If you consider a design, do you usually really feel the primary of a technology is the most effective? Or do you suppose it’s an excellent rule of thumb that incremental enhancements over a number of mannequin years make for a greater look? Our Choose of the Day, a 1959 Dodge Coronet Lancer two-door, evaluates this speculation. It’s listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Westford, Massachusetts. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

Out of all of the Ahead Look Chrysler Company merchandise launched for the 1957 mannequin yr, the Dodge was arguably probably the most polarizing because of its entrance finish. However, if I recall from a ebook I had from my childhood (in all probability Client Information’s Automobiles of the ‘60s), it was articulated that Dodge was such a “stick within the mud”-kind of brand name earlier within the decade that the corporate had no selection however to be daring. There’s some fact in that, however the greater fact is that every one the post-1948 Okay.T. Keller-era Chrysler Company merchandise suffered from that place by 1954.

In the case of the speculation I’ve introduced above, I really feel the 1959 Dodge wins by a landslide, however I perceive why somebody could want the 1957-58s. Definitely the Dodge with the domineering entrance finish appears to be like offended and bothered. Dodge thought of it “an thrilling new look” with “sweeping chrome hoods over twin headlamps. The huge wrap-around bumpers. The parking mild pods … every little thing in the most effective of style.” What did they are saying about magnificence being within the eye of the beholder? “Jet-trail back lights add a dashing aptitude to the ’59 Dodge.” From the vestigial variations beginning in 1955 to the absolutely realized ones that appeared in 1957, plainly, for 1959, Dodge designers held the automobile from each ends and stretched it for an exaggerated look that was fairly distinctive.

The Coronet was as soon as once more the most affordable trim degree, with the Royal and Customized Royal rising up within the hierarchy. The Lancer identify usually confuses folks as they usually suppose it’s a mannequin, but it surely was solely used to designate the hardtop physique model.

The Chrysler Company made headlines in 1959 for introducing wedge-head V8s to interchange the Hemis that it had produced since 1951. Within the case of Dodge, the Coronet was obtainable with the “Get-Away Six” or one among a number of V8s, with the 255-horsepower 326 being the bottom V8. It was derived from the A-engine generally used on Plymouths since 1955, however a 361 and 383 have been obtainable in numerous states of tune, with the Tremendous D-500 383 providing 345 with dual-quads. (Take notice that Canadian Dodges have a unique engine lineage.)

This 44,000-mile Rose Quartz and Pearl 1959 Dodge Coronet Lancer two-door seems to be owned by the seller promoting the automobile. “This was a real barn discover when he acquired it. This automobile has a nice-running V8 engine” and, although it’s not specified, I’ll exit on a limb and recommend it’s the 326 primarily based on the placement of the distributor. Better of all, it’s managed by Chrysler Company’s push-button computerized! “The chrome and stainless seems to be unique and driver-quality,” provides the vendor. “Inside seems unique, and in fine condition for the yr.”

Tremendous-zoomy Exner autos can get into the six-figure vary fairly simply. This one, with traditional Nineteen Fifties colours and what seems to be good bones, is barely $33,900. That’s fairly a pleasant discover for a automobile that, in response to this man, disrupts the speculation I introduced. After all, my affinity for 1957 Chrysler, DeSoto, and Imperial fashions are for one more time.

Click on right here for this ClassicCars.com Choose of the Day.