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 Dan Vaughan

Convertible

This 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer convertible underwent a nine-year frame-off restoration completed in 2001. The present owner acquired the car in 1989.

This is an excellent example of the tri-tone exterior colors of Wedgewood Blue, Royal Blue and Sapphire White. Multiple shades of blue and white made up the colorful interior.

The vehicle sites on a 120-inch wheelbase weighing 3,630 pounds and sold for $2,913. It is powered by a 315 cubic inch Super Red Ram V-8 engine that produces 218 horsepower. The two-speed automatic transmission is controlled by a push button pod located on the upper dash just to the left of the steering wheel. It was the second year for the push button pod.

Other features include power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and the vehicle is also equipped with dual exhausts and spinner hubcaps.

Sedan

The Dodge La Femme was produced in 1955 and 1956. Chrysler's marketing departments observed women's interest in automobiles.

La Femme interiors were upholstered in a special tapestry material featuring pink rosebuds on a pale pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. The La Femme also came with a rectangular purse that coordinated with the interior of the car. The purse could be stowed in a special compartment built into the back of the passenger seat. Each purse was outfitted with a matched set which included a compact lipstick case, cigarette case, lighter and change purse designed and made by 'Evans.' On the back of the drivers seat was a compartment that contained a raincoat, rain bonnet and umbrella, in coordinating rosebud interior fabric.

The Dodge La Femme was produced during the 1955 and 1956 model year with total production reaching 2500 units during those two years. 1500 were produced in 1955 and 1000 in 1956. The La Femme was a $143 option package that was marketed toward woman buyers. The vehicle was the Dodge Custom Royal Lancer, and the package included either 'Sapphire White' or 'Heather Rose' paint scheme. Gold colored 'La Femme' scripts adorned the vehicle and replaced the customary 'Custom Royal Lancer' script on the cars front fenders. The interior continued the female ambiance, with a special tapestry material featuring pink rosebuds on a pale pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. Included in the purchase price was a rectangular purse that matched the interior of the car. A special compartment kept the purse safe while the vehicle was being driven. Inside of the purse was a lipstick case, cigarette case, lighter and change purse, made by Evans.

The car also came with a custom raincoat, rain bonnet, and umbrella which also coordinated with the rosebud interior.

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

Lancer Hardtop

One of only approximately 300 La Femmes ever made and perhaps with only 50 surviving, it seems perhaps appropriate that this example was first sold in Hollywood. Dodge went overboard with their 'from the factory' customizing of the Custom Royal Lancer specifically targeted at attracting women who at the time were just being viewed by the car companies as decision makers in their own right. La Femme - only colors Regal Orchid and Misty Orchid, for example, plus special interiors for 'the woman who wanted a distinct and uniquely feminine automobiles.'

- Exterior colors of Harmonizing Regal Orchid and Misty Orchid

- Richly woven Misty Orchid Jacquard fabric combined beautifully with Gold Cordagrain Trim

- Attractively styled Rain Cap and Hat, plus a Smart Umbrella to match the Lovely LaFemme interior

- Neatly available storage compartment to hold rain apparel - cleverly and conveniently located on the back of the front seat.

Lancer Hardtop

Chrysler's Forward Look design theme entered its second year with bladelike tailfins, pushbutton transmission and ever-increasing V-8 power under the hood. They had flamboyant two- and three-tone paint jobs and flashy names to match, such as Dodge's top-line Custom Royal Lancer. Inside, the Powerflite automatic transmission was replaced by five pushbuttons grouped in a mini-console on the left side of the instrument panel.

This D-500 is powered by an overhead valve 'Red Ram' V8 with hemispherical heads. It displaces 315 cubic-inches and produces 260 horsepower. There is a PowerFlite two-speed automatic gearbox and hydraulic drums with power assist in both the front and rear.

by Dan Vaughan

Lancer Hardtop

In the postwar 1950s, the increasing influence and buying power of the American woman was noticed by automakers. They reacted by introducing concept cars designed to appeal exclusively to women.

Dodge led the way with the 1955 and 1956 La Femme, based on its Custom Royal Lancer hardtop. The eye-catching Regal Orchid and Misty Orchid paint scheme was exclusive to the 1956 version. A beautifully detailed interior was finished in orchid and white, with metallic gold trim. Special fashion accessories, including a color-coordinated rain coat, bonnet and umbrella were housed in compartments behind the front seat.

The exact number of LaFemme models built is unknown, and surviving examples are rare. This example was a 2007 'barn find' that was treated to a complete rotisserie restoration. It is believed to be the only LaFemme equipped with the D500 performance package.

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