Does adding more names to a car make it more desirable? Perhaps that was Dodge’s thinking when the Custom Royal Lancer debuted in 1955. For five years, it would be Dodge’s top-of-the-line offering and only came as a hardtop or convertible. The seller’s 1959 edition has been in the same family since new and has only 2,000 miles since it was completely restored. Located in Ferndale, Washington, this finned wonder is available here on craigslist for $39,500. Give credit to “Curvette” for another bodacious tip!
The high point for the “Forward Look” Chrysler products was from 1957 to 1959. That included Dodges like the seller’s example, which wears well 20 feet of pink from head to toe. The 1959 model year was the third year of the styling cycle that made tailfins the talk of the town. Beginning in 1960, these Dodges would shift to unibody construction, and the winged rear ends began to disappear. Examples like the seller’s car could be ordered with the D-500 383 cubic inch V8 that was a high-performance, wedge-head engine. These were potent motors that produced well north of 300 hp.
This Dodge had become tired by the time it was restored, with 93,000 miles (95,000 now). It has Chrysler’s push-button automatic transmission, which was popular until replaced by a column shifter in 1965. The family has a lot of history to pass along, including the car’s original sales receipt from an Everett, WA, Dodge dealer. Restored to as-new condition, the body is solid, the paint shiny, and the interior tidy, all of which enabled the Mopar to win a trunk full of trophies.
There are a couple of minor problems that the buyer will have to address, as the seller isn’t interested in putting any more effort into the machine. One is brake-related, the other a fuel tank leak. But the Dodge is still ready to continue to be driven and shown. The car has those cool swivel seats that Chrysler was fond of in those days. This beauty can be had for the seller’s asking price, with some possible help with shipping expenses.
Lots of competition at that price.
Steve R
Most likely it will go over to Europe or down under with the 100 or more that are already there….they love these 1957-1959 Mopars….
loved these when I was an interested teen in every car that came out S=Dersign and lines on this dodge are fantastic. Color combo is gorgeous however I may have selected different interior color. Id love to have this in my garage next to my recently purchased 19224 mile Lincoln Town car 4 dr
So, is the paint the original colors? Those colors, which are gorgeous make zero sense with the red interior. Blecch.
LOVE the two-tone ‘rose quartz’ that was popular in `59 on these! Then I caught the bright red interior………..(shakes head, stares at floor) Something tells me this particular Custom Royal did not leave the factory in this combination. With that interior, I could see this originally being ‘maybe’ red/white two-tone, but not rose quartz! A beautiful car for sure, but a very ODD color combination. GLWTA!
I concur with the foregoing statements! Still, I really like the styling of the car
I always liked the Custom Royal line, especially the ’59 models. I saw some really fairly off-the-wall color combinations back in the day but this one really takes it to a new level. Everyone in town is going to see/hear you in this one.
The 50s was a decade that really pushed the appearance envelope. I don’t think I’ve seen a combination quite this far off the wall but I like it. As if I’d ever want a pink car. This suits it.
If I won the lottery last weekend you can park it at my place…
My first car was a 1959 Custom Royal, this color pattern, but the interior was beige with bench seats, and a 360 engine with lots of power. I was 18 years old then 1968 (75 now) and it did well over 120 mph. The tail fins were wonderful hiding places. The days of being dumb and stupid. It was a wonderful car, I wish I still had it.
Striking. What a delightful combination of exterior color. Then you open the door. Oh my. What I think we see here is an unfinished vision. Relatively rare 4-door hardtop with swivel seats that needs a color change inside.
That color combo gives me a headache.
It’s the original Pepto-Bismol ride.
that sure is 1 wild rear end design. this car has a small window of buyers especially at that price. how do you live with a fuel leak and sticking brakes? both are safety hazards
Beautiful color combination!
If you have looked at a lot of original 1955-1959 Mopars you would know that they produced a lot of cars with clashing interiors and exteriors. I have seen examples of 2 tone green exteriors with pink and red interiors. This 2 tone pink exterior with red interior is highly plausible. Never say never with Mopar.
This is a very nice car but I’m afraid highly overpriced for this market, although very clean and correct this car being a 4 door will not bring this kind of money most likely…