1954 Dodge Coronet Sedan

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1954 Dodge Coronet Sedan
Chassis no. 42512694
Engine no. 50240598

241.3ci Hemi V-8 Engine
Two-Barrel Stromberg Carburetor
150bhp at 4,400rpm
PowerFlite Automatic Transmission
Coil Spring Independent Front Suspension. Live Axle Rear Suspension with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

* Second year for Dodge's "Red Ram" 241 ci Hemi V-8
* Donated to the National Automobile Museum for the 1999 La Carrera Nevade
* Mechanically restored to driving condition

1954 DODGE CORONET SEDAN

In 1954 Dodge was showing the first indications of its coming "Dodge Fever" during the Muscle Car era. It had introduced its own, smaller, 241 cubic inch version of Chrysler's Hemi engine in 1953 and during that year won six NASCAR races. A 1954 Coronet set 196 AAA speed records at Bonneville. Dodge won its class in the Mobilgas Economy Run and on Memorial Day 1954 a Dodge Royal convertible paced the Indianapolis 500.

A flock of Dodges competed in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexico. Mostly entered by amateurs, there were ten at the start; four of them took the top places at the finish. They beat 32 Fords, the Ford team cars running the new 239 cubic inch overhead valve V-8s (best finisher seventh), 17 Chevrolets, still with stovebolt sixes, (best finisher 16th), 4 Studebakers (best finisher fifth) and a Hudson (eleventh). Big things were expected of the Fords but the superiority of the "Red Ram" V-8 carried the day.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1954 Dodge Coronet was donated to the National Automobile Museum in 1999 by Gordon Horsley and Danno Raffetto in order to give the Museum representation and recognition in La Carrera Nevada invitational drive through rural Nevada. It is powered by the 2-barrel 150hp 241 cubic inch "Red Ram" V-8 and uses the PowerFlite automatic transmission. A four-door sedan (the Carrera Panamericana Dodges were two-doors) it is hand lettered to recall the original Carrera Panamericana and the Carrera Nevada.

It has not been extensively restored, but rather gone through mechanically and cosmetically to make it suitable for its intended purpose: A "road-worthy car for parades, tours and special events." It has a front bench seat and Goodyear Eagle RT/S tires. It is painted an apple green with a light green roof and is upholstered in green cloth.

This 1954 Dodge Red Ram Hemi powered Coronet is a wonderful car for weekend drives, touring or the occasional organized open road event like La Carrera Nevada, for which it was prepared in 1999. Its continued preservation will honor the history of both the Mexican Road Race and later derivatives like La Carrera Nevada.

Footnotes

This vehicle is titled under it's engine number, 50240598.

Additional information

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Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
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It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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