The Coronet was a fixture at Dodge throughout the 1950s. After 1959, the name was retired until 1965, when it returned to the mid-size B-body platform. For 1957, Chrysler’s “Forward Look” styling was at the forefront, and 280,500 Dodges wore it, with the Coronet being 57% of sales. This ’57 Coronet 4-door sedan has been in the seller’s uncle’s open-air garage for more than 20 years and has been weathered by Mother Nature. Located in Marianna, Arkansas, this true barn find is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,200.
The 1957-59 Dodges weren’t quite as wild-looking as their Plymouth counterparts (IMO). This example seems like a Plain-Jane model with a 230 cubic inch inline-6 (before the Slant-Six that was so popular in the 1960s and 1970s). It has Chrysler’s push-button automatic transmission, and neither is functional after a two-decade-or-more slumber, though it was running when parked. It was the seller’s uncle’s car, and her parents are handling the sale as part of an estate liquidation.
We’re told it may be complete, but the car’s location doesn’t permit photographs that are very specific. While the auto is described as being in “very good condition,” that seems like a bit of a stretch. Corrosion could be a factor, and the interior looks to have been chewed on by other barn dwellers. One of the photos shows a plate where a radio would have been, so that was not an option that was chosen back in the day.
Whatever demand there may be for a 4-door 1957 Coronet with a six-cylinder remains to be seen. Restoring this car will not be a small undertaking, but perhaps there are lots of useful parts to be used as a donor. The seller sounds agreeable to an offer as long as it meets the “estate attorney’s requirements.” Thanks for the dusty tip, “Zappenduster”!
Leave A Comment