Retro cars blog

Archive for the ‘DODGE’ Category

1978 Dodge Magnum muscle car

The Dodge Magnum model was introduced in 1978 and produced for only a short time, lasting until 1979. It was sold in the United States and in Canada as a rebadged Chrysler Cordoba. It was a replacement for the Charger SE in Dodge’s lineup and available in two bodystyles, the ‘XE’ and the ‘GT’.

One of the driving forces for producing this car, was for the NASCAR series. The Magnum was more aerodynamic than the Charger. The road-going versions featured four rectangular headlights, opera windows, and an optional T-Bar or power sunroof. Power steering, brakes and seats were offered as standard equipment. Mounted under the hood was a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine. Optional engines were available, including the two and four-barrel carbureted 360 and 400 V8s. The 400 was offered for only a single year, being dropped from the option list in 1970 as Chrysler ceased production of the big-block V8s at the close of 1978.

1978 Dodge Magnum Black Hardtop Coupe

The GT version was packed with performance, powered by a ‘E85′ police interceptor engine. The suspension was improved, a special axle adapted, and ‘GT’ badging placed throughout the vehicle.

1978 Dodge Magnum Racing car

The technology of the vehicle was advanced for its era. It had an onboard spark control computer, electronic ignition, and a lockup torque converter.

The Magnum name persisted for only a short time, being replaced by the Mirada after just a few years of production. The Mirada was a smaller car that had also been a rebadge of the Chrysler Cordoba.

The name ‘Magnum‘ would lay dormant for many years, making a re-appearance in 2005 as part of Dodge‘s full-size vehicle in their model lineup.

1980 Dodge Mirada Luxury sedan

A very rare vehicle, the Dodge Mirada was a hardtop coupe manufactured by Chrysler from 1980 through 1983. Based on Chrysler’s J body platform, the Mirada replaced the Dodge Magnum. The Mirada is identical to two other vehicles that Chrysler also manufactured at the same era, the Cordoba and the Imperial. Three engine options were available, an 85 hp Slant Six, a 130 hp 318 V8 and a 150 hp 360 V8. The Mirada was last manufactured in 1983 and at the end of its production year, only 5,120 units were sold.

The Mirada was a sturdy reliable little car, but unfortunately it didn’t become very popular during its three years of production. A mid-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe, the production numbers were very low, and less than 53,000 units were sold during its lifetime. During its production run, the Mirada would remain virtually unchanged with the exception of paint colors and engines. In 1983 the Mirada was replaced with the Chrysler 600. Basically, the Mirada was fairly doomed from the start in the market. Rear wheel drive had gone out of fashion in the car industry quite some time ago, and unfortunately even the true Plymouths were going out of style with their boat-like appearance.

1980 Dodge Mirada Targa

The Mirada was introduced as a luxury coupe, and it did indeed feature luxury items that would have been found in American models during, such as AM/FM radios with cassette players, various power options and leather upholstery.

In introducing the Mirada, Chrysler was also attempting to succeed on the NASCAR front as well. Lee Iaccoca personally requested Richard Petty to campaign a Mirada in NASCAR. Several drivers, including Petty built race ready test vehicles and tested them. Unfortunately the Mirada was tested around 8pm slower than other GM and Ford vehicles of the day and Petty and other drivers chose to go with another model. Arlington Racing did decide to go with the car and campaigned it from 1981 through 1984 racing seasons and managed 15 top-ten finishes during those years.

The main driver was Buddy Arrington; number 67, who ended up carrying the flag for Chrysler in NASSCAR after Petty Enterprises went to GM. The Marida was mainly used as a short-track car, while using a ’81-83 Imperial on superspeedwars. Several other drivers, including Dave Marcis and Dick May did choose to run the Mirada several times in 1981. Unfortunately the vehicles either broke down or finished several laps behind the leaders.

1980 Dodge Mirada stylish Limousine

The Mirada used transverse torsion bars in its suspension in the front and leaf springs with a sway bar in the rear. A ‘Sport Handling Package’ was offered on the Mirada and it included heavy-duty shock absorbers, torsion bar bushings, springs and anti-sway bars in both the rear and front. The braking system used drum brakes in the rear and power assisted disc brakes in the front.

