In 1954, Dodge had the honor of pacing the field at the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. And they did it in style with the new Royal 500 (dubbed for the event) for which just over 700 replicas were created for John Q. Public. This edition was in the process of being restored by its prior owner, but health reasons stalled the project some time ago. Including spare parts, this interesting Mopar is in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and here on craigslist for $9,999. Our thanks once again to “eagle eye” T.J. for this tip!
Dodge added the Royal to its lineup in 1954 as the top-level product over the Coronet and Meadowbrook. It would remain in the company portfolio through 1959. Standard equipment was a 241 cubic inch “Hemi” V8 which matches with the one under the hood of the seller’s project machine. In May 1954, the all-new 500 convertible led the field to the checkered flag in Indy, finished in the same yellow color as the seller’s replica. When they were offered to the general population, the replicas included chrome wire wheels, special identification, and a continental kit for the spare tire.
Considering the original low production numbers, it would be surprising if this drop-top isn’t one of only a few dozen left (no one seems to have a count). The seller acquired this vehicle from its long-time owner who had stopped working on it. We’re told it was inside his/her garage for ages, so the 51,000 miles on the odometer could be legit. Some bodywork was done including replacing the front fenders with an NOS pair. Some of the chrome pieces have been replated.
The upholstery has been redone to original specifications, which is where we’re told the restoration stopped. The seller believes the car is complete except for a missing gas tank and heater. No attempts have been made to get it started and the engine is not stuck. The seller says it’s 271 cubic inches though online sources indicate 241. A 4-barrel carburetor is present along with an automatic transmission. The five Kelsey Hayes wire wheels are original to the Dodge. How cool would it be to see this Mopar restored to its former glory!
The canary yellow interior and that extended bumper are turn-offs for me, but otherwise this is a fantastic looking ride!
I could live with the yellow under the hood and put covers on the upholstery but I’m with you that Continental kit would be gone.
That continental kit looks better than anything offered today. Just my two cents
FWIW, I owned a 1954 Plymouth convertible which sported a similarly-extended rear bumper and continental kit with a cover for the tire, same paint as the body (sort of a blue-green, if I remember correctly). About 1960, I think.
Rare and old enough with the 1st. hemi to keep it exactly as it was delivered by the factory. Even down to the black pace car decals on the doors!
I agree with you 200%.
So this Dodge won the Indy 500 ? I think you meant “led the field to the “green” flag” LOL
I don’t think the author knows much about pace cars and how they operate.!
Well, he did say “pacing the field ….. “. I knew what he meant….
” In May 1954, the all-new 500 convertible led the field to the checkered flag in Indy”
To me that ride would be more than and look way cool 😎😎😎😎. If I had the money 💵💰💵💰 for me to do it right it would be a total off the frame 🖼️ restoration including frame and trim and the trim all parts everything would be done and brought back to to it’s original condition perfect 👍🏾🤩 😍 glory and when it’s completely done and finished it would be added to my collection.
As The Old Saying Goes. If The Queen Had Balls She’d Be The 🤴 King.
Some what clean engine compartment But dirty a$$ engine , don’t care much for color of seats either. But this would be a nice Restoration project
Back in the day, I actually owned oned of the 700 manufactured D-500’s. Mine was green and I had the color changed to a deep metallic blue ad my continental kit had a metal cover that enclosed the tire on the rear complete with the wire wheel. I kept mine in pristine condition until I found my dream car that is on my Facebook page that I did an off the frame restoration on complete with adding a FEW items to the engine. 1958 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman 4 DRHT. Sold it in 2004 to a Machine shop owner in Southern KY and lost it forever. Still looking for it everyday and would get it again. At 87 years old I’m still able to do quite a bit but limitting myself to stay healthy til at least 100+ If anyone finds it let me know and I’ll try to get it back and show it again.
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were the celebrities riding in the pace car in 1954.
Just looked at the pace cars online. Beautiful cars, even with the Continental kit.
Sweet…..pretty sure this one was offered waaay back in about the same condition….even think it was at a storage place….having a D500 Dodge one kinda keep up with them. This is pretty much the holy grail of early early Dodge muscle – with that Offy 4bl it wasn’t that easy to catch. Love to see it finished and this is not that priced out there….
Something tells me that this upholstery color is a “close match” to the original color. I just can’t wrap my head around that in 1954 the dye lot was that “neon” green….
I raced a 1954 Dodge with the 241 Hemi on 1/4 mile dirt tracks in the 60’s. It won quite a few races against the Ford and Chevy’s of the time