’55 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible
Ever have one of those cars that keeps breaking down, no matter how many times you restore it? Rebuild the engine, the transmission blows. Replace the rearend gears, and the driveshaft U-joints wear out. Every time you fix it, you think “that’s it, it’s all done, it’s ready to rock cruise night,” just in time to have something else snap.
Chrysler owns one of those companies.
As anyone who doesn’t live under a rock knows, Chrysler was recently “saved” by President Obama’s help (and money). Before that, it was “saved” by Daimler-Benz. Before that, it was “saved” by the Intrepid sedan. Before that, it was “saved” by Lee Iacoca and the K-car/minivan.
Chrysler’s “Plan B” if this Fiat thing doesn’t work out…..
In 1955, Chrysler was “saved” by Prudential Securities with a $250 million dollar loan, to be paid back over 100 years. The money was spent on things like a new factory, some car-making equipment, building up other divisions like Plymouth, and other stuff that wouldn’t last 100 years (yeah, bad management and Chrysler go waaaay back).
One of those major upgrades was to the design of the cars. Designer Maury Baldwin (with help from superstar designer Virgil Exner), was put to the task of creating a new and exciting lineup of vehicles that would bring people back to Chrysler’s dealerships. Out of all the vehicles produced, this one would become the most beautiful:
This is the Dodge Custom Royal Convertible, a.k.a, “The Lancer.” It was the highest trim level available, and was also the most rare. This particular specimen is only one of six allowed into Canada with its Super Red Ram Hemi engine. Of course, back in those days they didn’t call it a Hemi. The 270-cubic inch V8 had a double rocker shaft, so old guys like your Grandpa called it a “double rocker.” While pushing this car to school. Uphill. Both ways. In a snowstorm.
Aside from three motors (the flathead “Getaway” inline-6, the “Red Ram” V8, and the “Super Red Ram” Hemi V8), the 1955 model year would come with a huge number of options, trim levels, and body styles. Base model Dodges were called Coronets, and were available in a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop coupe called “The Lancer” and “Coronet” simultaneously, and a 2-door and 4-door wagon, called “The Coronet” and called “The Suburban,” which is also the name of a Chevy truck for soccer moms and creepy bearded men who live in the woods.
If you’re not confused yet, read up on the multitude of trim levels and body styles with multiple names, including “La Femme,” the first Chrysler product targeted to women.
The thing to remember is that the convertible was only available in the Custom Royal Lancer trim, making any owner the “coolest cat in town.” The 2-speed automatic with dash-mounted shifter came in handy for cruise time, while the big Hemi engine could be cranked up to 195 horsepower with the optional “Power Pack” when it was go time. A year later, the same car would be available as the D-500, a high-output version with up to 260 horsepower and heavy-duty suspension for when you really need to be somewhere.
This car is also the newest pride & joy of the Gauthier Automotive Museum. An important part of the Gauthier Automotive Group, the museum is dedicated to restoring rare and historically significant vehicles such as this. Aside from the Dodge in front of you, the museum also houses a pair of late ’60s Chevelle big-block convertibles, a Plymouth superbird, the only ‘56 Chevy to leave the factory with silver paint, and a ‘54 Cadillac Coupe DeVille convertible that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, the museum isn’t regularly open to the public, and the only way for most people to get a peek is to buy a car (the display area shares a basement with a waiting room for new car buyers). Of course, with yesterday’s Chapter 11 filing and government buyout, picking up a new Chevy is almost a civic duty.
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Hi
Very nice cars this Dodge from 1955 and very rare spec conv.
I have a 2 d coupe in god cond.
endjoy your car and have a nice sunday tour.