Several different variations of rooflines were offered on the Mirada. Base models received a basic metal roof with a chrome beauty strip that reached from the bottom of the opera windows and across the roof. Buyers that wanted their Mirada to feature a sportier look could choose either a power sunroof, or a glass T-top roof. An even more luxurious option would be to choose either a vinyl landau roof or a cabriolet roof.

Every year except 1983 the T-tops and Landau were available, and the Cabriolet top could be purchased anytime. Unfortunately the power sunroof wasn’t very popular and was only available for 1980 and 1981.

Several basic wheel options were available, base models came with 15′ steel wheels with turbine-like hubcaps. Another option was polished ten-spoke, 15′ aluminum wheels with bright chrome center caps and painted section.

On the inside, the Mirada was available in a selection of styles and colors, though the most often chosen interior color was dark red. In the base vehicle, the dashboard was black with a faux woodgrain finish that surrounded the center console and gauges. The CMX featured a brushed aluminum finish that replaced the woodgrain. Options on the seating were either vinyl bucket seats, a 60/40 split cloth bench seat or leather bucket seats. The Mirada could be chosen with either a column shift or floor shift, while the bench seat was only available with the column shifter. Available steering wheels were either an interior –matched two-spoke wheel with horn buttons in the spokes. The CMX featured the Mopar ‘Tuff Wheel’ as the standard steering wheel in 1980 and 1981. The base models featured manual windows but the CMX could be purchased with power windows as an option.

1983 Dodge Charger sports car

The Dodge Charger was produced from 1966 through 1978, 1983 through 1987, and again beginning in 2006. Since its inception, the impressive performance and stylish bodies made the Charger an instant success. During its introductory year, 37,344 examples were produced.

The Dodge Charger was based on the Dodge Coronet platform, but with a fastback roofline. The headlights were retractable which resulted in a sportier appearance for the vehicle. The interior had four bucket seats with the rear seats able to be folded down that provided ample space for cargo. Under the hood was a 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that produced 230 horsepower. Optional was the 361 and 426 cubic-inch Hemi, available in various configurations. The 426 Hemi produced 425 horsepower and would set the buyer back $1000, a considerable cost considering the base price was $3122. Only 468 of the Hemi option were purchased.

In 1967 Dodge added the 440 cubic-inch Magnum to the Charger model line. With 375 horsepower, it was a cheaper option than the Hemi, easy to tune, and came standard with the R/T package. The 318 cubic-inch was still the standard option with the 426 Hemi the top-of-the-line producing 45 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. The production total for the Charger in 1967 was around 15,000 with 118 of those selecting the Hemi engine.

1983 Dodge Charger racing car

The 1968 Charger was redesigned, now with hidden headlights and a curvy body. The design was a success and sales soared to over 92,000 units. The Hemi option was available, with around 470 buyers opting for the option. The R/T package was a popular option with 17,665 buyers. Standard on the R/T performance package was the 440 Magnum engine producing 375 horsepower. Many argue that the 1968 was the most appealing muscle car of all 1960′s era.

For 1969, Dodge decided to make only minor improvements to the Charger. The grille now had a chrome center divider. Two new Charger models were available. The Charger 500 was a performance machine with some styling cues similar to the Dodge Coronet. The big news was the Dodge charger Daytona which is easily identified by its larger vertical tail stabilizer and front nose extension. With just over 500 examples of the Daytona produced, the $4000 vehicle was available with either the Hemi or the 440 engine.

The Charger was redesigned in 1970 and became available in new colors. The SE version added leather seats and an electric sliding sunroof. Dodge introduced the 440 Six Pack which featured three Holley two-barrel carburetors and produced 390 horsepower. In total, there were just over 10,300 Chargers sold in 1970 with 42 of those sales including the 440 Six Pack and 116 opting for the Hemi.

1983 Dodge Charger American Drag Racing Car

The muscle car era was coming to a close. Government safety regulations, emission controls, and insurance premiums were beginning to force manufacturers into detuning their engines. This was the last year for the mighty Hemi engine, which retained it 425 horsepower rating. The 440 cubic-inc engine was now rated at 370, down by 5 horsepower. The 440 Six Pack also lost five horsepower. The Charger was redesigned and lost a few inches at the wheelbase. Available in SE and R/T trim, it now shared a body with the Super Bee. This body-style design lasted until 1974.

