1959 Dodge Custom Royal Information and History

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Lancer 2-Door Hardtop
Chassis Num: M354101498

As the 1950s came to a close, manufactures continued to increase the outlandish designs fitting the vehicles with red rocket-like taillight lenses, dual antennas, huge twin tail fins, and other radical designs. One of the most recognizable vehicles from this era was the Dodge D500 Custom Royal Lancer with its 'swept wing styling' and chrome eyebrow arches across the top of the dual headlamps. In the rear of the car were booster-shaped taillight fins. To match this dramatic style, Dodge equipped the car five available V8 engine options.

This 1959 Dodge D500 Custom Royal Lancer underwent an extensive restoration in the early 1990s and the odometer reads 41,000 miles since new. under the bonnet is a powerful 383 cubic-inch V8 engine breathing through a four-barrel carburetor. There is a three-speed torque flight automatic transmission and drum brakes in the front and rear. The exterior is finished in metallic Jade Green and white paint. The interior is the factory correct matching green vinyl and cloth upholstery. It was ordered from the factory with power steering, power brakes, rear window defrost, deluxe radio, dual rear speakers, dual rear antennas, and swivel front seats.

It was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $50,000 - $70,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for a high bid of $66,000 including buyer's premium.

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Convertible

This 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible is fitted with the Super D-500 V8 overhead valve engine. This means it has an impressive 345 horsepower at its disposal from the five-bearing, Two-Carter four-barrel carbureted engine. The base convertible Custom Royal sold for $3370 in 1959 and only 984 customers opted for this bodystyle. Even fewer selected the potent Super D-500 engine, which increased the base price by $415.

Before the creation of the Daimler Chrysler in 1998, the Dodge Lancer was the model for the Dodge division and used to denote models three times in its history.

Designating both two and four door pillarless hardtop models in the Coronet, Royal and Custom Royal lines, the Lancer name was used by Dodge from 1955 to 1959.

A two door hardtop version of the mid-level models designed by Dodge in 1955, the Lancer ran in the production line until 1960.

On V8 powered models, a V8 emblem was customized to the side, just below the V in the side trim.

The Lancer name was passed on to a clone on the compact model Valiant which was met with huge success during the 1961 year. Given round taillights with full width grilles, Lancers used a Slant-6 engine.

South Africa introduced a right hand drive version of the Lancer that was sold from 1961 to 1963 though renamed as the DeSota Rebel. Equipped with the same 170 in³ Slant 6 engine, most came with the 3-speed manual transmission. In accordance to South Africican vehicle equipment ruglation, white reflectors were mounted to the front bumper.

Though not meeting sales expectations, possibley due to total resign of Dodge's compact car line, the Lancer was discontinued in 1963.

Re-introduced in 1985, a mid-sized 5-door hatchback version cloned from Chrysler LeBaronGTS and based on the Chrysler H platform.

Replaced by the Spirit, production ended April 7, 1989.

All production and design work was done in Sterling Heights Michigan.

Elizabeth Johnson

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