Hiding in this garage is a Mopar classic that should be a guaranteed head-turner. It is a 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer Hardtop that presents superbly and has its original Hemi under the hood. The seller added some upgrades that should unlock a few additional horses. It needs a new home and a buyer who can appreciate all it offers. The Dodge is listed here on Craigslist in Lynden, Washington. It could be yours by handing the seller $35,000.
The White and Gold Dodge started life in Syracuse, New York, before finding its way into a museum in Ohio. It remained on display for thirteen years, and the favorable conditions left it nicely preserved. The paint shines richly, and the color combination is classy and restrained. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with some of the tightest and most consistent gaps I’ve seen on a classic of this vintage. Mopar products from this era could be prone to rust issues, but that isn’t the case with this Royal Lancer. The seller claims it is rust-free, which is encouraging news for buyers seeking a car ready to provide immediate motoring pleasure. The glass is flawless, and the chrome is in excellent condition. It appears this car is close to showroom fresh, although the slammed ride height may suggest there’s more to this classic than meets the eye.
The seller supplies no engine shots, but they provide some relevant details. This car rolled off the line with the D-500 version of Dodge’s 315ci Hemi V8, producing 260hp and an impressive 330 ft/lbs of torque. That power is fed to the rear wheels via a two-speed PowerFlite transmission. While the company didn’t market the Royal Lancer as a high-performance model, its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 17.3 seconds was respectable by the standards of the time. It appears that while this vehicle might be numbers-matching, the seller performed a few mechanical upgrades to extract additional horsepower. The original carburetor and intake made way for a Holley Demon Tri-Power setup, while spent gases exit via headers and true dual exhaust. An MSD ignition provides a stronger and more consistent spark, with stopping power provided by an entirely reconditioned braking system. The seller doesn’t offer specific details on how the Hardtop runs or drives but says potential buyers won’t be disappointed.
This Dodge’s interior is exceptionally tidy, with no significant needs or problems. The seat upholstery is free from wear and stains, with the same true for the carpet. The remaining upholstery is excellent, the painted surfaces shine nicely, and the headliner is new. There may be a slight fitment issue between the upper and lower sections of the dash, but it isn’t easy to be sure due to the photo quality. There are no power-operated options like windows or locks, but the factory AM radio, the gauges, and lights all function as they should.
Cars like this 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer don’t belong in a museum. I understand we need to preserve vehicles of this type for future generations to appreciate, but the creators designed and produced these classics for owners to drive and enjoy. They deserve a life treated with care and respect, but their rightful place is running free on our roads. Recent sales results suggest the asking price is in the ballpark for a vehicle of this caliber, and I hope it finds a new owner who appreciates all it offers. In an ideal world, that person will be one of our readers. You are a dedicated and knowledgeable group of passionate enthusiasts, and if it found its way into your garage, I know it would live the life it deserves.
Nice car. Could use some engine pictures. Lakes pipes don’t fit the look of the car. Had the wheel covers, less the add on bullets, on my lowered ’54 Chevy 210. Probably Dodge’s best looking car of the era.
most poeple these days wouldn’t know what “Lakes Pipes” were much less identify them on a car!
There is an engine photo now. Looks like a very nice setup
I like it mild custom, this was a style and it looks good on this old Dodge. No skirts that’s a win. Well done and can’t understand why no under the hood shots but gold and white with the dropped suspension and big whites yes.
Love this `56, but first thing I’d do is correct the lowered stance. Please tell me he didn’t cut the coils on this! And I’d lose those laker pipes! They look completely wrong on a gorgeous `56 Lancer like this! As for the ‘completely revamped brakes’ did he go with 4 wheel discs, or……? Too many questions need answering on this one but I like it.
Ad says “all new brakes” and doesn’t say anything about upgrades. “Corrected” stance fits this car perfectly.
I’m not sure what the seller is talking about with the reference to seat covers. This looks like a later reupholstery job, not seat covers. The original upholstery would have been something like the fabric on the door and rear side panels.
It would be great if the original upholstery was hidden, pristine, underneath what we can see. I rather doubt that’s the case though.
Still, this seems like a really nice car, and a fairly unusual one.
That’s the cat’s pajamas, honestly, I’m smitten again.
I’d take good care of it if it were mine.
Good find, BF.
Bob
Why on earth no engine photo
That’s one good looking Dodge.
Beautiful design and tasteful upgrades. Wouldn’t change a thing. Just cruise it often.
He announces to the world that it’s a Hemi yet never shows said Hemi.
Thats because it is not a Hemi, the 315 V8 was a polyshere motor. NoHemi engines in Roya models in 56.
Mark
Mark, it has the D-500 option so it probably does have the Red Ram hemi. He’s confused if it doesn’t have a hemi as he has a tag on the front bumper that has HEMI in big letters.
The 1956 Dodge could be had with the 315 poly or hemi, they shared the same block but the heads are different.
Now this one is a well preserved beauty that is worth the price.
That is one beautiful car.
Many years ago while finishing school I worked at a car lot that sold only old iron. Ahead of its time with the concept. I’m talking 1980. We had a Dodge La Femme with all the accessory bits from umbrella to make up kit. Screaming pink. I think it was basically a Royal Lancer…..should have bought it. I think it was 3 K and I didnt have the money..so I bought a 1960 Caddie division window limo and started a limo service.
This is a gorgeous car……..should have a dual snorkel on carb? No? Certainly stands out from the plethora of Chevies and Ford from ’56.
Whoops……………I didnt read the Craigslist ad all the way through.. It appears he has triple carbs. Ixnay on the dual snorkel comment :)
There is an engine photo now. Looks like a very nice setup
@PRA4SNW
HI buddy! Thanks for letting us know about the pic. You’re right. It is a beautiful engine but then he has that nasty, dusty Auto Zone battery in it. UGH!
That’ll learn ya to say it ain’t got no Hemi!!