to explain why it has received forty-nine bids at the time of writing. Factor in View and Watch List tallies of 600 and 88, and it is instantly apparent that people like what they see. It is guaranteed to find a new home soon and would be ideal for someone with a leaning towards Mopar products. Hey, why limit the potential buyer pool to one particular group? It is perfect for any passionate classic enthusiast, but is it the car for you?

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Comments

  1. Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

    This is a really nice Dodge. Great color combination too. The tail fins are a very unique design too. Finding one in this condition, with no rust is impressive. Somebodys going to have a beautiful classic Mopar to enjoy the summer in. Great write up Adam!! And a very nice find too!!! Thank you

    Like 27
  2. Stan StanMember

    So much style in one automobile. Beautiful Coronet Clarkey. 👌

    Like 19
  3. angliagt angliagtMember

    always thought that these had a “mean” looking front end,
    and would be extremely intimidating to have one tailgating you.

    Like 9
    • Will Fox

      LOL–the `58 models with their “teeth” on the lower front bumper are even more eerie coming up behind you on a dark road.

      Like 6
      • Michael Sekeres

        Ever see the Stephen King movie “Christine”? Now that was one mean ‘58 Plymouth!!

        Like 1
  4. Howard A Howard AMember

    I did too, the mean look, and as a small child things like that can haunt you. Before the old mans ’59 DeSoto, that was the 1st car I remember, he had a gold and white ’57 Dodge, only a 4 door. I was too young, but was told we were in a car wreck visiting my uncle in a Texas army camp. It must have scared the old man, because in all my years driving with him, campers, long car trips, I never remember him getting in any kind of accident. I guess the apple didn’t fall far there, huh. This car is stylish from any angle, unlike cars today, not sure if coming or going. I read this car cost close to $3grand, and not so out of line for what you got. I like how they “pushed it” with the look alike quad headlights, that were just around the corner. I suppose if any car is worth $15gs, it be right here. We’ll never see anything like it again. What a time that must have been.

    Like 20
  5. That AMC guy

    These are gorgeous cars but they had horrendous quality problems when new. (Obviously at this late date any of those would have long since been dealt with on this car.)

    Minor nit, if that Dodge has a two-speed automatic transmission it would be Chrysler’s PowerFlite, not a Chevy Powerglide.

    Like 29
    • al

      you beat me too it powerglide was chevy only

      Like 4
  6. Zen

    Cars like these are why I love the Fabulous (late) 50s cars!

    Like 9
  7. Joe Haska

    This is absolutely beautiful! If it sells for under 20 K someone stole it. I just wish it could be me.

    Like 16
  8. JGeezerMember

    OMG, my first real car. Totally loved it, Exact colors & engine. The 18 year old idiot just loved how that thing would light up a tire (always just that right rear) – before he blew it up. I believe mine was a three speed automatic, not sure which box that would have been.

    But where are the Lancers? Those hubcaps were the rage of my teenage circle.

    Like 1
  9. Jay E.Member

    If this is an unrestored original, it is likely the last one left on the planet in this condition. It would stop me in my tracks at any show.
    How the paint can look this good when the trunk has rust is a mystery to me. The ad doesn’t expressly say it is original paint to the car, so my guess its a respray in original colors.
    I would definitely go see it in person if it were anywhere near me.
    I’m a fan of the ’56, but in the same colors this one is striking.
    Can’t believe it is selling for this price, I would guess double that or 35K,

    Like 5
  10. CC MIKE

    Just a GORGEOUS car!! Wish I had the garage space. These are truly rare these days. It brings back memories of my grandparent’s car. Identical to this but in pink and dark gray. What a stunner that was. Was very disappointed when they traded it in on a cream ’63 Dodge Dart. I miss seeing these classics on the road!

    Like 5
  11. CC MIKE

    Just a GORGEOUS car!! Wish I had the garage space. These are truly rare these days. I brings back memories of my grandparent’s car. Identical to this but in pink and dark gray. What a stunner that was. Was very disappointed when they traded it in on a cream ’63 Dodge Dart. I miss seeing these classics on the road!

    Like 4
  12. Bellingham Fred

    I really like the styling of these “Big Fin Mopars”, but only in the 2dr hardtops.
    This is a beauty. In my senior year of high school (’73) my older brother bought either a ’59 or ’60 (I can’t remember which) Dodge 2dr HT for $50. It had no brakes at the time. He got those working, although still a bit sketchy at times. The parking brake didn’t work, and niether did Park in the AT. I drove it for a while. There were 2 stores I would stop at to get a soda and some candy etc on my way home from school. Both of them had parking areas on a slight incline. I would leave the motor running and the trans in Drive when I went in. At one the incline was steep in enough the the car would stay put,at the other one there was a curb. It was high enough that it prevented the car from moving any further forward. Those places weren’t called a quick stop back then, but I did my shopping as quick as I could.

