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1978 Dodge Diplomat

The Dodge Diplomat was introduced in 1977. For 1978, a four-door station wagon was added to the bodystyle lineup, which also consisted of a coupe and sedan. The Diplomat was available in three trim levels, the base, 'S', and 'Medallion.' The station wagon was available only on the base trim. The base engine was a six-cylinder unit that displaced 225 cubic-inches and offered 110 horsepower. Optional V8s and automatic transmissions were available.

The Medallion trim added several luxurious upgrades including a remote-control driver's mirror and trunk dress-up package, dual chrome quarter-window stripes on two-door models, wheel opening moldings, bodyside tape accent stripes on two-doors, and lower deck accent stripes on four-doors. Standard equipment included cloth/velour 60/40 seating, door-pillar assist handles, courtesy lamps, and premium wheel covers. They had a space-saving spare tire, wide rocker moldings, and dual horns.

Pricing for the Diplomat began at just under $5,000 for the 2-door Coupe. The most popular body style was the base 4-door Sedan which saw 12,951 examples sold. This was followed by the 2-door Medallion which earned 11,986 sales. 11,294 examples of the base 2-door Coupe were built.

by Dan Vaughan

Dodge first used the name 'Diplomat' in 1950 to designate their 2-door hardtop body style. The name would endure until 1954. It re-appeared in 1975 as a trim package on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. In 1977, it became its own model line and served as a replacement for the Coronet in Dodge's mid-sized line-up. It was based on the Dodge Aspen and wore an M-body. Mounted on the bonnet was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. An optional 5.2L and 5.9L V8 were available. After 1984, the Diplomat was only available with the 5.2L V8 unit.

The Diplomat became the largest sedan in Dodge's line in 1981 when the St. Regis model was discontinued. The following year, the coupe and station wagon body styles were discontinued on the Diplomat.

Production of the Diplomat would continue until 1989 when it was replaced by the Dodge Monaco. in the latter part of the 1980s, the Diplomat was a popular choice as a fleet vehicle, service as a taxicab, and for law enforcement use.

by Dan Vaughan