By the late 1950s, Dodge was in full stride with bold styling, big tailfins, and a wide range of V8 powerplants. The 1959 Dodge Coronet sat at the entry level of Dodge’s full-size lineup but still offered plenty of style and performance. This example, listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Questa, New Mexico, is a four-door sedan that has been in long-term storage but retains much of its originality and charm. Thanks for the tip T.J.!
The seller states that this Coronet is powered by its original 361 cubic-inch V8, which has been rebuilt, and paired with a push-button automatic transmission. The 361 was new for Dodge in 1958, part of the B-series big-block family, and it offered smooth torque and dependable performance. While the car has been sitting in a shop for over 20 years, the presence of its original drivetrain and the seller’s note about the rebuild make it a solid foundation for a revival.
Styling in 1959 was classic Mopar excess: dramatic tailfins, sweeping side moldings, and plenty of chrome. The seller confirms that the car retains all its chrome trim, a critical detail since locating complete sets of factory brightwork can often be one of the biggest challenges in a restoration. The exterior appears to wear a dusty gray finish, while the limited listing photos show the engine bay intact but dusty from storage.
Interior shots are scarce, with the seller only noting a brown cabin, but the Coronet’s interiors were originally full of mid-century flair, complete with futuristic instrument panels and bold materials. The lack of interior pictures means buyers will want to inspect in person, but the seller notes that the car is complete and comes with a clean, clear title.
With only 60,000 miles reportedly driven and decades spent indoors, this Coronet could be an excellent candidate for either a full restoration or a careful mechanical recommissioning while leaving the patina intact. For Mopar enthusiasts, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a complete late-’50s Dodge with its original V8 power still under the hood.
Would you bring this 1959 Dodge Coronet back to showroom glory, or keep its storage-fresh look as a survivor?
I wonder why is was parked to begin with.
Long term storage OUTSIDE
Engine is definitely NOT a 361. Looks like a 318 Poly. Great styling in the ’59 Dodge Coronet, even the wagon version looks awesome.
Yes, the 361 had its distributor in the front.
This car might have the 326 Poly, a one year Dodge offering in 1959 only.
Per Wikipedia: The 326 was launched in 1959 Dodges. Its actual piston displacement is 325.25 cu in (5,330 cc) but it was marketed as a 326 to avoid confusion with the Dodge Red Ram 325. The 326 uses the same 3+5⁄16 in (84.1 mm) stroke as the 318, but with the largest bore of any A engine at 3+61⁄64 in (100 mm; 3.95 in). It uses hydraulic valve lifters, unlike the other A engines that used solid lifters, and was used in the 1959 Dodge Coronet.
My Ex inherited a 1959 from her late Aunt. I remember the push button shifter and the swing out front bucket seats.