Vehicle Description
1956 Dodge Royal Custom Lancer Hardtop
"Dashing! Daring! Dazzling! New Sweep Saddle trim and the flair of
jet fins introduce the most distinctive styling stroke in years and
merely hint at the flashing V8 performance and ride that are your
rewards in the newest Dodge Royal V8 series. "Panel-Perfect"
Jacquard interiors, and three tone colors plus advanced new
features challenge any luxury car at any price. Imagine! The new
Dodge Magic Touch Control lets you "tune in" all the ranges of the
Dodge PowerFlite automatic driving with a touch of your finger,
just as easily and simply as you'd press a push button on your car
radio!" From the 1956 brochure.
For consignment, a 1956 Dodge Royal Custom Lancer hardtop with a
title verified 69,944 actual miles and all of aeronautical
influences Dodge could muster into a single car. In a period of
unique and creative designs, this Lancer stands apart and is a
nicely preserved example we rarely see at the mall!
Exterior
Not satisfied with simply two tone coverage, Dodge added a third
and in this case it was repainted with a Sky Blue body is capped by
a Royal Blue layer under a white roof, creating a dramatic three
tone presentation. The darker blue panel cants rearward at which
point it flares at the tail, creating a sweeping effect and at the
same time, emphasizing the rear fin and jet-like tail. The
afterburner tail lights are based in white nacelles, trimmed in
chrome which blends visually with the large bumper, the panel trim,
and the V-shaped decklid ornamentation. In front, an artful wing
fronts the bulging hood and trails back to frame the Royal Blue.
Spectacular! Big chrome teeth adorn the grille while a cross design
on the hubcaps front 15-inch Sky Blue wheels wrapped in white
walls, the rears fronted by a chrome gravel guard. It's in
fantastic condition. If we had to be picky, there's some minor
pitting on the side mirror base but the entirety of the metal is
bright, and the paint is very nice.
Interior
The color palette continues on the interior beginning with the door
panels that have a chrome header, aluminum insert, then blue and
white layers over a carpeted kick panel. The split bench is based
in a sky blue shell, while buttoned blue panels define the sitting
areas surrounded by blue stitched white vinyl in fantastic shape
and mirrored by the back bench with sidewalls that pull in the
material and color configuration of the door panels. Your aircraft
awaits up front where even the steering wheel is more than one
color and wears a shiny chrome horn ring and a hairline crack in
the white upper rim. Then, you gaze upon the gauge cluster, the
brochure calls it the "flite-styled, (sic), control panel" with a
row of small circles flanking a black faced speedometer in the
middle, and to your left is the push button shifter. The clean mid
panel, with its ribbed chrome backing plate, hosts a number of
metallic knobs and the AM radio and to the right, is an
asymmetrical glove box door with a stylized handle that conjures
the exterior door handles. The footwells are lined with the button
backed blue vinyl over black loop carpet and the trunk is fully
dressed in patterned material identical to the interior.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a super clean 315ci Red Ram V8 rated at 218
horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor and mated to a 2-speed
PowerFlite automatic transmission that sends power to 3.54 gears in
back. Power disc brakes are up front and rear power drums are on
board. The underside of the hood is texture coated and the bay
itself allows for easy access to the engine, unencumbered by extra
components. Power steering which Dodge called "full time coaxial
power steering" is on board.
Undercarriage
The underside is generally clean with some typical surface rust,
some fluid on the engine bottom and some residual on the rear
differential. The dual exhaust with mismatched mufflers, shows
newer condition on the left with a glasspack style muffler, while
the right has some rust holes in the exhaust pipe after the stock
style muffler and the full extent has surface rust. Both pipes
terminate with dressy chrome tips that extend past the rear bumper.
Suspension here is made up of coil springs in front and leaf
springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Bright and white on the inside, the cavernous interior provides
quintessential 1950's vibes, a big steering wheel, and lots of
curved glass for visibility. The 315 comes to life with a gentle
rumble from the exhaust and rolls smoothly onto the test loop where
it proves itself a comfortable cruiser, tracking straight, stopping
well, and affording decent power to move this big car.
Functionality is on point as well with only the clock not operating
amongst a fully operational vehicle. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Nearly 50,000 Royal Customs were produced in 1956 and that includes
all configurations including this 2 door Lancer model. This was the
top of the line product for Dodge and it serves as a chrome laden,
multi colored piece of rolling artwork today. A stunning show car
that needs nothing, (except for that exhaust pipe), and your
tri-colored ticket to the podium at the end of the car show!
TRIM TAG
B7-Unknown
SCHEDULE 05 04 16 065-May 4th
BODY 836-V8 Lancer Custom Royal 2 Door Hardtop
PAINT 160-Stone Gray
TRIM 545-Silvery Black & White Cordagrain & Patterned Jacquard
Weave Fabric
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
