32k Mile Survivor: 1956 Dodge Coronet Lancer
Thanks to a big loan from Prudential, Chrysler redesigned their cars for 1955-56, making them sleeker than their predecessors. That included the Dodge Coronet, the mainstay of the division’s line-up. All of Dodge’s 2-door hardtops were also called Lancers, including this 1956 edition which may be one of the most original cars you might find. And that’s on purpose as the second and fourth owner (same person) prefers his/her automobiles that way. Located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, this Dodge is available here on eBay where the reserve has not been met at $10,000.
This is one of the most detailed listings I’ve ever since lately for a classic automobile. The seller details the history and condition of the car to not leave anything to chance. It was a one-owner Dodge for more than 60 years, having been sold as part of an estate out of Colorado. That was in 2017 and between then and now it’s been out west as well as east (now) with the Pennsylvania owner and seller having owned it twice. The seller has an affinity for original versus restored vehicles, so extreme care has been taken to keep this car at least as period correct as much as possible.
The Crown Yellow and Sapphire paint is largely original, with a redo of one of the fenders required many years ago after a minor bender. The Dodge looks quite presentable, but if you look closely, you’ll see some scratches and nicks that would be expected for an auto that’s now in its seventh decade of life. From paperwork from the original owner, the car’s 32,500+ miles are accurate and true.
This vehicle was in running condition when the seller acquired it, but some mechanical work was needed to bring it back to highway standards, which cost upwards of $8,000. These efforts included a carburetor rebuild, new exhaust, brake work, new hoses and cables, a tune-up, new bulbs, and new Coker tires, to list just a few. Today, the 270 cubic inch V8 and PowerFlite automatic transmission perform well.
Parts of the interior have been redone, including the seats and headliner, but some new carpeting, at least in the back, will be required. The next owner will receive a binder complete will copies of titles, the car’s build sheet, and a variety of promotional material about the 1956 Dodges. The sale of the automobile will be limited to U.S. buyers due to the seller having had trouble in the past with overseas transactions. That works to the benefit of Dodge fans in the good ole USA!
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now1 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now1 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now1 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now3 days$11,000
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now5 days$750
Comments
Nice write-up Russ. I like ’em original too, and this car is a very nice, if not perfect, example of a fabulous fifties Mopar.
Thanks, Rex!
Seeing paint where it doesn’t belong and non-orginal parts as well….just makes me question all the words that I read in the Ebay ad…..and I’ve owned a few of these along with the D-500 I still have.
Pretty cars. I saw a two tone once like this in blue, it was really nice. The base V8 engines in these are reliable. I would stay away from the Red Ram ones or the hemis. The Powerflite wasn’t nearly as nice as a three speed manual. I knew a guy who had a similar one with an L Head that ran great and was super reliable. Good pull to climb a hill with those.
My grandfather had a pink / charcoal one of these with a Red Ram in it Cool old cars
Yes, nice write-up for a nice car!!!
Great write up Russ. I used to live in Hatboro many years ago. The town has quite a car show each summer. The entire main street is closed down. It is a suburb of Philadelphia. I also prefer original cars instead of over restored, shiny jobs. I have gone to great lengths to preserve my 50 year old Corvette, by not replacing certain items that while they look old, they still function. I am driving the car to Corvettes at Carlisle in a few weeks, a 400 mile round trip. It will be on the Fun Field. Have been working on it the past two weeks getting it ready, including a new DeWitts aluminum radiator, as the original copper, brass Harrison was leaking.
Hatboro is also the former home of Hull , a manufacturer of freeze dryers . I still work for the company that bought them in the late 90’s . Also , very nice ’56 !
What a wonderful nice car at every angle. This is the type of car you buy for a collection that gives it that variety, something different to tinker with and enjoy. Leave it original and give it the care it deserves.
It’s sad that we have to keep asking potential buyers to keep these beautiful and historic original survivors intact as they were designed and built.
WOW! This is one of those cars I wouldn’t give a second thought to. and then I see it! Love at first sight I want it!
OH!!!! If I just had some more garage space!!
Dad bought Mom a 55 Coronet V8 Powerflite coupe in pink/white when I was born. Living in S.CA I remember Mom driving us up to Arrowhead through the snow, she even got out and put on the tire chains. I’m not sure of the cid but Mom had a leadfoot and got onto the freeways quickly. I don’t remember it ever breaking down or needing repairs. They kept that car till 64 when Dad traded it for a plain Dodge 440 coupe. Mom cried. These cars are underpriced compared to a tri-five Chevy.
My Dad bought a new one in 1955. Drove it and then it became Mom’s when Dad replaced it with a 1958 Plymouth.
The 55 Coronet was Yellow & Charcoal. Mom didn’t like that, so when it became hers it got resprayed in White. A shame!
My grandmother bought a pink and black one just like this late in 1955. It was a beautiful car and I was so sad when she traded it in for a 1963 Dodge Dart. But that’s what they did back then. My grandparents seem to trade every 5-7 years. This is a rare car today and I never see these at any car shows….Beautiful!!
My dad had a Red Ram with the Powerflite which I learned to drive on. His car seems to have a lot of power and torque at higher speeds. At lower speeds you could hit the “passing gear ” making it shift to low gear which did seem impressive for that time. He never had any engine or transmission trouble. I think the push buttons did get struck one time.
For the experts, what was wrong with the Red Ram?