In the mid '70's one of my cousins bought a Texan from an estate sale. I don't remember if it was a '57 or '58. The original owner died shortly after purchase and his wife did not drive, so it stayed in a garage for all those years. It was two-tone gold with tan interior. The owner's manual was in the glove box. He had to rework brakes, new tires, and other stuff. The most difficult thing, he said, was getting carb kits for the twin four barrels. What??? Under the hood was a Hemi with two four barrels. Gorgeous car!
Don't forget to take that parking brake off (before you drive) or you'll burn out that driveshaft brake in no time. You won't even notice that it's dragging. Then you'll be traveling around with a chock block because it'll do nothing after that. That's why that big red light used to be there. Thanks for showing us a super rare car, cheers!
Properly adjusted these parking brakes hold very well. If left on... one should surely notice it and then eventually smell it! The parking brake light was optional so not all cars are equipped with it.
Watching this video and living in Texas, they made the Texan in 1955, an I took a picture of an actual 55 years ago at a show. I am a GM person at heart, i also admire Mopars, the 57-58 dodges, Plymouths and Chryslers and Desotos are my favorite Mopars as we,, as any 55-84 Imperials, had a pedal car that resembled a 57 Plymouth
my uncle was chp in cali in 50ties,early 60ties---we were at uks house when his chp buddy showed up with a brand new 57 dodge black/white chp car--he buckle my sis and i,5 and 7 in the front seat with one seat belt and took us rippin around hills in so bay close to the ocean--scared the pee out of my sis,i loved it--seems like yesterday--you could not do this today
Super cool Dodge I love it cold war Motors would love it too I don't see many of those around my friends got a 58 Plymouth Suburban custom two door station wagon 318 poly runs great has rust but it's fun to drive have a great day thanks for the video
I was in high school when these were introduced. This is a nice survivor example. Yes the car should have sun visors. You are right about the sheet metal behind the grill pieces should be flat black or satin black and the horns should not be red. Someone got carried away with the red paint! Chances are both the red and white colors of paint used are not a match for the original paint. Most Chrysler products used an off-white that had more of a cream color instead of bright white. The inner fender splash shields under the hood could use some paint. Perhaps wire-wheel clean off of the rust and at least treat with POR-15 to stop the rust. It will be nice to see this one run again and be able to be driven on the public roads! Keep us posted.
Interesting it has flush door handles. I'd assumed they first emerged in the early '70's but here we are. And the heater core housing looks to be moulded plastic? Interesting again to see moulded plastic under the bonnet back then if it is. Pretty solid old wagon and rare.
Rule one when starting any engine that has sat a long time. Pull coil wire and crank till you have good oil pressure. Starting a dry engine can ruin bearings and rings. Some guys pull plugs and squirt a little oil in each cylinder. You never know when an engine will fire right off. Going to be a nice ole Dodge.
I look forward to seeing your process to get it running. I have a 60 desoto not running with no brakes. Been sitting garaged in similar condition for 25 years. I would hope your video goes thru the process with someone like me in mind.
I had no idea that the "Texan" models existed. The unique chrome ID on the fins is very noticeable. Obviously it was cost-effective for the Chrysler Corp. to manufacture these oddball specialty models solely for one state, which I would never have thought would work financially.
Absolutely a beautiful car! I'd probably paint the heads of the door panel fasteners to help blend into the color of the door panels,may help not to draw ones eyes as much to them. Though i love all era's of Dodge and Plymouth but 57 to 60 is at the top for me,just screams the greatness of American car design. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks… interesting project MOPAR.. Oddly, a lot like our 59 Coronet 9 Pass/ wagon \ Rear Facing Seat/ ps,pB/ auto( seems like I remember 3 Speed ,LO/2DR?? pushButton??)V8..I had to drive a lot 1961-2 , until getting my first Car: a **1954/FORD/V8/2DR, with 1957:\ **289/ 4 BblS/Dual Exhausts, CUSTOMIZED!! …. Anyways, never got into working on the 1959:Coronet…
Quite a gem you have there. I'm not quite a Chrysler guy, you might have the only one left. Dodge Royales, which is primarily this style ( thank you Mr. Exner). Maybe save up for period correct Kelsey Hayes wire wheels? Good luck man.
I don't know about 1957, but the brochure I have for 1956 Texans states the exteriors were available in Sapphire White roof with either Oriental Coral or Jade Green over Saphire White lower. I don't know if '57s and '58s have a special scheme.
You sure have my attention sir. And my envey. I never new that this even existed. Now I want one. Looking forward to your rebuild. ( Not the bill) Wish you would have had a better shot of the hubcaps. Any trim piece for that car has to be rare and expensive. Especially the ones marked Texan. What is the story on that model? When did they start having? Texas special editions.? Surely it has to be more than that. Bigger in Texas phrase. Thank you good luck.
These are indeed rare cars because they were only sold in one state. The only other Forward Look Dodge that compares is the 1958 Regal Lancer which was a mid year introduction.
Dodge and Plymouths of same year were different. Engines different were things that made the difference and the looks. I lived in Dimmitt, Texas during 1957 and this vehicle looks not anything as to what we had as the Ortega Family at 80* SW 5th Street. Hum wonder why I used *. , instead of digit. That will tell me if one is searching or hyping. My dad used Ethyl Gas on long trips out of town. Back then gas was different than today. Just so you know I did do something that could of caused my dad to go to spot my mom and I were at. I fixed problem because I was mechanical inclined,back then and maybe even today. Who knows because the area where I live in now, does not respect any thing I say or do. So now for three years have made it on my own.
The Texan was the only regional model that was done through Chrysler itself. The Texan emblems are in Chrysler parts books. There were other regional models but they were created by local dealers without any input or approval from Chrysler.
Dodge and Plymouths of same year were different. Engines different were things that made the difference and the looks. I lived in Dimmitt, Texas during 1957 and this vehicle looks not anything as to what we had as the Ortega Family at 80* SW 5th Street. Hum wonder why I used *. , instead of digit. That will tell me if one is searching or hyping. My dad used Ethyl Gas on long trips out of town. Back then gas was different than today. Just so you know I did do something that could of caused my dad to go to spot my mom and I were at. I fixed problem because I was mechanical inclined,back then and maybe even today. Who knows because the area where I live in now, does not respect any thing I say or do. So now for three years have made it on my own.
In 1958-60 and afterwards Chrysler started sharing engines between Dodges and Plymouths along with Chrysler and DeSoto. There were obvious cost savings in doing this instead of having engines unique to each division. However each make could have a unique name for what was essentially the same engine.
