The Flashy 50s Part 2: ACA Corona 1956-1960
An old 1956 magazine advert for the Montpelier Crown Cavalry
Restyled as part of an overall 1950s refresh in 1955, the “new '56” ACA Corona was little more than a facelift of the older '51 model. While the chassis remained mostly the same, some changes were made to improve it. The rigidity was improved with the help of reinforcing beams places along the frame and the front and rear suspension mounts were modified for to use the newer improved suspension units developed for the ACA Starfire.
Under the hood, the 303 V8 received an overhaul with an updated version of ACA’s patent “Twin-Power” carburettor which drastically improved reliability with some increases in performance and fuel economy. The 226 straight 6 was also updated, though the Twin-Power option for it was removed and replaced with a much cheaper and economical design. The '56 would also be the first ACA to be fitted with an automatic gearbox
The biggest change from the '51 model was the styling. John Emery, ACA’s lead designer had passed away in 1950 due to health complications. Emery’s replacement was the young designer, Aleichem Ackermann. Many were skeptical of Ackermann’s skills, however the critics quickly warmed up to the young designer when the concept design for the '56 Corona was unveiled in the New York Auto Show in 1955.
The changes made to the ACA Corona would also be implemented on the ACA Rio Grande as well as the Montpelier Crown Cavalry, the design of which would also be drafted up by Ackermann.
Overall, the '56 Model Corona and Crown Cavalry would be best sellers for ACA and Montpelier. While competition from other US manufacturers did impact sales, especially for Montpelier, the '56 Corona would be lauded as one of ACA’s best cars for many years to pass.
From left to right: Montpelier Crown Cavalry, ACA Rio Grande, ACA Corona Fleetline, Corona Streamline Deluxe