The Rallye was the performance model for the Dodge Charger for the years 1972 through 1974. The Rallye was equipped with the detuned 440 cubic-inch engine with four-barrel carburetors, hydraulic lifters, and five main bearings. The result was 280 horsepower for the years 1972 through 1973. In 1974 the horsepower dipped to 275.

For 1973, Dodge offered the base 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine, now rated at 255 horsepower. The 440 was producing 255 horsepower while the 440 Six-Pack produced 330 horsepower. The decrease in horsepower was due to the detuning to comply with government safety and emission regulations and because horsepower was no longer being quoted in terms of gross output but rather in terms of net output. The suspension was reworked resulted in a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Charger’s appearance became sportier in 1974, with minor aesthetic changes and larger quarter windows. The 318 V8 was rated at 175, the 440 V8 produced 280, and the 440 Six Pack produced 330 horsepower. The engine choices remained the same for 1974 but it would be the final year for its sporty persona. In 1975, Dodge repositioned the Charger as a luxury vehicle. They introduced the Charger SE, a near-clone of the Chrysler Cordoba. The SE came equipped with lots of standard equipment and a 360 cubic-inch engine producing 180 horsepower. The slant-six 318 and 400 were available in various configurations. The 360 fitted with a four-barrel, instead of the standard two-barrel carburetor, would increase the horsepower to 200.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Classic car

Dodge first used the name ‘Diplomat‘ in 1950 to designate their 2-door hardtop bodystyle. The name would endure until 1954. It re-appeared in 1975 as a trim package on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. In 1977, it became its own model line and served as a replacement for the Coronet in Dodge‘s mid-sized line-up. It was based on the Dodge Aspen and wore an M-body. Mounted on the bonnet was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. An optional 5.2L and 5.9L V8 were available. After 1984, the Diplomat was only available with the 5.2L V8 unit.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Muscle car

1988 Dodge Diplomat Limousine

The Dodge Diplomat was a mid-size car and it was manufactured from 1977 to 1989 by the Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge brand and practically identical to the Chrysler LeBaron of 1977, the Plymouth Caravelle sold in Canada, and the Plymouth Gran Fury from 1982. It was also sold in Mexico between 1980 and 1981 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet.

1977 saw the return of the Diplomat as a full model line rather than as the name of a particular body style. It replaced the Monaco in Dodge‘s new downsized mid-size lineup. The new Diplomat was based on the Dodge Aspen, designated the M-body. While the Aspen had the F-body, the M-bodies were related to it: the wheelbase and suspension were identical and doors and body panels often interchangeable. Hence, another M-body sedan, such as the 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, had interchangeable doors with the 1976 Aspen. Like the Aspen, the Diplomat had coupe and station wagon variants.

The Diplomat was offered with a base 225 cu in (3.7 L) six-cylinder engine. In 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 form (and an optional 360 cu in (5.9 L)) it, and its Plymouth Gran Fury/Caravelle twin, were widely favored as a police car both in the US and Canada. After 1984, the only engine offered was the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8.

Following the demise of the Dodge St. Regis R-body in 1981, the Diplomat remained, becoming the largest sedan in the Dodge lineup, despite technically being a mid-size car. Dodge would not market another truly full-size car (at least based upon U.S. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? (EPA) passenger volume statistics) until the Monaco debuted as a 1990 model.

In 1982, the coupe and station wagon were discontinued and Canada’s Plymouth version of the Diplomat came south of the border. The Plymouth Caravelle was offered in the US as the Plymouth Gran Fury.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01 Convertible

Conceived as a modern take on the classic American muscle car, the Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car, possibly the most powerful production car produced by Dodge.

Production for the Viper began in 1992 at the new Mack Assembly in Detroit Michigan. The Mack Avenue Engine Complex was the original production site from 1992 through 1995.

Opening in 1966, the Conner Avenue Assembly was purchased by Chrysler in 1995 for the production of both the Dodge Viper and the Plymouth Prowler. October 1995 the production for the Viper began.

The home of Chysler’s production of large-displacement V8 and V10 engines, Mount Road Engine was a Chrysler Corporation Automobile Engine factory in Detroit Michigan. In 2002 the plant was closed as production shifted to the Mack Avenue Engine Complex.

