Pick of the Day: 1957 Dodge Coronet

Virgil Exner released an onslaught of style upon the Detroit establishment in the fall of 1956. Every Chrysler Corporation brand was distinct in style and purpose, which has made them quite loved in the collector car market today. However, these Chrysler Corporation creations can be rather pricey today, which is why our Pick of the Day, a 1957 Dodge Coronet four-door sedan, is so refreshing. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in High Point, North Carolina. (Click the link to view the listing)

When the new Forward Look Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and Imperial were introduced, which was your favorite? Dodge may have come off as the sleekest of the bunch, but it arguably was also the most polarizing, as the front end was all chrome bumpers without any lattice style within (Dodge described it as a “massive mono grille”). This gave the face of the Dodge a tough look lacking the gentle features of its sister brands.

“Step into the wonderful world of Autodynamics,” said Dodge when extoling its virtues in 1957. From the hurricane of power from the Red Ram V8 to the Super D-500, the tornado of torque was tamed by the available TorqueFlite transmission. And, thanks to the Torsion-Aire Ride suspension, the Swept-Wing Dodges drove, rode, and handled like no other car you have ever driven.

Nineteen fifty-seven was the year that the industry was creeping up into the world of quad headlights. As laws on illumination were determined on a state-by-state basis, it was just a matter of time before all 48 states had approved quad headlights. Dodges looked like they had quads but, thanks to Exner and his design team, Dodges (and Plymouths) featured “twin-set” driving and parking lights to give the illusion of such. Other styling features included the “broad horizon” windshield and recessed door handles and, of course, those gorgeous swept-wing fins that gave the opportunity for clever two-toning.

But one wasn’t obliged to get swept up in the flash of the 1950s, as this 1957 Dodge Coronet four-door sedan demonstrates. This one is painted monotone black, a look that gives this Dodge a most formal appearance considering the Coronet was the lowest-priced series in the Dodge line. And before you start rolling your eyes at the idea you’ll have to pay an arm and a leg for a Forward Look Mopar, glance at what’s underneath the hood: the Get-Away Six. A flathead design measuring 231cid, this six featured 8.0 compression and put out put out 138 horsepower. It’s also backed by Chrysler Corporation’s magnificent push-button automatic. According to the seller, the six has been maintained with new master cylinder and brake line hoses, fuel and water pumps, and spark plugs.

Beyond the engine compartment, this Coronet features “new upholstery and headliner [with the] beige and black double-stitched as originally done, nearly and professionally, including the trunk carpet with vinyl rim,” adds the seller, who also says that the transmission seals will be replaced, as will the right-side rear door glass. And the best part? The price has been reduced to $12,995. Exner goodness for the price of an old Hyundai? You better sign up for this before I do!

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.