Who is the owner of this car??? I have the same one too, and would love to meet other owners with the same car. I understand that there are less then 10 left. Please contact me avezbakiyev@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Alex
Rick Johnson
15-Oct-2005 05:03
1952 Dodge Coronet Convertible Coupe. This car is from the Keller Era at Chrysler, when styling took a back seat to solid engineering and dependability. Chrysler slipped from second to third behind GM and Ford after the new post-war styling was introduced in 1949. During that era, ladies and gentlemen were not considered properly dressed in public without hats. Chrysler's Keller was convinced that a car had to be tall enough to accommodate passengers wearing hats, thus Chrysler cars had what was referred to as "three box" styling, a third box centered on top of two platform boxes. Chrysler cars were rock-solid dependable, spacious, and comfortable, but stodgy and conservatively styled in comparison to the other new cars from GM, Ford, and some of the Independent offerings, and their market share suffered. To Mr. Keller's credit, during his tenure Chrysler was to develope and introduce a new overhead valve V-8 with hemisphereical-shaped combustion chambers. Chrysler began equipping some of its 1951 Chryslers with this "Firepower V-8" engine. Later it became known as "The HEMI". Keller would also begin to recognize and respect the importance of styling for Chrysler's future and hired Virgil Exner. Later in the decade Exner would help make Chrysler the leader, not the follower in automotive styling.
The 1952 Dodge Coronet Convertible in Ken's photograph is the most pristine example of that era Dodge that I have seen. The car is immaculately restored to showroom condition. The deep burgundy hue, restrained use of chrome trim, and Kelsey wirewheels give this Dodge an elegant distinctive appearance. 5,550 Coronet convertible coupes were produced. The 1952 model sold for $ 2,698. Coronet was the top of the line series in 1952. All 1952 Dodges were powered by a 230.2 cubic inch in-line six rated at 103 horsepower. Dodge finished seventh overall in the industry in 1952. Thank you Ken for including this car in your gallery. It is not often that Chrysler cars of this era and in this condition are seen.
