1958 Dodge Coronet Texan Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: 547 UXM
Chassis No: LD248655
Mot Expiry: June 2006

Making its debut under the hood of the revamped 1953 Coronet range, Dodge's new 'Red Ram' OHV V8 propelled the mid-sized sedan to six NASCAR Grand National wins and over 100 Bonneville Salt Flats speed records that same year. Progressively enlarged to counterbalance its host's increasing mass, the 'Red Ram' engine fitted to 1958 Coronets displaced some 325ci (5.3 litres). Cradled by a robust platform chassis equipped with 'Torsion-Aire' independent front suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, it was reputed to develop 245hp and 345lbft of torque in standard 'polysphere' (single rocker shaft) tune. Allied to either three-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission, it endowed the 'Swept Wing' Dodge with considerable 'sleeper potential'. Indeed, the two-door Coronet Coupe V8 became the steed of choice for the contemporary California Highway Patrol.
Finished in sand with sand red upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (bodywork, wheels / tyres), "good but the odd blemish" (paintwork), "very good" (LD2 'Red Ram' engine, 'Power Flite' push-button automatic gearbox, electrical equipment, brightwork) or "first class" (interior trim) order. Reportedly "very rare", we are further informed that this "special edition made exclusively for Texans by Dodge came with a custom chrome pack that included a Texas emblem on the back and an authenticity one on the passenger door". First registered on 31st December 1958, this charismatic Yank Tank is said to be "in excellent running condition". Apparently benefiting from a "new radiator", it is offered for sale with "plenty of paperwork", "handbook", MOT certificate valid until 29th June 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until June 2006.