For Sale: 1956 Dodge Royal in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1956 Dodge Custom Royal D500 Convertible

"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 Custom Royal D500 convertible showing 62,988 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The 500 series were used as pursuit vehicles for law enforcement, and are notably one of the winningest cars in NASCAR. This example has had a body off frame restoration and the engine was removed, disassembled and rebuilt.

Exterior
Dodge's period two tone is stunningly presented in two stage black and white with the white canvas roof creating a dramatic three layer presentation. The black 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 with chrome time 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 glossy black. Spectacular! Big chrome teeth adorn the grille while a cross design on the hubcaps front 15-inch wheels wrapped in wide white walls, the rears fronted by a chrome gravel guard and it's all in fantastic condition. Imperfections? We could only find some yellowing in the white paint on the sides of the car.

Interior
The color palette continues on the interior beginning with the door panels that have a black header, aluminum insert, then black and white layers delineated by polished trim. The split bench is based in a white vinyl shell that gives way to an abstract design of squiggly black lines on white, mirrored by the back bench with sidewalls that pull in the material and color configuration of the door panels. We note some slight compression on the driver's seat and a spot of wear on the piping. Up front is a black steering wheel wearing a chrome horn ring in great shape. 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 bluish-gray 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 and coveted 230 power emblem. The black carpet is clean and the trunk is too with a shiny vinyl mat as coverage.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is the 315ci Red Ram Hemi V8 with 260 horsepower, new rings, bearings, oil pump and the original D-500 solid cam. It's topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and is mated to a PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission sending power to 3.73 gears in back. The engine is spotless and showy with bright red valve covers and air cleaner box.

Undercarriage
As expected, things are clean underneath with dual exhaust running through stock style mufflers and exiting through showy tips out back. Power drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front with leaf springs in the back. No surface rust nor errant fluids to report here!

Drive-Ability
Dreamboat was a 50's term of endearment, and it seems to fit this beauty, which drives as nice as it looks. A true classic, the car exhibits good power, straight tracking, and comfortable ride on our less than perfect blacktop. We note the power left rear window only works from the back seat switch, a minor imperfection on a car where everything else works as it should. 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.

Production numbers are somewhat vague, but it' likely less than 1,500 total D500's were produced and it was Dodge's first factory high performance car. Given the history of performance Mopars since then, to have the first of the breed would be a special addition to your collection and this one is a shining example!

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.

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