What engine came in a 1950 Dodge Coronet?
The 1950 Dodge Coronet was powered primarily by a flathead inline-six engine, with no widely documented factory V8 option for that year in the U.S. market. This answer reflects the standard powertrain most buyers encountered when the model first appeared postwar.
In this article, we examine the engine that defined Dodge’s early Coronet offering, how it fit into the postwar Dodge lineup, and what this signified about American automotive engineering at the time. We’ll also note how engine choices in 1950 compared with later years and regional variations where relevant.
Engine options for the 1950 Coronet
For the Coronet’s debut year, Dodge leaned on a single, reliable powerplant that aligned with the brand’s postwar strategy: a straightforward, durable inline-six. The documentation from period brochures and contemporary registries emphasizes this engine as the core powertrain, while mentions of alternative power options are sparse for the 1950 Coronet in the U.S. market.
- Flathead inline-six engine (standard powerplant for most 1950 Coronet configurations)
Beyond the one primary option, there is limited evidence of a factory V8 being offered for the 1950 Coronet in standard U.S. production. The inline-six was the defining choice for most buyers, reflecting Dodge’s emphasis on simple maintenance, ruggedness, and mid-range performance during the era.
Context and implications
The 1950s represented a bridge between prewar design and the more modern postwar auto industry. Dodge’s reliance on a proven inline-six for the Coronet aligned with broader industry trends that prioritized reliability and ease of service in the wake of wartime shortages. V8 options would become more prominent in various Chrysler product lines in subsequent years, but the 1950 Coronet itself centered its performance around the sturdy six-cylinder layout.
Summary
In summary, the 1950 Dodge Coronet’s engine was the flathead inline-six as the standard configuration, with no widely documented factory V8 option for that year in the U.S. market. This reflected Dodge’s postwar priorities of durability and simplicity while setting the stage for later engine developments in the brand’s lineup.
For readers seeking deeper technical specifics, archived brochures and contemporary period reviews remain valuable primary sources to confirm any regional deviations or rare option codes that may exist in historical records.
Was the '68 Coronet a muscle car?
Dodge's mid-size muscle car was the Coronet R/T, which came standard with a 440 V-8. The 1968-1969 Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee featured big engines and big power, which were more than enough for the many families that owned them.
What is a Coronet 440?
This model was part of Dodge's R/T (Road and Track) series, which was designed for performance and style. The Coronet 440 R/T featured a 440 cubic inch V8 engine, producing around 375 horsepower.
How much is a 1950 Dodge Coronet worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $24,050 for a 1950 Dodge Coronet in good condition with average spec.
What engine did the Dodge Coronet have?
The standard engine was Chrysler's largest, the 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 producing 375 bhp and dubbed the Magnum. The only engine option was the 426-cid Hemi, now in its second year in "Street" trim and again rated at 425 bhp.
