There are barn finds and then there are real barn finds such as this 1955 Dodge Royal two-door hardtop. Parked in 1994, this mid-level Dodge has resurfaced and is now looking for its next automotive adventure. As already noted, it has cleaned up pretty well and I’d suggest that there is some definite upside for this automotive citizen of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We have T.J. to thank for this tip and those interested will find the listing for this almost 70-year-old Dodge here on Facebook Marketplace where it’s available for $6,500.
Coming in eighth place in the 1955 U.S. production race, Dodge offered three trim levels that year, starting with the “Coronet”, moving up to the “Royal” (such as our subject car), and topping out with the “Custom Royal”. Royal body styles covered two-door hard tops (known as Lancers) as well as four-door sedans and station wagons. Our barn find is one of 25K to leave Dodge’s assembly line that year.
The seller tells us, “Body has surface patina. The frame is solid but the floorboards have some rust.” The before-and-after images are helpful as one can see what’s hiding under all of that barn mung. And what you have is a solid, straight-looking body, fair chrome and stainless trim, and non-delaminated/cracked glass. Yup, this one’s complete.
A Polyshere 183 gross HP, 270 CI V8 provides Royal power, or at least it did 30 years ago. With out a specific statement to the contrary, this one’s considered a non-runner. The engine looks complete and the inner fender appears to be sporting a newish starter solenoid – maybe an attempt to get it running? A PowerFlite automatic transmission makes the rear wheel hookup.
The interior still shows pretty well though the fabric and vinyl driver’s side of the front bench seat is showing some wear – no surprise considering someone’s bottom was planted there for a 124K miles of use. The interior upholstery and door panels are two-tone in a way that was so typical, and attractive, for 1950’s models – wish that were the case today. It looks like someone has added a trio of auxillary gauges under the center portion of the dash.
As stated earlier, we feature all sorts of cars that possess a myriad of back stories – many claiming to be barn finds that really aren’t. I’d say this one is ‘da real ting and is a nice alternative to a tri-five Chevy, which seems to dominate this era in car collection, hot rodding, and restoration. Here’s to hoping this Dodge Royal gets a new lease on life, wouldn’t you agree?
That looks like a good buy from here.
I certainly like the patina, but it sure is odd that the hood looks so much more faded (is that the right term?) then the rest of the car!
Engine heat over 124K miles will do that. Plus, being subject to the hot sun year after year.
There’s a lot of good here. It’s not dented or rusted (through), and the bumpers are straight too. The interior needs only a seat cover. I don’t know anything about the engine/transmission, but those valve covers look so cool I’d get it running no matter what, and clean/detail the engine bay. Also, I’d leave the paint alone, (sorry anti-patina brigade!) If you paint it the chrome will look terrible in contrast, and that can cost a small fortune to re-plate.
When I commented on the owner clear coating that 63 Biscayne the other day, this car could be a possibility for that route as well. Preserve whats there, I agree with Dave above, if you go nuts with the paint it will make the chrome look bad. But rubbing compound can do a lot of good on chrome. Theres a lot to work with here. I was very surprised by how good the interior looks as well. And its not a super common car either, it would be something different to take to a cars and coffee. Mid 50s Chrysler products were handsome designs.
Just don’t use a gloss clear coat, maybe a satin finish?
Looks like Sgt Carter’s car on early Gomer Pyle episodes.
This brings back some great memories. It’s almost identical to the new one my aunt bought in 1955, except her’s was a try-color with a dark green on the top of the hood and above the molding on the sides – but still with the white roof. My aunt rather favored me back in those years and during her typical two-week visits, her Dodge was mine. I thought it was unbelievably cool – and it was. My favorite year for all the Mopars. I rather thought the “add-on” fins in ’56 rather spoiled the design – but then “The Forward Look” hit us in ’57 and all made sense again. The ‘56s were just a transition vehicle.
But oh those beautiful ’55 designs! Well balanced and elegant – even by today’s standards. Normally, I’m not much of a patina guy, but the cost and availability of decent chrome plating have really forced me into considering it. As long as I “do no harm” maybe the next owner could endure the expense and the slow turn-around. Wouldn’t I love to own this car – but I already have a garage-full of MGs…
Looka like the Vice Grip Garage car from a few yeard ago?