1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Hardtop

Virgil Exner, who had left Raymond Loewy's design firm in 1949, became Chrysler's head of advanced styling. Under his guidance, Chrysler would excel in the post war market. It was his 'Forward Look' designs of the mid-1950s that were of particular genius and distinguishing them considerably from other cars on the road.

Dodge shared their basic body design and layout with Plymouth, though they rode on a longer 120-inch wheelbase. They were offered with a multitude of color schemes that clearly distinguished them from the Dodge line.

This 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lander Two-Door Hardtop is painted in a three-tone color scheme and is mostly an original car. It has had only one repaint to date. It is well equipped with chrome-plate bumper guards, dual rearview mirrors, and whitewall tires and 'spinner' hubcaps.

The interior has black and white vinyl upholstery, original carpeting, an AM radio, power steering and power brakes. Mounted under the hood is a 270 cubic-inch 'Red Ram' V8 engine capable of producing 193 horsepower. There is an optional two-speed PowerFlite automatic gearbox, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and a Flowmaster dual exhaust system.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $25,000-$35,000. It was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for a high-bid of $12,100 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008