1956 DODGE CORONET D-500-1....The D-500-1 package is one of the rarest options available in 1956, designated by the block number (D-500-1###). This feature is what led to what was known as the “Street D-55-1s”

Fastest 1956 production vehicle in the world, the D-500-1 set 306 records in 14 days of endurance testing at Bonneville Utah, returning 27 world records that were previously held by the likes of Porsche and Jaguar and 24 speed records demonstrating breakaway speed and torque from 1/4 mile to 10 miles were set.

The D-500 was a separate model, with special features...Special High Performance 315 Hemi...engine, (265 or 276 hp), Special engine #s starting with (D-500-1001...285hp) came with dual-quad carburetion and heavy duty chassis suspension setting 1 1/2 inches lower. New designed steering arms, larger exhaust systems, and higher braking area., and the distinctive cross checkered victory flags with the 500 insert.

There were at most, 8255 D-500s produced, and due to the fact that so many went to NASCAR, USAC and IMCA circuits and police use, the attrition rate was very high on these cars. In May of 1996, W. P. Chrysler estimated, at most, there was only 250 surviving.

The racing only version, D-500-1, came from the factory with the dual quad set=up installed, and were shipped to the top racers across the country, and were winning. These were the first Super Stock Dodge, and led to the First Super Stock Class Championship under the new ATAA sanction.

There was less than 100 of these produced, and they had the distinction of being the first production vehicle to break 100 mph in the 1/4 mile, and the first under 14 second E. T. in the 1/4 mile.

The dual-quad set-up was the last option made available to the public and were not installed at the factory but were shipped in the D-500-1 trunk. If this set-up was installed on a automatic transmission car the warranty was voided. This feature led to what was known as the “Street D-500-1s

(Fact references)

WPC News Chrysler Product Restorers...Vol.17#7 Feb.86

Consumers Report Magazine...Sept. 1956 Speed Age Magazine...Ju1956

Hot Rod Magazine...May 1956

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Help find Kenny Wayne Shepherd's stolen 1972 Dodge Charger

Mon, 11 Nov 2013

Judging by his collection of cars, blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd (shown above, at left, with fellow musician George Thorogood) is an enthusiast of classic Dodge muscle cars, so it's no surprise that he is an active member of Mopar-related online communities. When his 1972 Dodge Charger turned up missing from an LA-area warehouse last Wednesday, Shepherd took to the forums of Moparts.org in an attempt to get the word out in hopes of recovering his custom classic.
The Charger was stolen along with four other vehicles, and Hot Rod reports that two women have been taken into custody since - but still no word on the car. With its blacked-out appearance (including custom Foose wheels), this car is definitely hard to miss, but Shepherd also said that the car might be even more distinguishable now due to some body damage that may have occurred as it was being driven from the warehouse lot. Shepherd's website has a full gallery of images for this '72 Charger, which also has a modern 392-cubic-inch V8 under the hood and a six-speed gearbox pulled from a Viper.
If you're in the LA area and happen to see this car, Shepherd asks that you call the LAPD West Valley Division at 818-374-7611. Here's to hoping this one-of-a-kind Charger turns up unscathed.

Dodge lets us drive 100-years' worth of history [w/videos]

Thu, 03 Jul 2014

A raft of important production models from the last hundred years were available for me to either drive or ride in.
Dodge is 100 years old this year. So, as happened on Ford's recent centennial, the 50-year birthday of the Porsche 911, and others, the company has an excuse to trot out the highlights of its history next to its upcoming model lineup, and declare that "these are the fruits of the Dodge Boys' tree whose roots have grown strong." Or something like that. Never so hampered by marketing skepticism that I'll pass up the opportunity to burn someone else's rubber, I was happy to drive out to Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills, MI - former grand estate of the Dodge family - to hear the spiel.

Chrysler recalling 644k more Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs over brakes

Wed, 02 Apr 2014

Early last month, we reported on Chrysler issuing a preemptive, proactive recall for about 25,000 units of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. The issue revolved around a brake system that wasn't causing any actual problems, but delivered an unsatisfactory brake feel, so Auburn Hills called in a good 25,000 of SUVs around the world, including 18,700 in the United States.
Now Chrysler, having apparently determined that the brake problem on its sport utes is actually much bigger than it initially realized, has drastically broadened the scope of the recall. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for precisely 655,354 examples of the Grand Cherokee and Durango, covering the 2011 through 2014 model years. In addition, Chrysler is recalling 42,380 units in Canada, 21,376 in Mexico and 159,685 overseas.
The problem which Chrysler found revolves around the brake booster, whose center shell has been found to be subject to corrosion, allowing water to get into the brake system. That water in turn could freeze, preventing the brakes from working as well as expected.

1956 Dodge Coronet D-500 With D-500-1 Package/matching Numbers. Low Reserve on 2040-cars

Dodge Coronet for Sale