1959 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible

'Newest of everything great. Greatest of everything new'

Call it the glitter queen of the 'Forward Look.' From scowling face to 'Jet-Trail Tail Lamps,' the 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer is as flamboyant as its extravagant name plate suggests. Did someone mention 'safety?' Dodge's track-tested 'Level-Flite Torsion-Aire' front suspension promised road-going confidence while the 'IndiColor' speedometer ribbon changed colors as speed increased.

The Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was apart of an elite class of dramatic styling that came to a pinnacle in 1959. The jukebox tail lamps, bright and multi-colored paint schemes, bright work, and size were part of the elements that made up this sheer styling drama.

All of the 1959 Dodge passenger cars were fitted with Torsion-Air front suspension and rear leaf suspension. 1959 was the final year for the body-on frame construction as the 1960 Dodge models would introduce a new Unibody design.

This Custom Royal Lancer Convertible is painted in yellow-and-black, and is one of just 984 Convertibles produced in 1959. Power is from a rare (and new for 1959) Super D-500, 383 cubic-inch engine producing 345 horsepower. Options include a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and push-button drive, power steering, power brakes, and swivel front seats.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2013