The dream behind the design of the Dodge Viper was directly inspired by Carroll Shelby, one of the automotive indsustry’s greatest legends. Building one more ultimate performance car was the vision of the initial designer of the Viper. Far too large and heavy to seriously claim any direct lineage with other compact and lightweigh vehicles such as the ionic AC Cobra, the Viper was an altogether separate design.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01 coupe

Driven as the pace car at the Indianapolis 500, Caroll Shelby had a long career as a driver, owner, team manager, manufacturer, consultant, and visionary before being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1992. More than a decade later, he has continued to impact the world of racing and automobile design. A master organizer and team leader, his charisma, vision and ability to know the best person for the job developed his ability to produce consistently impressive results.

Initially conceived in late 1987 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios, the Viper first apeared as a concept to test public reaction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 1989.

Receiving enthusiatstic public aclaim as orders began to flow before the show even ended, the ‘go’ was given and chief engineer Roy Sjoberg was directed to develop it as a production car.

‘Team Viper‘ was organized by Sjoberg with a handpicked group of 85 engineers that began development in March of 1989. Their primary goal was to construct a vehicle that concentrated on performance above all else. Their benchmark: to go from 0 to 100 back to 0 in 15 seconds.

1989 Dodge Viper VM01- American muscle car

Though 1st generation Vipers were considered by some as a crude ‘kit car’, Chrysler translated this into a vehicle and production line that became the most sought after assignment in the corporation up to that point.
Typical of American performance car design, the Viper had a front-mounted engine driving rear wheels with a curb weight of 3,280lb(1,488 kg) while lacking many modern driving aids such as traction control or anti-lock brakes. In a straight line performance, the Viper completed a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds and had a maximum speed of 164 mph (264 km/h).

The engine produced 400 hp (298 kW) at 4600 rpm and 450 ft·lbf (610 N·m) of torque at 3600 rpm. Due to the long-gearing allowed by the torquey engine it provided surprising fuel economy at a claimed 21 mpg US (11.2 L/100 km) if driven sedately. The body of the Viper was a tubular steel frame with resin transfer molding (RTM) fiberglass panels.

By 1998, 9,500 Vipers cruised the world’s boulevards and racetracks, building a very strong and extremely enthusiastic owner core. Currently there are more than 1,700 members of the Viper Club of America and 27 Viper Clubs throughout the United States.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Dodge Stealth, is an impressive automobile which boasts sleek styling and brandishes an aggressive shape. These cars incorporate some of the latest automotive technology available today which is put to good use when demonstrating its performance potential. Although often compared to sports cars, the Dodge Stealth is a grand touring 2+2 seater sport coupe which has but one drawback; a weight disadvantage. This, of course, is more than compensated for with ample acceleration and braking power.
Built in Nagoya, Japan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Dodge Stealth is the twin to the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT as commonly known in the United States. Although most of the Stealth was designed and built by Mitsubishi, the body styling is unique to the Stealth and was designed by Dodge. The Dodge Stealth is available in Canada and the United States, where the Mitsubishi GTO or 3000GT is not available in Canada but is available in the United States and abroad.

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

1991 Dodge Stealth RT Turbo coupe

In 1991, its first year of production, the Dodge Stealth was available in four trim levels; base, ES, RT and RT Twin Turbo. It was initially released with these various configurations to satisfy the individual tastes and budgets of a wide range of sports car enthusiasts.

The base Stealth powertrain, which was available until 1995, is a 3.0-liter, SOHC, 12-valve V6 that produces 164 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The Stealth ES, which was available until 1993, and the R/T increases that level of performance with a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 that delivers 222 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 3.0-liter DOHC twin turbocharged V6 with 320 horsepower (300 horsepower for 1991-1993 models) does 0-60 mph in a very impressive 5.3 seconds.

The Stealth R/T Turbo model is equipped with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission (5-speed Getrag pre-1994). All other models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Available as an option in all models except the Stealth R/T Turbo is a 4-speed automatic transmission which features driver controllable Power/Economy modes.

Safety features include the availability of anti-lock brakes as either standard or optional equipment across the entire Dodge Stealth lineup. The Stealth includes standard driver-side air bags in all models made to date and passenger-side airbags in all models produced after 1993. The Dodge Stealths comfort and convenience features include standard air conditioning (switched to R-134a in 1994), an available tailgate wiper/washer, power windows and door locks, speed control, a security alarm, and a remote key-less entry system which became available in 1993. Front low-back bucket seats with recliners and height adjustment are standard on all Stealth models. Leather seats are optional on R/T and R/T Turbo models.

