- Seller: Todd P (Contact)
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Mileage: 43,986 Shown
- Chassis #: 1234567890
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 315 cui Hemi V8
- Transmission: PowerFlite
By the mid-1950s, Detroit styling had entered its jet-age phase, and Dodge embraced the movement with dramatic lines, generous chrome, and V8 power. This 1956 Dodge Royal wears all the hallmarks of the era and now emerges as a genuine field-find project with what may be its biggest asset still sitting between the fenders: a 315ci Hemi V8. Located in Texarkana, Texas, this Dodge is offered at auction with a reserve.
The seller states that the car was recently pulled from a field after a lengthy period of storage. While clearly a project, this Royal appears fairly complete. The seller claims it retains its original exterior trim and much of its factory hardware, although it appears some of the trim has been removed from the body and is sitting on the trunk. Photos show the distinctive front-end styling is still intact, along with the bumpers, grille components, body trim, and glass. The seller notes a dent on the driver-side rear quarter panel, while visible rust is present throughout portions of the body.
Under the hood we find Dodge’s 315-cubic-inch V8, an engine family that continues to attract collectors and hot rodders alike for its performance potential and period significance. The seller claims it’s a Hemi and that it turns over by hand, though it has not been started and should be considered a full recommissioning candidate. The listing identifies the transmission as an automatic, though prospective bidders may wish to verify drivetrain details for originality and condition.
Inside, the car appears unmodified but in rough shape. The seller notes that major components, such as the original seats and gauges, remain in place. However, the floors are reported to be rotted, and the next owner should expect substantial metalwork before the car is returned to the road. Despite that, the seller describes the frame as solid, and the Dodge reportedly rolls on all four wheels, which should aid transport and restoration.
One important consideration for prospective buyers is paperwork. The seller notes that the Dodge is being sold with a missing title status, so interested parties should research title and registration requirements in their home state before bidding.
While this 1956 Dodge Royal will require substantial work, cars of this era are increasingly difficult to find with their trim intact and a Hemi still under the hood. Whether destined for restoration, custom treatment, parts donor, or use as the foundation for a vintage Mopar build, this Royal appears to offer a promising starting point for the right enthusiast.
The missing title is going to be a major hurdle to overcome.
Talk to someone with an auction license in your state…
In California, missing title is no problem. Run a VIN check, apply for lost title, have a bill of sale and apply. Then you have to take it to a CHP inspection area and your done. Did two old dirt bikes and three cars that way. Easy peasy and legal.
It’s even easier in Connecticut. Present a bill of sale and a signed affidavit stating who you bought it from and you’re done. No inspection or “title search” required either.
The person buying this is not going to put this back on the road, just a parts car.
I’m no expert on pre-’57s, but #1, not a hemi, and #2, not a powerglide. Powerflite maybe.
With all of the pushbuttons (electro-mechanical, I believe) obviously missing. And it’s a 4 door to boot. With a reserve….hahaha.
Chrysler push button transmission was straight mechanical. No electric.
Granddaddy bought a 55 royal lancer new…with a hemi.
Yeah that is not a hemi. That is a 318 poly spherical head engine. Easiest way to tell is that a spark plug wires do not go down through the center of the valve cover so once again not a hemi. And it’s definitely not a power glide that was a GM transmission
The engine looks like a Poly, not a Hemi.
Hemi head V8’s are easy to identify because the spark plugs are located on the top of the head, through the center of the valve cover as opposed to a conventional head which has the spark plugs located on the side of the head below the valve cover.
Like some have mentioned, it’s not a hemi. Nice car at one time, but there’s a lot of critical hard to find parts missing. But maybe there’s still hope
Nothing wrong with a poly
Hemi would be nice