Dodge Coronet (4th gen) 1957-1959

The Coronet is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge as a full-size car in the 1950s, initially the division's highest trim line but, starting in 1955, the lowest trim line. From the 1965 to 1975 model years the name was on intermediate-sized models. A coronet is a small crown consisting of ornaments fixed on a metal ring.

[B]Fourth generation 1957-1959[/B]
The 1957 model year debuted a new D-501, which replaced the D-500 from the year before as the top Coronet. The D-501 received Chrysler's proven 354 cu in (5.8 L) Hemi V8, which were actually left over engines from the 1956 Chrysler 300B production. Camshafts from the 1957 Chrysler 392 cid engines were installed in the 354 V8s. A pair of Carter four barrel carburetors fed the 10.0:1 compression ratio to produce 340 bhp (250 kW). Other changes included the addition of the Torsion-Aire Ride (torsion bar) front suspension and a heavy duty suspension with heavy duty shock absorbers and a heavy duty leaf sprung rear. A 3.73:1 rear axle was standard with the three-speed manual transmission, but automatic cars received a 3.18:1 rear axle. There were 13 optional rear axles available, ranging from 2.92:1 through 6.17:1. The D-501 received 7.60x15 tires on 15x8 inch wheels. Brakes were 12-inch (300 mm) diameter drums. Only 101 D-501s were produced. A padded dash was optional.

In the September 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, owners of both the Coronet six-cylinder and eight-cylinder were surveyed. Many people (37.6% of I6 owners and 34.8% of V8 owners) complained that there were too many water leaks. When PM tested a V8 Coronet for water resistance, water got into the engine and pooled in "two spark plug wells" which had to be siphoned out before the engine could run with all cylinders again. However, many did like the exterior styling and the ride comfort. 0-60mph on 90 octane gasoline was 12.3 seconds.

The 1958 and 1959 Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal used a DeSoto Fireflite chassis but had less ornate trim. Power came from the 230 cu in (3.8 L) "Getaway" L-head straight-6 or the 325 cu in (5.3 L) "Red Ram" V8. In 1959 a Silver Challenger model was also offered on the Coronet line. This was a six-cylinder or V-8 model available only in silver paint and only on a two-door body. It came with many extra features at no cost, such as wall-to-wall deep pile carpeting, premium white wall tires and wheel covers, luxury fabrics and upgraded interior and electric windshield wipers. The overall length was inctreased to 217.4 inches.

The Dodge Custom Royal was also assembled by Chrysler Australia from early 1958 to 1960. A Dodge Coronet was the only known example of the JATO Rocket Car legend. To publicize Dodge's 'total contact' front dual-leading shoe drum brakes a JATO unit was fitted to a 1958 Coronet and driven at speed across the El Mirage dry lake. This TV advertisement was broadcast during Dodge-sponsored Lawrence Welk Show.

[B]Dodge Coronet history:[/B]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49796"]Dodge Coronet (1st gen) 1949-1952[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49797"]Dodge Coronet (2nd gen) 1953-1954[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49798"]Dodge Coronet (3rd gen) 1955-1956[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49800"]Dodge Coronet (4th gen) 1957-1959[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49801"]Dodge Coronet (5th gen) 1965-1970[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49804"]Dodge Coronet (6th gen) 1971-1974[/URL]
[URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49820"]Dodge Coronet (7th gen) 1975-1976[/URL]

[SIZE="1"]Source: Wikipedia[/SIZE]