Car: Dodge Custom Royal Lancer ( * Car shown at Road Ready Used Cars in Ansonia CT )
Year: 1957
What makes it special: Dodge refreshed their model lineup, continuing the three-line scheme with the entry-level Coronet, Royal and the more ornate Custom Royal.
What made it famous: The Custom Royal was Dodge’s flagship model. Equipped with the 350 cu in Ram-Fire V8 with a standard 2-barrel carburetor, but the optional 4r-barrel carburetor delivered 300 hp. A feature of the Custom Royal was its bumper-mounted exhaust ports which were only available to the Royal and Coronet models as part of the D-500 options. Identifying marks include Custom Royal script at the trailing edge of the belt-line molding, the pronounced check-mark, gold anodized Dodge block letters on the hood, and gold anodized Dodge script on the passenger side of the trunk. Fin cap inserts were anodized and had a unique rectangular pattern. All Custom Royals included a stainless molding above the bumper, on the flat edge below the trunk opening. Body styles offered were sedan, two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and two-door convertible. Lancers were also identified by a lance and shield emblem on each fin.
Why I would want one: It’s showy, it’s over-the-top, but it well represents the 1950’s style.
Fun fact: Dodge shared their basic mechanicals with the De Soto, but featured special styling.