Vehicle Description
1952 Dodge Coronet Diplomat
In 1949-50, a hot new fad was sweeping through the auto industry:
the hardtop convertible. Dodge's contribution to the styling trend,
the 1950 Coronet Diplomat. When first you hear it, the term
"hardtop convertible" sounds like an oxymoron-like "constant
variable" or "jumbo shrimp." Hold on, and we'll make some sense of
it. In the late '40s, industry product planners discovered that
many new car buyers, especially young people, purchased
convertibles but then seldom if ever took down the tops. Perplexed
by this curious fact-convertibles were significantly more expensive
than sedans-they investigated further. Through interviews, they
learned that many owners simply preferred the convertible's sporty
styling and its lower, sleeker roof. Buyers also appreciated the
lack of a fixed pillar between the front and rear side glasses.
With both windows rolled down, the long, open expanse created the
fresh air feel of a convertible without the exposure to sun and
wind that resulted when the top was folded down.
A first generation 2 door hardtop convertible showing 56,000
original miles. Well maintained and some rare options for this
pedestrian car which Dodge put out there using the hook of the
convertible hardtop.
Exterior
A beautiful coat of shining paint in Ivory adorns the exterior
straight steel panels of this massive slab sided car. All chrome on
this car is beautifully preserved, and even the door handles retain
their triple red inlayed stripes. Speaking of vivid color, we need
to look closely at the cloisonne badges on either side which are
near perfect. Large bumpers and a big front chromed grille are
spotless. All window trim is buttoned up and just beautiful. A
contrasting Steel Blue paint covers the pristine roof on this car.
Radial tires wrap Dodge badged dog dish wheel covers which are
excellent. Overall the exterior of this car is extremely fine in
presentation.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we are in blue vinyl with stitched
broadcloth insert heaven. Door panels remain excellent, as do the 2
large benches which stretch within the door panel confines.
Interestingly on each interior door pull on the outer skin it is
wrapped with the stitched broadcloth adding just a bit of contrast
to the otherwise blue field. Dash is draped in the Steel Blue paint
and has panels of clean bezeled glass covered gauges which are as
clean as a whistle. Additional interior dash chrome abounds for the
working clock, radio, heater/defroster controls and beautiful
fronting steering wheel.
Original carpet in Steel Blue, and mohair headliner in Ivory
finishes off this excellently preserved interior space.
Drivetrain
A 230ci in-line flathead 6-cylinder in just clean and pristine
condition reside under the hood and can be verified as original and
correct to the car. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this engine, and a
Gyro-Metic 4-speed fluid drive is strapped to the back of the
engine. 3.90 gears for the rear, and we are all good to go.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the usual iron suspects such as
suspension, interior wheels, and a bit of the frame, but all remain
structurally sound. Some surface rust also in the rocker area, but
where body hangers meet the body is all clear. Independent coil
spring suspension for the front and leaf springs on the rear are
noted as are 4-wheel drum brakes.
Drive-Ability
Due to an aversion to plastic coverings, protective or not I
deferred to our test driver for this one and he reported a quick
start, smooth idle, and much comfortable ease of operation. Not a
fireball in the acceleration department, but then again it is a
family cruiser, which it handles just perfectly. Clean driver with
no smoke.
Before you is a great example of this model year and car, with all
features functional, beautiful exterior paint and chrome, snazzy
interior right out of 1952, and smooth running engine and drive
train. Even down to the trunk interior it has the original jack,
spare and literature. An awesome restored and well-kept example
ready to turn the key and enjoy immediately.
VIN Decode
D42296952
D42-Series
2969-Sequential Unit Number
52-1952
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
