What engine is in a 1959 Dodge Coronet?
A 1959 Dodge Coronet used Chrysler’s big‑block V8 lineup, with the 361 cubic inch V8 serving as the standard powerplant and an optional 383 cubic inch V8 available on higher trim levels. A Hemi was not offered in the Coronet that year.
Engine options for the 1959 Coronet
The Coronet lineup in 1959 offered two primary V8 displacements within the Mopar RB family. The following engines powered most Coronet models and the higher‑trim options within the range.
- 361 cubic inch (RB V8) — the standard engine across many Coronet models in 1959.
- 383 cubic inch (RB V8) — a larger‑displacement option for higher trim and performance‑oriented models.
In practice, buyers could choose between the smaller 361 and the larger 383, depending on whether their priority was smoother everyday driving or extra power for highway performance. These engines were part of Mopar’s RB V8 lineup that defined Chrysler products in the late 1950s.
Notes on design and history
Both engines are part of Chrysler’s robust RB V8 family, a staple powerplant for many Dodges, PLYmouths, and Chryslers of the era. The 426 Hemi and other later powerplants would come later, outside the 1959 Coronet lineup.
Summary: The 1959 Dodge Coronet was powered by V8 engines, notably the 361 cu in RB V8 as standard and an optional 383 cu in RB V8 for greater performance, with no Hemi offered that year.
Conclusion: The Coronet’s engine options centered on two big‑block displacements in the RB family, providing a straightforward choice between standard and higher‑performance powertrains.
Summary: For a 1959 Dodge Coronet, expect a V8 under the hood—primarily the 361 cu in RB V8 as standard, with a 383 cu in RB V8 available as an upgrade, and no Hemi offered in that year.
