Thanks to a hefty loan, Chrysler embarked on a dry run for their “Forward Look” cars in 1955. That approach took hold with the swoopy styling of 1957 that brought tailfins to new heights. Model names for Dodge in ‘55 were a little confusing (based on trim and body style), but the seller’s car appears to be a Custom Royal (the Lancer name only applied to hardtops and convertibles). Last registered in 1987 and in storage for years, this one-owner Dodge is said to run well and maybe only needs TLC. Located in Rio Vista, California, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $5,500. Our thanks to Barn Finder “numskal” for another tip from way back when!
Designer Virgil Exner was hired away from Studebaker and would begin crafting Chrysler automobiles in the mid-1950s. Born were the “Forward Look” cars which were also advertised as having the “Hundred Million Dollar Look” due to the aforementioned $250N borrow. Dodges were bigger in 1955, having grown by more than half a foot, and wraparound windshields would be a new thing. The pecking order in terms of trim was the Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal, with the latter two having a V8 engine as standard equipment. The latter was dubbed the “Red Ram” at 270 cubic inches with a poly spherical head design.
At 109,000 miles, this ’55 Dodge is a one-family car that’s spent about as much time off the road as on. Other than some wear in the two-tone paint, the automobile doesn’t look to have led a hard life. It was in storage for more than 25 years and we assume that was indoors whether Mother Nature could be held at bay. The engine is said to run well (no photos) and the PowerFlite automatic transmission “goes right into gear”.
Rust does not seem to have been an issue and – other than a discolored headliner – the interior comes across as at least passable. As these cars are only original once, I’d be hesitant to do a restoration. Instead, I’d be inclined to fix whatever might need fixing and take this to local shows on the weekend, giving others a taste of what motoring in the ‘50s was like.
270 Red Ram? Thought it was a “baby” Hemi.
Not all of the ’55 Dodge V8s were hemis.
Dodge made a 270 poly head and 270 hemi. They shared the same block.
Almost looks like a Tennessee Highway Patrol Cruiser
Sellers ad says “hemi” but no pictures to confirm it.
🤔 Hmmmm.
My book shows 3 different 270″ engines, I’ve always thought that the Red Ram was a “Hemi”
I like the older MoPars, and somebody added a seat belt to this one, but what is that red paint peeking out around the door frame?
The dodge hemi in those days was called a Super Red Ram