1952 Dodge Diplomat

GENERAL - What you are looking at and going to read about is a true Montana, high country desert, survivor. This is your chance to own one of the first Chrysler two door hardtops, a 1952 Dodge Coronet Diplomat. These days these cars are usually found in one of two conditions, total basket cases, not worth restoring or totally restored Mecum Auction condition. This is the in between one that with a little bit of work, you can drive as is, and, or restore at your leisure. I bought this car a few years back from an elderly couple (well OK, my age). They had purchased the car in the 1980s to participate in a local car club. As the story went, the car had a rusted gas tank, they purchased a new one but never installed it. The car sat in their garage until 2014, and then inside my heated shop until present. The speedometer reads 49,817.

MECHANICAL – Very original. It has its original 230 CID Flathead six cylinder engine mated to a Gyromatic transmission. This transmission as well as other Chrysler’s, back in the day variations allowed one to use the clutch or not. You could even pull out in high gear, or so the legend goes. After replacing the gas tank, water pump and a few other time worn parts, the car starts easily. The car goes through its gears just fine in my garage and driveway. Beyond this, I just don’t know, as I have never insured it for highway use. The brakes will require some attention as the pedal goes to the floor. You want to ensure you do this this correctly as the old brake system was never very reliable on its best day

BODY - The sheet metal is in fantastic condition. There is virtually no rust in the body, (see pictures). However, the passenger's front fender is damaged, (see pictures). If you are handy with body work, or know of a good body shop, I believe it is reparable. That way your survivor will have all of it’s own original sheet metal. That is very important if you enter the car in the survivor/original class.I will even include some left over paint from where I painted the trunk lid, that way you can get the code in case you want to do any other painting. The car does have sixty eight years of dents, dings, blemishes and was repainted and touched up along the way. The car comes with some beautifully re-chromed trim and garnish, (see pictures). This was done by a decorative plating shop in Helena, MT, you can Google their business and see the quality of work they perform. I can replace those parts prior to shipping, or I would just as soon UPS them, so there is no worry about pilfering. I also have a better grill which I will give you with the sale. The car still has all five original wheel covers (hubcaps). Both windshields are cracked, all other glass is unbroken, and appears original. With the front and rear side windows windows down the car has an awesome open air presence. The car has a unique back in the day cover with a side zipper, designed to allow the driver entry during the rain to retrieve whatever he/she may have left in the car, or to start the car to warm it up, (see picture).

INTERIOR – A virtual time capsule, (see pictures). Even the spotlight works, (see picture). There are some blemishes, but it appears every aspect of the interior is just like it was back in the day. The dash is awesome, showing hints of the long gone art deco era. The glove box door has some blemishes but I would leave it as it is. Most of the gages work. The seats have very few tears or stains. The headliner has no holes, the carpet I believe is also original. For its day it was a highly optioned car – radio, clock, heater and cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter still works as does the heater blower motor, also the horn. The wipers try to function, the exterior lights do not work.

PAYMENT, DISCLAIMERS, STORAGE, and TRANSDPORTTION - I require a nonrefundable deposit of $500.00 within 48 hours of sale and the remainder prior to me sending you the title. I prefer bank to bank transfer or cash in person. Please only the initial $500 by PayPal, because of their 3% surcharge, unless you are willing to pay that fee. Well I have tried to represent the old car as honestly and accurately as I can. Please read my narrative, and please look closely at the pictures. The car is sold as is, where is, and with no guarantee or warrantee implied or specified. I am very proud of my 100% eBay rating over a twenty year period, and I will answer questions. I will post some of them so that others may benefit. If you have less than 10 positive bid history, please contact me so I can be sure of your sincerity and ability to pay, or I will cancel your bid. I will help you with your shipping in any way I can. I would rather not store the car very long because of worry of liability and responsibility.

Well thank you for looking at my 1952 Montana Survivor, and good luck in your bidding.