The 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible was the collectible soft-top model in the series that ushered in Dodge's first V-8. The famous Red Ram was essentially a scaled-down version of the Chrysler Hemi, with smooth manifolding and porting, jumbo valves set well apart, excellent thermal efficiency, and considerable high-performance potential.

The 1953 Dodge line was restyled by Virgil Exner (who had come to Chrysler from Studebaker in 1949), and looked lighter and less stodgy than earlier models. The V-8 cars performed well, yet offered good economy. One returned 23.4 mpg in the 1953 Mobilgas Economy Run, while other Red Rams were in the process of breaking 196 North American stock car speed records at Bonneville.

Pluses of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
First V-8
Top-down allure
Acceptable styling
High performance
Reasonable price

Minuses of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
Slow to gain collector recognition
Modest appreciation potential

Production of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
4,100

Specifications of the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:
Wheelbase, inches: 114.0
Length, inches: 189.6
Weight, pounds: 3,438
Price, new: $2,494 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1953 Dodge Coronet Eight Convertible:

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