1954 Dodge Coronet

Dodge introduced the Coronet nameplate in 1949 when it introduced its all-new postwar styling. The Coronet was positioned as the top trim level, powered by a six-cylinder engine, and available in 2- and 4-door body styles, a convertible, and a station wagon. The eight-passenger sedan was dropped late in 1951. In 1953 an eight-cylinder engine joined the 230 cubic-inch L-head six.

For 1954, the Dodge Coronet was positioned above the Meadowbrook Series and below the Royal series. Body styles continued to be diverse, including a sedan, 2-door suburban, club coupe, sierra, hardtop coupe, and a convertible. Prices began at $2,085 for the six-cylinder club coupe and rose to nearly $2,500 for the convertible. The six-cylinder Sierra listed for $2,700 while the eight-cylinder version sold for $2,940. The sedan accounted for 50,963 sales, the club coupe had 12,499 sales, and the suburban had 9,489 sales. Just 50 examples of the convertible were sold while the hardtop coupe found 100 willing buyers.

The Coronet received all the features found on the Meadowbrook plus additional chrome around the windshield and rear window moldings. A chrome stripe ran along the middle of the body, dipping slightly lower behind the front door to near the top of the rear wheel well. Chrome was also used for the rear fender stone shields. The Coronet nameplate was placed on the sides of the rear fenders.

The six-cylinder engine had 110 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. The overhead-valve V8 had solid valve lifters, five main bearings, Stromberg two-barrel carburetors, and delivered 150 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission remained standard, and the Overdrive was a $98 option, Fluid-Drive an additional $20, and the PowerFlite automatic transmission at $189. Gyromatic Drive was also available at $130.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020