    Like 6
  13. Dave Brown

    Beautiful Dodge. America could make big CARS again. We need new car companies to do this. The old ones won’t.

    Like 4
  14. Allen L

    Sadly not a “Red Ram” hemi, it’s a poly head.

    Like 6
  15. Wayne

    I’m really not a fan of dark gray primer. But a local guy had one these body style 2 doors. (Dodge, DeSoto) that was stripped of its chrome, lowered, very fat wheels and white letter tires on black wheels with dog dish hib caps. It was so cool and mean looking! I was always trying to get a closer look at the car. But he was always going machine 7 when I ever saw the car.

    Like 1
  16. Paterson guy

    Dad bought Mom a 57 Royal; black with a red interior. When I sat in the back seat, I could barely see over the fin; she was a beauty!

    Like 5
  17. Wayne

    I’m really not a fan of dark gray primer. But a local guy had one these body style 2 doors. (Dodge, DeSoto) that was stripped of its chrome, lowered, very fat wheels and white letter tires on black wheels with dog dish hib caps. It was so cool and mean looking! I was always trying to get a closer look at the car. But he was always going mach. 7 when I ever saw the car.

    Like 1
  18. Craig Hansen

    I drove a 2 Dr 58 custom royal D500 in this same color combo in high school except the trunk roof and fins were gold had the teeth in the grille remember racing a fuelie 57 Chevy Bel Air a dead heat! That Dodge was fast! 361CI!

    Like 1
    • al

      a D500 wow that would be worth some $$$$ today I think they where rare back than can’t be may around now

      Like 1
  19. Dave

    Who ever buys this will need to budget extra time when driving it to accept all the compliments they’re going to get and all the conversations that will start. Stunning classic car!

    Like 6
  20. John Frazier

    Beat up oil pan and rust in the trunk. Flood car from the Florida hurricanes?

    Like 0
  21. Michael

    Back when I was young, my older brother had one like this, only equipped with a “C300D” dual quad Hemi. It would fry tires!

    Like 2
  22. Rick

    What’s with the LIMITED nameplate on the glove box door? Definitely not an original item.

    Like 2
  23. Steve Mehl

    I wonder how many guys on this site actually read the entire article before commenting. It is not selling for $15K, that is just where the bidding is now. $40K would be reasonable if everything about the car is as good as it looks.

    Like 2
    • Jay E.Member

      It is a no reserve auction and currently the top bid is $16,500.00. So unless it is bid up, that is what it is selling for.

      Like 1
      • Steve R

        Sold on 7/20/2025 for a high bid of $22,900.

        Steve R

        Like 1
  24. will

    I’m old enough to remember when these came out… I was 22, actually. The very first ones off the line had the fins BOLTED ON! Dodge Division must have had plans for the car without the fins but then HQ came down and said, “Not so fast, kids!” Not a rumor, that bit, I actually looked inside the trunk of one and could see the bolt heads.
    My father had a ’57 Chryslor Windsor and was that ever a sweet driving car. Got 25 MPG on the road, too, or so Pop said and I think he was straight with me. Shoot, I could even get into the low 20s with my ’50 DeSoto “flattie.”

    Like 1
  25. Charles M Brown

    The 1957 Dodge had the 3 speed torque flite transmission operated by pushbuttons on the dash next to the A piller not the Chevrolet Powervglide. My Mother had one in the same colors

    Like 1
  26. Bill the MagnumguyMember

    Nice one!! I’ve had a ’57 Dodge just about every decade since the 80’s. None as nice as this one. Much prettier than any ’57 GM product. Suddenly it’s 1960

    Like 0
  27. Robbo

    Second car I’ve ever owned 58 Royal Lancer same color scheme, the gold on mine was brighter than this one, don’t know if mine had a respray, 18 and so proud of car, took my high school girlfriend to prom in it, tux and all.LOL Those were the days, made to second base in the big back seat.Some where’s along the road the car had a 392 Hemi out of an Imperial swapped in with 3 speed torgue flite in it, with bucket seats, and push buttons moved to made up column between seats, great for stop light drags.Bought my first set of recapped ‘cheater slicks for that car.Great memories of SoCal in the 60’s for an old hot rodder.

    Like 1
  28. Robbo

    Forgot to talk about , SoCal trick at time of backing off rear brakes and getting fronts as tight as possible, then sitting there smoking tires sitting still.Lots of smoke from old poly tires.Thats the reason I bought cheater slicks.When I bought them the guy was bragging you’ll never throw those caps off, asked him i f I throw them off here on lot what’ll you give me, he said a brand new set of real slicks on chrome reverse wheels.So proceeded to blow them off in about 15 seconds, he paid up so I drove to Goodyear store my Dad bought all of his tires from and had new set of poly’s put on my rims and only ran the slicks when was out looking to find street race, or going to Lions DragStrip for grudge night, best racing around never knew what was going to show up.

    Like 0
  29. Rex B Schaefer

    Thought that auto trans was called a powerflite!

    Like 1

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