Dodge Coronet Essay

The Dodge Coronet a Solid Performer

The Dodge Coronet from the Top to the Bottom

The Dodge Coronet represents a very interesting story in the history of the Chrysler Corporation. They built it as a top shelf automobile in the 40s and 50s. The model name took a five-year rest and then launched as a midsize car representing the lowest level of trim in the mid sixties, when it was forced to take a back seat to [the first generation Dodge Charger].

Although the car was known as an entry level family car and used by State and County governments as a police car, it did have a shot at the muscle car wars in the late 60s. Here we'll walk through the birth of the Dodge Coronet, stroll through its midlife crisis and talk about its most impressive

and powerful years as a budget style muscle car.

The Birth of the Coronet

The Chrysler Corporation built the Dodge Coronet for more than twenty years.

When it launched in 1949, it was a full-size car that represented the pinnacle of the Dodge lineup. The company's first brand-new post-World War II production model featured an innovative foot pedal operated fluid drive transmission and a higher trim level than the company had ever offered before.

They made this new model available in a two door coupe and hardtop, four door sedan and station wagon configurations. Dodge also built the Coronet in an eight passenger four door limousine model riding on top of a stretched wheelbase. The car saw slight body style improvements through 1952. However, in 1953 the second generation of the Cornet launched with a much improved power train.

They now called the GyroMatic fluid transmission the Gyro Torque Drive and mounted it behind an all new 241 CID V8. This cutting edge engine [utilized a hemispherical head design]. Horsepower improved to 150 HP, a major improvement over the 105HP Flathead straight six of the previous year. The new engine and transmission combination with a top speed of over 100 mph made it one of the most powerful cars in its class.

Dodge Coronet Muscle Car on a

Budget

After the lackluster launch of the first Charger, Chrysler released a radical redesign in 1968 with [the second generation Dodge Charger].

At the same time, the 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 without the fastback design started shipping with an available 383 CID big block V-8. In 1967 the car got a minor facelift and the Coronet RT became the new model to carry one of [the top five muscle car engines of all time], the Chrysler's 440 Magnum V-8. They made the Road Track configuration available in a two door hardtop or convertible model with a choice of a four speed manual transmission or three speed automatic.

For a short time you could special order the Hemi option for around $900. However, sometime in 1967, Chrysler decided the elephant motor would only be available in its designated muscle car lineup. Therefore, finding a Cornet with a 426 Hemi is extremely difficult, as they only built around 100 units. In 1968 the Coronet took on much of the Chargers sheet-metal styling. This would be minus the hideaway headlights, but include a unique double forward facing pair of hood scoops and small round marker lights on the front fenders. Also notable for 1968 is the addition of the Super Bee option

package.

They based the Super Bee cars on the Coronet from 1968 through 1970. These are basically the Dodge version of the Plymouth Road Runner. Dodge considered this their low budget muscle car with a sticker price of right around $3000. In 1970 the Coronet Super Bee received a unique dual oval grille and a ram charger center hood scoop making it one of the most unique looking Coronets ever manufactured. Despite the fresh look the sales tanked and the following year would see the departure of the Coronet as a muscle car.

The Sixth Generation Dodge Coronet

Starting in 1971 the Coronet was now a four-door sedan or station wagon, often with simulated wood grain side panels. The [third generation Dodge Charger] would carry the Mopar flag to the finish line as the muscle car wars came to an unceremonious end. In an interesting twist the Dodge Coronet sedan became a popular choice with government fleets. The car had now come full circle and become the pursuit vehicle instead of the muscle car being chased. In 1976 they retired the name in favor of the Dodge Monaco, yet another model well-liked by local and State law enforcement departments.

Review the life and times of the Dodge Coronet. This car represented the top of the line for its first decade and as an entry-level car in its second.