1949 Dodge Coronet

Dodge introduced its first all-new post-war styling in 1949. Like most automobile manufacturers, Dodge had re-entered civilian production with face-lifted versions of its prewar models. Until 1949, the styling changed very little, with minor trim elements and updates to the grille being the most distinguished modifications through those years.

Dodge introduced its new line in April of 1949. They were longer and lower than the previous models with modern styling and crisper lines. The Coronet nameplate was a new addition, joining the entry-level Wayfarer available in two-door body styles and the entry-level Meadbrook four-door sedan. The Wayfarer rested on a 115-inch wheelbase platform while the Meadowbrook and Coronet had a 123.5-inch platform. Included in the Coronet list of body styles was an eight-passenger sedan that had a longer 137.5-inch wheelbase platform. The only engine was a six-cylinder flat-head unit with a 230 cubic-inch displacement, solid valve lifters, Stromberg one-barrel carburetor, and delivered just over 100 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. A three-speed transmission with Fluid-Drive was standard across the board.

The Coronet was the top trim level for 1949, a position it would hold in the Dodge lineup through 1954 when the Dodge Royal took over the top-of-the-line duties. In 1955, it dropped further, becoming the lower end of the Dodge vehicle lineup.

The Coronet lineup was the most diverse, with both two- and four-door body styles, a convertible, station wagon, and an eight-passenger sedan. Prices began at $1,930 for the sedan, about $80 more than the Meadowbrook sedan. The differences between these two sedans were the greater level of interior appointments and trim details on the Coronet. The 2-door club coupe sold for $1,915 and the town sedan listed at $2030, having even more upgrades to the interior than the sedan. The convertible sold for $2,330 and the station wagon topped the list at $2,865, nearly $200 more than the 8-passenger sedan.

Optional equipment on all 1949 Dodge models included a radio, heater, white sidewall tires, turn signals, and an electric clock. A Gyro-Matic semi-automatic transmission was optional only on the Coronets. This M5/M6 transmission was marketed under various names within the Chrysler division - the Simplimatic on Chryslers and the Tip-Toe Shift on DeSotos.

The total 1949 Dodge sales reached 298,399 cars earning it a sixth-place position within the industry.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020