Dodge had its first opportunity to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 in 1954. That was for the 38th running of the storied racing event. They chose to showcase their new Royal convertible, which was designated the Royal 500 to coincide with the occasion. Just over 700 copies were produced, and the seller’s beautiful example appears to be one of them rather than a clone. Located in Nebraska (but posted by a seller in Valley Center, Kansas), this Mopar beauty is seeking a new home. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $50,000.
All Royal 500s looked alike, finished in Pace Car Yellow with Jewel Black accents (top and maybe parts of the interior). The car was at the top of Dodge’s totem pole and was something of an early muscle car with a 241 cubic inch “Red Ram” Hemi V8 (rated at 170 hp). I’ve seen photos of the cars with and without Indy 500 decals, so we assume those came in the trunk and could be applied by the selling dealer, if the buyer desired.
Buyers of these cool drop-tops paid $200 extra over a regular Royal, and that upcharge included a Continental kit for the spare tire and Kelsey Hayes wire wheels. A 2-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission was part of the deal. We’re told this car belongs to the listing party’s father, but no history, details, or even mileage are given.
This Dodge comes with few photos, which is surprising at the price point (but not for Facebook or Craigslist). Is the car original or has it been restored? We’re guessing the latter, which would mean much of the asking price is to recoup those expenses. And how many of these rare cars could still survive? If that number is 10%, could that mean only 70 of these vehicles are still around in any condition? BTW, thanks, T.J., for the tip!
After watching the race this weekend it’s hard to believe these could pace the race. Nevertheless they used a Camary at Daytona. This is a sweet looking Dodge but lose that ghastly Continental kit.
Not to difficult to pace Daytona. Top pace speed is 70mph.
When I worked at a gas station in the early 1960s the son of the boss had one of these semi-abandoned behind the station (with the wire wheels). It was quite pretty for a MOPAR of that era. The power steering pump was broken and even the boss couldn’t find parts for it. He eventually sold it for around $200! Ahh, the good old days!
This is a nice rare one – just not for everyone…..BF listed another although non-runner a year or so back.
MY 2 CENTS RUSS NEVER MENTIONED, CAR WAS DESIGNED BY GURU ENGINEER VIRGIL EXNER , FIRST DODGE WITH A 4 BARREL, FIRST YEAR POWERFLIGHT 2 SPEED, ALTHOUGH A FEW WERE STICK SHIFT,SPECIAL ALUMINUM OFFENHAUSER INTAKES,THE WHEELS WERE DETROIT WHEEL NOT KELSEY HAYS, BAD RUMOR
, NEVER SEEN ONE WITH THESE HUBCAPS, SHOULD HAVE BEEN WIRE HUBCAPS OR WIRE WHEELS,3 REPLICAS WERE AT 1954 RACE PLUS OTHER 1954 DODGES, THE ACTUAL PACE CAR SAID TO HAVE ROCHESTER MAKING 200 HORSE, OFFENHAUSER CHOICE BACK THEN THE 3 OTHERS COULD HAVE HAD THE SAME BUT NOT VERIFIED MY OPINON PRICE NEVER TOOK OFF BUT I THINK THE PRICE OF A EARLY BABY HEMI SHOULD BE 3 OR 4 TIMES CURRENT VALUE.I THINK AROUND 40 OR 50 LEFT !