1958 Dodge Custom Royal Series Convertible

The 1958 Chrysler Corporation hierarchy consisted of, in ascending order, Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and Imperial. After the radical and successful Forward Look styling of 1957, the Dodge received only minor ornamental changes to for '58.

Most notable was a new grille and standard quad headlamps across the board. The trademark tail fins, described by Dodge as 'Soaring Swept Wings' and containing aircraft-inspired Twin-Jet tail lamps, remained the focal point of the dramatic design. The Sweep-View windshield provided picture-window visibility.

For greater safety and driving ease, every 1958 Dodge features quad Twin-Set headlamps and a Scope-Sight red-bar speedometer. Dodges for '58 were available in a choice of 15 models, including hardtops, sedans, convertible and station wagons.

This particular Custom Royal Lancer convertible was rescued from a remote junkyard in 2012 and then painstakingly restored to better-than-new condition. In addition to being the top-of-the-line convertible model, it is a rare Spring Special, which includes uniquely ornate exterior trim and the exclusive Poppy Red color. It's also equipped with the coveted Super D500 performance package, consisting of a larger 361 cubic-inch V8 engine fitted with twin four-barrel carburetors. The horsepower rating with this NASCAR-inspired package is 320.