1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D-500 2-Door Hardtop

Featuring captivating and correct-for-1956 two-tone livery inside and out and continuing to benefit handsomely from a very well-maintained restoration, this 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-door hardtop sports the D-500 high-performance option comprising the 260-horsepower, 4-barrel Super Red Ram Hemi V-8 engine. As one of the first high-performance cars from Dodge, this D-500 is also quite rare, one of only an approximate 2,500 Dodge models so equipped for 1956. At the time of writing, 74,491 miles are currently indicated, documented as Actual miles on the accompanying title document.

Finished in 1956-correct Crown Yellow and Sapphire White paint, this handsome rarity is accented by the proper chrome and stainless Custom Royal Trim, plus chrome wire-spoke wheels mounting wide Whitewall tires, twin radio antennae to the rear fenders, stylized chrome exhaust tips, and of course, crossed-flag “D-500” emblems front and rear. Unlike many other competing cars of the era, this Custom Royal Lancer D-500 hardtop exudes a most tasteful and athletic presence suggestive of speed even while standing still.

Complementing this Lancer’s handsome “Forward Look” exterior styling and colors is an equally striking two-tone black and white treatment comprising patterned fabric and embossed vinyl. The black and white dash features Chrysler’s pushbutton shift quadrant to the left, a sculpted white and chrome two-spoke steering wheel, and useful instruments monitoring fuel level, amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A pushbutton AM radio provides entertainment in addition to the hearty note of the Super Red Ram’s full-length dual exhaust system. The virtually unobtainable control knobs, levers, bezels, and dash trim items remain in very good condition, albeit with some light, age-appropriate pitting visible in places. The distinctive interior upholstery is in outstanding condition overall, with some repaired wear to the upper surface of the driver’s side of the front bench seat. The restored trunk compartment includes proper plaid floor mats, a mounted wheel/spare tire, and roadside jack.

Featuring a correctly finished, accessorized and detailed 315 cubic-inch Chrysler Super Red Ram V-8 engine in 260-horsepower tune with a single Carter 4-barrel carburetor, this D-500 also sports a well restored and detailed engine compartment. Mirroring the eye-catching exterior, the Crown Yellow underbody finish, OEM-correct equipped frame and suspension, and both the powertrain and drivetrain are particularly impressive and exceptionally well preserved, indicative of extremely light use and outstanding post-restoration maintenance.

In mute testimony to Chrysler’s engineering prowess, the chassis features a beefy front anti-toll bar and heavy-duty underpinnings. Stopping is via correct 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, non-power-assisted and directional control is provided by manual steering gear. While somewhat of a secret to non-owners, the 1955 Dodge models continue to enjoy appreciation for their remarkably good roadholding and steering, making this D-500 a potentially excellent candidate for classic touring enjoyment as desired.

The Seller advises that this rare and highly equipped 1950s performer was formerly located in Massachusetts and that they acquired it via a South Carolinian dealer. The restoration is understood to have been a frame-off effort, confirmed by the stellar quality of the underbody, chassis, suspension, and various mechanical systems, although restoration documents and invoices are unavailable. Judging from the presence of a 2016 Hemmings Saratoga Springs Concours d'Elegance badge affixed to one of the car’s windows, this D-500 Custom Royal Lancer was quite possible a participant in that event. Accompanying items include two owner’s manuals (one original-appearing and one possibly a reproduction), and dealer paperwork.

As one of the hottest performing American automobiles of the 1950s, this top-of-the-line, D-500 equipped 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-Door Hardtop is also one of the most stylish, steeped in the Virgil Exner-led “Forward Look” styling theme, as masterfully interpreted by Dodge designer Murray Baldwin. It also exemplifies Chrysler’s renowned engineering prowess and racing success of the era with its powerful Hemi-head V-8 engine and carefully engineered underpinnings. While many other cars of the era suffered from overblown, tacky design cues, the styling of this Dodge continues to age very well. Rare, as one of only some 2,500 D-500 optioned Dodge cars for 1956, this example is a scarcely seen and highly desirable exemplar of Dodge style and performance, with attributes that would continue through the Muscle Car era of the 1960s and beyond.