1991Tunned  Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

The Stealth R/T Turbo is the most often talked about model in the media. With an impressive list of standard equipment and features, its quite easy to see why. Over various production years, this model is or has been a twin turbo charged, twin inter-cooled, all-wheel driven, four-wheel steered assembly of metals, plastics and leather with triple mode electronically controlled suspension and dual mode active exhaust. Depending upon year, it pumps out between 300-320 horsepower with between 307-315 lb-ft of torque and there is still room for the kids!

In late 1995, it was announced that the Dodge Stealth would no longer be produced after 1996 due to the rising value of the yen and slow sales. A 1996 model was not available in Canada and production was very limited in the United States. All told, this car is destined to become a collectors item for automotive enthusiasts

1994 Dodge Venom Concept  car

1994 Dodge Venom sports car

1994 Dodge Venom Racing car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Muscle car

1964 Dodge 330 Factory Lightweight (aluminum front end), Bob Harrop and Crescent Dodgeoriginal factory Super Stock car, showing 49 miles on the odometer and original interior, restored to original race condition by Rick Demarco, 426 Max Wedge engine by Jerry Stine, paint and lettering just as raced in 1964, this is the real deal factory lightweight sponsored by Dodge driven by ‘Harrop the Arab’ multiple magazine features.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Retro car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Sports car

1958 Dodge Coronet Exotic car

This 1958 Dodge Coronet Super D-500 Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 – $175,000. It was offered without reserve, which was a rather daring move considering the value of the vehicle. This car is outfitted with the Super D-500 V8 engine that displaces 361 cubic-inches and produces 325 horsepower. There is a torque flight automatic transmission and four-wheel power drum brakes.

Virgil Exner’s design influences were prominent in Chrysler Corporation vehicles during the mid-1950s, as evident by the finned cars that took the market by storm. The Chrysler C300 was created to satisfy NASCAR homologation purposes, and variations of this masterpiece would continue for more than ten years.

At the Dodge and DeSoto marques, only slight changes were on the horizon. The Adventurer was given a dual quad setup similar to the C300 and offered superior performance to most other cars on the road. For Dodge, their D-500 was their performance pinnacle that kept its owners smiling a quarter-mile at a time. Above the D-500 was the Super D-500.

The Dodge D-500, Plymouth Fury, and Desoto Adventurer were introduced in 1956 with the D-500 being the most rare. These super performance machines were not ‘add ons’ or dealer options, but a model in all respects. The D-500 was given a heavy duty suspension, larger exhaust system, larger and lighter brakes, limited paint colors and schemes, special high performance engine and more. The result was astonishing, as the 1956 D-500 set or broke a total of 306 race records.

1958 Dodge Coronet retro car

In 1949 Dodge introduced the Coronet which was the top trim level offered by Dodge. It was similar to the Meadowbrook models in many respects, deviating in their interior appointments and minor differences with trim. The base level four-door sedan bodystyle was offered for under $1930. The top of the line version was the two-door station wagon which had seating for six and cost $2865. An L-head six-cylinder engine produced just over 100 horsepower could be found under the hood. A three-speed transmission with Fluid-Drive was standard equipment.

For 1950 the Dodge Coronet continued to be Dodge‘s top-of-the-line vehicle. It still was very similar to the Meadowbrook; it include all of its features plus added addition chrome trim on the wheels, rear fender guards and was adorned with the ‘Coronet‘ name proudly displayed on the exterior of the vehicle. Little changed for the following year. For 1952 the eight-passenger sedan was no longer offered. In 1953 the Dodge Coronetincorporated an air scoop on its hood. Under the Ram hood ornament could be found the word ‘Dodge V-8‘ for the eight-cylinder variants. The Hemi head overhead valve V8 engine was capable of producing 140 horsepower. The six-cylinder unit produced 103 horsepower.

In 1954 the Coronet name was used on the intermediate trim levels. Chrome trim could be found throughout the exterior of the vehicle including a chrome strip that ran along the middle of the body. In script letters, the name ‘Coronet‘ could now be found on the sides of the rear fenders. The base price for the four-door six-passenger sedan was $2110. The top of the line bodystyle was the four-door Sierra with seating for six and would set the buyer back $2695. The Coronet made an appearance at the Indy 500 where the convertible body style was the official pace car.

