The Dodge Custom Royal was a full-size car produced by Dodge from 1955 to 1959. It was positioned as Dodge's premium model in the full-size lineup, slotting above the Coronet.
Finished in white, charcoal and Chinese Rose tri-tone paint, this 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was restored by Manns Restoration in Missouri. The white top is new, pinpoint vinyl with the correct embroidered medallions on the sail panels. The interior is detailed with bright metal surfaces and features upholstery with white vinyl surrounding patterned black and white cloth inserts. Rolling on Diamond Back radial wide whitewall tires with steel wheels capped by Lancer 4-bar spinner wheel covers, the car’s original engine has been replaced by a solid-lifter Hemi V-8 engine sourced from a 1957 Dodge D500. Fed by a modern electronic fuel-injection system, the engine is backed by a PowerFlite automatic transmission with a pushbutton selector. The chassis has been upgraded with power-assisted brakes with front discs and a heavy-duty sway bar up front, all making the car much more enjoyable to drive. With new chrome and brightwork throughout, a custom spare tire cover has been created, detailed with a pink rose embroidered upon it.
Finished in white, charcoal and Chinese Rose tri-tone paint, this 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was restored by Manns Restoration in Missouri. The white top is new, pinpoint vinyl with the correct embroidered medallions on the sail panels. The interior is detailed with bright metal surfaces and features upholstery with white vinyl surrounding patterned black and white cloth inserts. Rolling on Diamond Back radial wide whitewall tires with steel wheels capped by Lancer 4-bar spinner wheel covers, the car’s original engine has been replaced by a solid-lifter Hemi V-8 engine sourced from a 1957 Dodge D500. Fed by a modern electronic fuel-injection system, the engine is backed by a PowerFlite automatic transmission with a pushbutton selector. The chassis has been upgraded with power-assisted brakes with front discs and a heavy-duty sway bar up front, all making the car much more enjoyable to drive. With new chrome and brightwork throughout, a custom spare tire cover has been created, detailed with a pink rose embroidered upon it.
Here are some key details about the Dodge Custom Royal:
- It was introduced for the 1955 model year as Dodge's top-line full-size model, replacing the previous Coronet Diplomat.
- The Custom Royal was available in several body styles including a two-door club coupe, four-door sedan, and two-door convertible.
- It featured Dodge's powerful new 315 cu in (5.2 liter) Red Ram V8 engine as the top engine option, producing up to 230 horsepower.
- Distinctive styling features included Dodge's trademark "Cross Ram" hood ornament, large chromed grille, and swept-back fins starting in 1957.
- For 1957, the Custom Royal received Dodge's new "swept-wing" styling with tailfins and more modern bodyside styling.
- The convertible models were quite expensive and luxuriously appointed for their time.
- Sales were relatively modest compared to lower-priced full-size Dodges like the Coronet, reflecting the Custom Royal's premium pricing.
- It was replaced after 1959 by the new Dodge Dart line when Dodge downsized its full-size cars for 1960.
The Custom Royal represented Dodge's highest level of styling, performance and luxury in its big car lineup through the late 1950s before the brand's shift to smaller models.