The 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D500 represents the pinnacle of mid-1950s Mopar style and engineering, combining Virgil Exner's iconic "Forward Look" design with Dodge's first true factory high-performance package. The "Custom Royal" was Dodge's top-tier luxury trim line, "Lancer" denoted the hardtop or convertible body style, and "D500" signified the race-bred, high-performance mechanical upgrades beneath the sheet metal.
The D500 package transformed a stylish cruiser into an early American muscle car built to compete in stock car racing.
- The Engine: A 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 featuring hemispherical cylinder heads and a high-performance camshaft.
- Horsepower: Rated at 260 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque with a standard four-barrel Carter carburetor. A race-focused "D-500-1" variant pushed 295 hp using dual four-barrel carburetors.
- Transmission: Equipped with either a 3-speed manual or the famous PowerFlite 2-Speed Automatic, which used pioneering dash-mounted push-button controls.
- Heavy-Duty Chassis: The D500 rode 1.5 inches lower than standard models, utilizing stiff front coil springs, larger 12-inch drum brakes, and heavy-duty shock absorbers shared with Dodge police cars.
As the flagship Dodge model, it was a showcase of mid-century jet-age optimism.
- Exterior Design: Marked by dramatic tailfins, wrapped windshields, heavy chrome headlight hoods, and eye-catching three-tone paint schemes.
- D500 Identifiers: Discretely marked by small crossed checkered flags and "500" lettering on the hood and lower trunk lid.
- In-Car Entertainment: Could be ordered with the ultra-rare "highway Hi-Fi" phonograph system, an under-dash record player that spun proprietary 16? rpm vinyl records designed not to skip while driving.
- Special Editions: The Custom Royal line also hosted the famous La Femme package targeted at women (featuring a lavender/pink color scheme and a matching umbrella/handbag), as well as the gold-trimmed Golden Lancer.
Part of the Duncan Imports collection since 2023 this Royal Lancer had a comprehensive restoration. Odometer reads 74,492 miles. The engine is the 316 ci Red Ram Hemi V8 and is paired with a PowerFlite pushbutton transmission. Exterior is Crown Yellow and Sapphire White paint with White and Black patterned interior. Car comes with the original booklets and brochures.
