1956 Dodge Coronet

When Dodge introduced its first postwar body styles in 1949, part of the lineup included the Coronet serving as the top trim level and available in a variety of body styles including sedan, convertible, coupes, and convertibles. In 1955, all Dodge vehicles were restyled and the Coronet dropped to the lower end of the vehicle lineup. The Virgil Exner styling, described as 'Flair-Fashion,' was over six inlines longer, lower, and wider than in the past and power was from a Chrysler Flathead straight-6 or two V8s including the 270 CID with Polyspheric heads or the 315 CID Hemi.

In the front were a simulated hood scoop, wraparound fenders, and a new grille divided into two separate openings with each opening containing a single horizontal bar that wrapped around the fender. In the back, the new taillights were encased in chrome trim. Coronets with six-cylinder power had the large Dodge crest in the center of the trunk lid and hood. With the V-8 engines, the Dodge crest was placed over a large 'V.'

Chrome trim and brightwork was around the windshield, rear window moldings, headlight doors, simulated hood scoop, and a chrome strip traversed the body side, beginning at the front fender and continuing to the rear of the front door. Each front fender carried the Coronet name in script.

Since Dodge had performed a dramatic restyling for 1955, and the public had agreed with the new and modern appearance, only minor changes occurred for 1956. Stylists left the front end alone, adding minor updates to the side trim and taillights. In keeping with the evolving trends of the era, the rear gained fender fins. The previous six-volt electrical system was replaced by a 12-volt system. This was the first year for the push-button selector for the automatic transmission.

The Dodge Coronet remained base trim level for 1956 with prices that began at $2,160 and rose to nearly $2,800. The 230 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder with solid valve lifters, four main bearings, and Stromberg two-barrel carburetor remained the base engine, offering 131 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Among the list of V8s included the 270 Red Ram V8 with overhead valves, Polysphere combustion chambers, five main bearings, and 189 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The 315 Super Red Ram engine produced 218 hp with the Stromberg two-barrel carburetor or 230 hp with the Carter four-barrel setup. The D-500 V8 engine with 315 cubic-inch displacement and Polysphere combustion chambers delivered 230 hp. The D-500 315 CID V8 with Hemispherical combustion chambers produced 260 horsepower. Both had five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a Carter four-barrel carburetor. With a dual Carter four-barrel carburetor and manual transmission, power rose to 295 hp.

When consumers purchased the D-500 engine option, mandatory upgrades included an upgraded suspension with stiffer coil springs and heavy-duty Oriflow shock absorbers with the same valving used on Dodge police cars. 15x5.5-inch wheels with 7.60x15 inch tubeless tires were placed at all four corners, and the overall height of the D-500 was 1.5-inches lower than the standard Dodge counterpart.

The D-500 engine was intended to homologate the engine for racing, specifically for NASCAR competition. As such, the engine received larger valves, a double log intake manifold, 8.25:1 compression, and a full-race camshaft.

The three-speed manual transmission was standard with overdrive and PowerFlite fully automatic optional. The Coronet rested on a 120-inch wheelbase and had a length of 212 inches. This was the same for all Dodge models, the differences between the Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal models included the level of trim, accouterments, and standard features. A Sedan, Lancer Hardtop Coupe, and Lancer Hardtop sedan were available on all models, and only the Coronet and Custom Royal could be ordered as a convertible. Station Wagons were offered on the Coronet and the Royal.

1956 Coronet sales accounted for approximately sixty percent of Dodge's total production.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020