Virgil Exner’s imposition of fins, chrome, and quad headlights upon Dodge’s 1959 Coronet kept the model in line style-wise with offerings from Ford and Chevrolet, but the brand had damaged its own reputation in 1957 with quality control issues. Sales ticked up in ’59, though not enough to save the nameplate. Fortunately, Chrysler’s downsizing error of 1962 left room for a mid-size car to reap sales in 1964, so it relaunched the Coronet on a 116″ wheelbase with a wide variety of engine options and body styles. This two-door sedan is available here on eBay in a no-reserve auction, with frisky bidding at $4500.
Despite its initial appeal as a practical but sporty alternative for families, the Coronet rapidly acquired the aura of a muscle car, with ever larger V8 engines available. These included the optional 426 cu. in. Hemi, installed in a very few examples. In 1967, the R/T was introduced, inheriting the performance mantle. This ’67 is powered by a 383 cu. in. V8, good for 270 hp with the factory-supplied two-barrel. The transmission is a three-speed automatic. The seller has performed considerable mechanical work in an attempt to resurrect the car, including a new fuel pump, starter, brakes, and tune-up components. The carburetor was also rebuilt and the wheels and tires are new. After all this, the car still won’t run, apparently because the fuel system is clotted with old gas.
Bucket seats (exclusive to the 500 trim level) and a center console give the Coronet the sporty feel that Dodge was pursuing. On the “comfort” side of the ledger, this car was optioned with air conditioning. The seller purchased several new interior parts, from trim to mirrors; many of these items are already installed, but several are housed in the trunk. New seat covers, windshield glass, and quarter-window glass are still on the wish list.
This car left the factory painted silver; the old paint is still in evidence in the trunk and engine bay. The seller notes that a few pieces of exterior trim are missing, and the lower passenger’s rocker panel needs repair or replacement. The rear bumper is bent, and what’s with the trailer hitch! Around the Coronet ecosystem, asking prices are all over the lot. Ordinary Coronets have seen engine swaps for more power; R/Ts have been restored to the nines. These cars sell for tens of thousands. Base-spec cars are cheaper, of course. How would you finish out this project?
Lot of work left to do on this one. As for trailer hitch I could make a smart ass comment like “pulling trailers” but I won’t in deference to the talented lady who puts out all those fabulous write ups. I have had hitches on every road car we’ve owned from our Porsche 356 coupe to our present Mini Cooper S grocery getter. Used the hitch on our first Mini while on a cross country trip in our EV towing our trailer. RV died, called for a tow, Unhooked the trailer, put it on the Mini and followed the tow truck to the repair shop. Most towing companies will not pull multiple vehicles.