Vehicle Description
1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer 2 Door Sedan
"Like the rest of the Chrysler Corporation, the entry level 1957
Dodge Coronet received a drastic new design courtesy of Virgil
Exner. The "Forward Look" styling, dubbed "swept wing" for the
Dodge nameplate, featured tall, sweeping fins, copious amounts of
chrome trim, wraparound windshields, and exhaust style tail lights.
The cars were also long, low, and wide, distinct from anything
other manufacturers were putting on the road." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer two door sedan with a
title verified 87,355 actual miles, owned by our consignor for 20
years. Webster defines a Coronet as a "small or lesser crown
usually signifying a rank below that of sovereign". Given the
extensive Dodge line in 1957, including fifteen trim levels, the
Coronet Lancer was placed just below the Royal Lancer, hence the
Coronet name. Today, it is as stately as anything coming out of
1957!
Exterior
Dodge's "Swept Wing" styling covered the entire nineteen options in
'57, including the wagons, and is accentuated here by the stunning
and stock configuration two tone layout of Flame Red and Cloud
White. The wings also highlight the car's length which is
substantial, while its bulk is perhaps tempered by the sandwiching
of a red up between a white roof and lower half. This is
quintessential '50's with bold and protruding rear tail lights
under the wing's fin, underscored by a beefy chrome bumper. The
front holds a wild design with a dual headlight appearance under
the cartoonish brow of chrome trim, all over a massive twin bumper.
The trunk sits well within big fenders and is adorned with twin
torpedo ornaments. 14-inch wheels wear proper wheel covers and
white wall tires to complete the epic style. The paint and
metalwork are fantastic on the car, she is more than show ready.
Some minor bubbling on a lower panel make up the short list of
imperfections.
Interior
Black takes over for the white on the interior, starting on the
door panels that stack red over black panels with some stainless
trim to dress things up and both doors are in great shape. Black
patterned inserts are rimmed with black piping on the split bench
seats which are bordered in red vinyl, creating a striking
contrast, and both front and rear seats are in excellent condition.
The driver's station is a robust collection of a substantial
steering wheel with a metal center, and an aircraft-like
presentation of gauges, from the sweeping horizontal speedometer to
the line of circular gauges over a series of chrome knobs. This is
an artful and functional cockpit. Shifting is accomplished with the
push button panel to the left of the wheel while entertainment is
provided by the AM radio to the right. Black carpet covers the open
floor nicely and a gray headliner is high and tight. The massive
trunk is finished with a black carpeted floor and houses a spare
with room for eight more if needed.
Drivetrain
An impressive engine awaits when you open the hood, what Dodge
called their "aircraft type" V8, a 325ci Red Ram V8 rated at 245
horsepower, fueled through a 2-barrel carburetor and backed by a
Torqueflite 3-speed automatic. 3.36 gears are found in the rear
axle and power drum brakes on all four wheels do the taming of the
power. Some staining on the intake manifold distracts from an
otherwise clean and unique power plant under the hood.
Undercarriage
Conditions are very clean and uncomplicated underneath with minimal
surface rust and only a touch of residual oil, including a few
drops on each pan. Dual exhaust flows through glasspack style
mufflers on their way straight back to angle cut tail pipes that
exist under the bumper. Suspension consists of torsion bars up
front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
The 1957 Dodge brochure, which we recommend owning, is replete with
boastful claims of speed, handling, and rigidity. For a 1957, it
certainly fits the bill with decent power and handling for such a
big car. But it is a big car and really finds its niche in long
slow straight aways where it cruises in comfort and runs well. This
well sorted and well preserved car shows no signs of stopping and
all functions on board operate as they should. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
It unleashes a hurricane of power! It tames a tornado of torque! It
breaks through the vibration barrier! It is a swept wing mastery of
motion! No, they're not referring to the B-2 Stealth bomber, but in
1957, this was state of the art and confident claims made by Dodge
to sell any of their nineteen models. This is a fantastic example
of a head turning show stopper. You know you want it, heck, we all
do!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
