1956 Dodge Custom Royal

The Dodge Custom Royal Series was the top trim level from 1955 through 1959. The Dodge line received completely new styling for 1955, bec=oming lower and wider than previous models, with Virgil Exner styling described as 'Flair-Fashion.' All Dodge models rested on a 120-inch wheelbase platform and had a length of 212.1-inches, wraparound windshield, simulated hood scoop, and a grille that was divided into two separate openings with each opening containing a single horizontal bar that wrapped around the fender.

Chrysler's 'Forward Look' design theme was applied to the Dodge models for 1956 with bladelike tailfins, push-button transmission, and more potent V-8 engines.

Dodge's base trim level for 1955 through was the Coronet, followed by the intermediate Royal, and topped by the Custom Royal Series. Designs and body styles were similar, with trim, accouterments, and standard features being the distinguishable features. The Coronet had every body style offered by Dodge in 1955 and 1956 (except the Lancer hardtop sedan in 1955), including a two- and four-door sedan, Lancer hardtop coupe, suburban, and 6- and 8-passenger station wagon. The Royal series was offered as a sedan, Lancer hardtop coupe, and the station wagon. The Custom Royal was offered as a Lancer Hardtop Coupe, Lancer Hardtop Sedan, Lancer Convertible, and sedan.

The Custom Royal came standard with the V-8 emblem, Custom Royal name on the rear fenders, hooded and painted headlight doors, a strip of the lower body color extending up the rear edge of the rear fenders, and grooved back-up and taillight housings.

The sedan had a factory base price of $2,590, the convertible at $2,880, the two-door Lancer at $2,660, and the four-door Lancer Hardtop at $2,770. A total of 49,293 Custom Royal models were built in 1956, and the LaFemme and Golden Lancer became optional mid-year on the Custom Royal Lancer two-door hardtop.

Dodge's eight-cylinder engines for 1956 included a 270 CID and 315 CID V8 with horsepower that ranged from 190 to 295 horsepower. All engines had five main bearings and a cast-iron block. Most had hydraulic valve lifters, but the D-500 315 CID V8 with Hemispherical combustion chambers had solid valve lifters. The other engines used Polysphere combustion chambers. The Red Ram 270 CID V8 used a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor and delivered 189 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The Super Red Ram V-8 with a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor produced 218 horsepower, and the Carter four-barrel carburetor had 230 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The D-500 produced 260 hp with a Carter four-barrel carburetor and 295 with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors and manual transmission.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard with overdrive and PowerFlite fully automatic optional. Additional options included a Mopar radio, turn signals, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, heater, Air Temp air conditioning, Highway Hi-Fi automatic record player, and electric clock.

The La Femme option, offered in 1955 and 1956, added a special tapestry upholstery with pink rosebuds on a pale pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. There was a rectangular purse with colors that coordinated with the interior of the car and could be stowed in a special compartment built into the back of the passenger seat. Each purse, with a matched set, included a compact lipstick case, lighter, cigarette case, and change purse designed and made by 'Evans.' The back of the driver's seat housed a compartment with a raincoat, rain bonnet, and umbrella, in coordinating rosebud interior fabric.

Total production of the La Femme was 2,500 units with 1,500 produced in 1955 and 1,000 in 1956. It was a $143 option package that was clearly marketed toward female buyers.

For 1956, the Heather Rose and Sapphire White paint scheme was replaced with a Misty Orchid and Regal Orchid color scheme.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020