Finding a classic car with a known ownership history can prove irresistible for some people seeking a candidate to park in their garage. That is the story behind this 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D-500 that has been garage-kept throughout its life. It has 45,000 miles on the clock, needing nothing but a new owner who can appreciate all it offers. The Dodge is listed here on eBay in Salem, Virginia. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $16,000.

Some readers will argue that this Dodge is not a genuine survivor, and I am prepared to accept that view. A previous owner treated it to a repaint in its factory combination of Gallant Gold and Glacier White in approximately 1990, and it still presents well over thirty years later. The paint doesn’t reflect like glass, but it retains a warm shine in keeping with the era the Dodge rolled off the line. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots confirm that this gem is as solid as a rock. There are traces of surface corrosion the new owner may choose to treat to prevent deterioration, but no signs of steel penetration. A notable feature is the lack of physical damage to the acres of trim and chrome. This can be prone to wear and tear, and the spotless condition of every piece on this car is a testament to careful ownership. The tinted glass is pristine, while the dual rear antennas, spinner hubcaps, and whitewalls add a classy finishing touch.

Purists will examine this Lancer’s interior and cite the seatcovers as further proof this classic isn’t a genuine survivor. It is another point I am willing to concede, but locating replacements in the correct materials and colors should not present many obstacles for those preferring a factory appearance. A previous owner purchased and installed these in 2000, and they are as impressive as the rest of the vehicle. There are no signs of wear or physical damage, with the same true of the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet. The dash and gauges look marvelous, and the only noteworthy fault is some slight deterioration on the bottoms of both kick panels. The seller says that slipping behind the wheel reveals a vehicle that retains that distinctive new car smell.

This is the D-500 variant of the 1957 Custom Royal Lancer, meaning its 325ci “Hemi” V8 produces 285hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with the winning bidder receiving power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller claims this beauty has a genuine 45,000 miles on the clock, and the documented ownership history means they may hold verifying evidence. The previous owner replaced the brakes and exhaust, while the car recently received a new water pump. It has remained appropriately maintained, and potential bidders can consider it a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, leaving the possibility of the new owner flying in and undertaking a road trip home.

The overall condition makes it easy to understand why this 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D-500 has attracted twenty-one bids in under two days. It presents well, is rock-solid, and has no immediate needs. A purist may decide to replace the seatcovers, but that would be one of the few tasks required to return it to its factory appearance. Recent sales results suggest the bidding will probably pass $20,000 before hitting the reserve, and the potential is there for the hammer to fall with a figure closer to $30,000. Nothing in the classic world is certain, but I won’t be surprised if this gem gets there. Will you?