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 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 Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016