Awesome Exterior/230ci Flathead 6/1950’s Interior Styling/Hardtop

1952 Dodge Coronet Diplomat

In 1949-50, a hot new fad was sweeping through the auto industry: the hardtop convertible. Dodge's contribution to the styling trend, the 1950 Coronet Diplomat. When first you hear it, the term "hardtop convertible" sounds like an oxymoron-like "constant variable" or "jumbo shrimp." Hold on, and we'll make some sense of it. In the late '40s, industry product planners discovered that many new car buyers, especially young people, purchased convertibles but then seldom if ever took down the tops. Perplexed by this curious fact-convertibles were significantly more expensive than sedans-they investigated further. Through interviews, they learned that many owners simply preferred the convertible's sporty styling and its lower, sleeker roof. Buyers also appreciated the lack of a fixed pillar between the front and rear side glasses. With both windows rolled down, the long, open expanse created the fresh air feel of a convertible without the exposure to sun and wind that resulted when the top was folded down.

A first generation 2 door hardtop convertible showing 56,000 original miles. Well maintained and some rare options for this pedestrian car which Dodge put out there using the hook of the convertible hardtop.

Exterior
A beautiful coat of shining paint in Ivory adorns the exterior straight steel panels of this massive slab sided car. All chrome on this car is beautifully preserved, and even the door handles retain their triple red inlayed stripes. Speaking of vivid color, we need to look closely at the cloisonn badges on either side which are near perfect. Large bumpers and a big front chromed grille are spotless. All window trim is buttoned up and just beautiful. A contrasting Steel Blue paint covers the pristine roof on this car. Radial tires wrap Dodge badged dog dish wheel covers which are excellent. Overall the exterior of this car is extremely fine in presentation.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we are in blue vinyl with stitched broadcloth insert heaven. Door panels remain excellent, as do the 2 large benches which stretch within the door panel confines. Interestingly on each interior door pull on the outer skin it is wrapped with the stitched broadcloth adding just a bit of contrast to the otherwise blue field. Dash is draped in the Steel Blue paint and has panels of clean bezeled glass covered gauges which are as clean as a whistle. Additional interior dash chrome abounds for the working clock, radio, heater/defroster controls and beautiful fronting steering wheel.
Original carpet in Steel Blue, and mohair headliner in Ivory finishes off this excellently preserved interior space.

Drivetrain
A 230ci in-line flathead 6-cylinder in just clean and pristine condition reside under the hood and can be verified as original and correct to the car. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this engine, and a Gyro-Metic 4-speed fluid drive is strapped to the back of the engine. 3.90 gears for the rear, and we are all good to go.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the usual iron suspects such as suspension, interior wheels, and a bit of the frame, but all remain structurally sound. Some surface rust also in the rocker area, but where body hangers meet the body is all clear. Independent coil spring suspension for the front and leaf springs on the rear are noted as are 4-wheel drum brakes.

Drive-Ability
Due to an aversion to plastic coverings, protective or not I deferred to our test driver for this one and he reported a quick start, smooth idle, and much comfortable ease of operation. Not a fireball in the acceleration department, but then again it is a family cruiser, which it handles just perfectly. Clean driver with no smoke.

Before you is a great example of this model year and car, with all features functional, beautiful exterior paint and chrome, snazzy interior right out of 1952, and smooth running engine and drive train. Even down to the trunk interior it has the original jack, spare and literature. An awesome restored and well-kept example ready to turn the key and enjoy immediately.

VIN Decode
D42296952
D42-Series
2969-Sequential Unit Number
52-1952

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.