Let Wink Martindale Sell You On The Greatness Of The 1978 Dodge Diplomat Line – Cars We Never Knew Existed


Let Wink Martindale Sell You On The Greatness Of The 1978 Dodge Diplomat Line – Cars We Never Knew Existed

I guessed I missed a day in obscure Chrysler history class. I never knew there was such a thing as a 1978 Dodge Diplomat and I sure as hell did not know that there was a 1978 Dodge Diplomat Medallion station wagon that could be had with a V8 and a four speed in it. Not many of the details surprised me outside of the four speed, but I can say with 100% certainty that I have never in my adult life or at any point in my life where I have been able to discern cars, that I’ve witnessed a 1978 Dodge Diplomat doing anything in the flesh. Engine options being the slant six, the 318, and the 360 were expected, the fawning over the “Lean Burn System” being over the top, and the interiors looking beyond cheeseball were not surprises.

Proportionally the coupe is the best looking of the bunch here behind the wagon. The sedan looks kind of dorky (like most sedans of this era did). Chrysler did not have a lot going for it in 1978. You’ll see the optional CB equipped radio, the Torqueflite got a lockup torque converter, and that’s about it. The company was entering into the grand swan dive that nearly put it out of business and it seems like the Diplomat was close to the tip of the spear there.

About 50,000 Diplomats were produced across the range.  In contrast 70,000 Omni four doors were made and about 150,000 Aspens were built. Hell, then made 47,000 Magnums for Pete’s sake!

Press play below to see this cool film about the 1978 Dodge Diplomat –


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One thought on “Let Wink Martindale Sell You On The Greatness Of The 1978 Dodge Diplomat Line – Cars We Never Knew Existed

  1. drivindadsdodge

    My father was a Material Damage Adjuster for AAA of Michigan back in the 70’s they had a fleet of these for them to drive … his was a 225 automatic version … gut-less but got 25 mpg on the highway when 55 was the limit

    I had an Uncle that worked for Chrysler Stamping he had a 2 door with the O/D trans … no air or even a radio

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