1956 Dodge Royal Series

For 1956, the Dodge Royal Series was again the intermediate trim level and came equipped with all the features found on the Coronet, plus additional items such as six chrome fins on the top of the center bar in the grille. There was also chrome rain gutters and the 'Royal' name in script on the rear fenders, plus V-8 emblems.

The 1956 Dodge model lineup included the entry-level Coronet, the intermediate Royal Series, and the top-of-the-line Custom Royal. Prices on the Coronet ranged from $2,160 to $2,800, the Royal from $2,480 to $2,950, and the Custom Royal from $2,590 to $2,880. Only the Coronet was offered with a six-cylinder engine, while the others came standard with a V8. A sedan, Lancer Hardtop Coupe, and Lancer Hardtop Sedan were offered on all models, and a convertible was available on the Coronet and the Custom Royal. Station wagons were offered on the Coronet and the Royal.

All 1956 Dodge models rested on a 120-inch wheelbase platform with a length of 212-inches. They had a simulated hood scoop, a wraparound windshield, a wraparound front fender, and a grille that was divided into two separate openings with each housing a single horizontal bar that wrapped around the fender and incorporated the parking light.

The Red Ram eight-cylinder engine with a 315 cubic-inch displacement had Polysphere combustion chambers, a cast-iron block, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 190 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The Super Red Ram V8 with Polysphere combustion chambers and a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor had 218 horsepower. With a Carter four-barrel carburetor, horsepower rose to 230 hp.

The D-500 V8 engine was the most potent in the lineup, with a 315 cubic-inch displacement, Hemispherical combustion chambers, a 9.25:1 compression, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, Carter four-barrel carburetor, and delivered 260 horsepower. With a dual Carter four-barrel carburetor and manual transmission, horsepower was rated at 295.

The standard transmission was a three-speed unit with overdrive and Powerlite fully automatic optional.

A total restyling followed in 1957, gaining the styling cues introduced on Chrysler with Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look,' highlighted by tail fins and space-age design cues. They became longer, lower, and wider than any previous Dodge model. The Royal was the intermediate trim level, and the Custom Royal Series remained the top trim level for Dodge in 1957, 1958, and 1959. In 1960, the Dodge Polara became the top trim level, the Dart Pioneer was the intermediate.

by Dan Vaughan

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 1961. 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 with South African vehicle equipment regulation, white reflectors were mounted to the front bumper.

Though not meeting sales expectations, possibly due to the 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 LeBaron GTS 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.

by Jessican Donaldson