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

1958 American retro car-Dodge Coronet

In 1956 the Dodge Coronet was restyled and grew by six-inches, became wider, and now sat closer to the ground. They were now the base trim level for Dodge. Both the six and eight cylinder engines now produced more horsepower. The eight-cylinder unit was capable of 175 horsepower. Tri-colored paint schemes were not uncommon. In the front was a new grille that was divided intro two separate openings. The parking lights were incorporated into the grille. The windshield was a classy wraparound design. Sales were very positive as the public agreed with the design and the vehicles mechanical abilities. Riding on the wings of success, Dodge made the wise decision to not mess with the design for 1956. The side trim and taillights were slightly modified. Tail fins could now be found protruding from the rear. A push-button transmission was now offered as optional equipment. This technology had been borrowed from Chrysler and proved to be rather popular with many.

In 1956, Dodge created a true ‘sleeper’ car. The Coronet D-500 appeared to be similar to other Coronet‘s but hidden under the hood was a 315 cubic-inch V8 that could pump-out 260 horsepower. It was able to go from zero-to-sixty in under nine seconds. One of the rules to compete in NASCAR was that at least 500 identical models had to be produced. The Coronet D-550 was a purpose-built vehicle intended for the NASCAR circuit. It featured a 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 285 horsepower. In addition to a larger engine, the suspension, tires, brakes, and transmission were all modified to create a highly competitive, very effective muscle car / racing machine.

The Coronet was again restyled in 1957. Dodge began incorporating its ‘Forward Look’ design. The wheelbase grew, as did its length. The car was lowered and now sat even closer to the ground. One of the most recognizable features were the large tail fins. The front headlights were placed below headlight ‘brows’. A chrome strip ran the entire length of the vehicle on both sides. Chrome trim could be found throughout the vehicle, encompassing lgihts and grille openings. The base engine was the L-head six-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower. Eight-cylinder engines were available.

Picture of 1958 Dodge Coronet classic retro car

In 1957 the D-500 was replaced by the D-501. The ’500′ series was a high-performance option offered on all series. The Coronet D-501 featured a 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 that produced 340 horsepower. Only 101 examples were produced. The suspension was updated to include torsion bar front suspension and a rear, heavy duty shock absorbers and leaf spring suspension.

The grille and headlights were the most significant changes for the Dodge Coronet for 1958. The headlights were now quad units. Dodge focused on improving the engines, which they did, with all engines of the ‘wedge’ single rocker head design. The top of the line engine was the 361-cubic-inch V8 with fuel-injection which was capable of an astonishing 333 horsepower. The Dodge name could be found in block letters along the front edge of the hood.

In 1959 the Dodge Coronet was given even larger fins. The brows over the headlights became even more exaggerated. They grew in length, width, wheelbase and were lowered, closer to the ground. A 383-cubic-inch V8 engine was available which produced 345 horsepower in its Super D-500 format. The buyers were treated to an extensive list of options, one of them being the Swivel-Seat option. The seat, with the push of a lever, could swing out to meet its occupant. Another option offered by Dodge was the self-leveling rear air suspension called LevelFlite. The name ‘Dodge‘ could be found in block letters on the trunk lid. The ‘Coronet‘ name was in script and appeared on the front fender.

The Coronet name did not appear on a Dodge vehicle in 1960. It re-appeared in 1965 as a mid-sized muscle car featuring a 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine that produced 425 horsepower. It was now an intermediate-sized vehicle. The bodyshell rested on a 117-inch wheelbase. The base trim level for the Coronet was outfitted with a 224-cubic-inch six-cylidner engine. The Dodge name was proudly displayed in block letters across the front of the hood. The Coronet name was in script along the front fender tip.

1957 Dodge Regent Retro car

The Dodge Regent for 1957 was the Canadian version of the Dodge/DeSoto dealers’ version of the Plymouth Savoy. It used the Savoy’s seat upholstery, door panels, instrument panels, and exterior trim. The engine was a 303 cubic-inch V8 unit with a 4-barrel carburetor producing around 240 horsepower. Other engines available include a 318 Cubic-inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors.

1957 Dodge Regent Classic American car