Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D 500 Convertible. Beautiful restoration

Dodge Other 1958 Description

Original 305 horsepower, 361 cubic inch V-8 engine with 4-bbl Carter Carburetor, three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126.0 inches
Chrysler Corporation entered the 1957 model year with the mantra, “Suddenly it’s 1960.” Suddenly it seemed like it was. All five lines of cars had tall, iconic fins, giving them a wedge-shaped profile. General Motors’ spies saw the new cars over the fence and immediately began the redesign of their 1959 line; they were that far behind.
Dodge was unique among the 1957 Chrysler with the treatments of the fins. Rather than use the simple wedge profile, their stylists perched separate, triangular fins atop rounded rear fenders. By giving the fins chrome outlines, they had created the perfect device for innovative two-tone schemes, the norm for American cars.
The industry was largely locked into three-year styling cycles. As a result, each successive year had to embellish on the “pure” intro-year design, until, in the fourth year, it was time for a fresh approach. Thus, the 1958 Dodges got a mild makeover, mostly in the grille; although, cars now received true quad headlights due to changes in laws requiring them.

The 122-inch wheelbase stayed the same, and to the untrained eye, it looked very much like the 1957. Dodge sales were down in 1958 due largely to a recession and work stoppages, but they still reached two-thirds the volume of 1957.

The 1957 and ‘58 Dodges had not stood still mechanically. The new torsion bar, independent front suspension was continued, as was the excellent Torqueflite three-speed automatic. Engines had increased in size, and most significantly in 1958, the new wedge powerplants had moved into what had been strictly Hemi territory. The wedge engines were of 350 and 361 cubic inch displacement. The 361 was great and add on the D-500 option and the car could keep up with virtually anything on the road those days.

Since 1956, Dodge had offered a set of D-500 models. In the beginning, these had heavier suspension and more powerful engines, but over time, the package became more of an engine high-performance option. For 1958, it had been a 361, developing 305 horsepower with a single four-barrel, or a 320 with two.

This documented genuine 1958 Custom Royal Convertible has the D-500 361 engine with Carter four barrel carb. The transmission is Chrysler’s sturdy three-speed Torqueflite. It is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and an AM radio with dual rear-mounted antennas in addition to power windows. It also has correct seats, upholstered in a duo-color vinyl-cloth combination of Paris Rose, and black. Formerly in a prestigious mid west collection, it has been restored in Paris Rose and Black, as Dodge called its colors. With excellent contours and paint, it has been restored to a very high standard and has recently been shown for the first time. A black cloth convertible top is fitted with a matching boot cover.
The engine compartment is clean and well detailed with correct valve covers and an air cleaner, ready for show. The undercarriage is spotless and extensively detailed. Medium-width whitewall tires are mounted on correct wheels and hub caps.
Just 1139 Custom Royal Convertibles were produced in 1958, this one produced at the Hamtrack plant, the number of D-500 power being a fraction of the total. According to many experts, this car might be one of less than 20 that is a proven D500.

A rare opportunity to own one of the jewels from Chrysler in the height of the finned era, that is a fabulous car ready to be shown or driven and enjoyed. Worldwide shipping help available, free shipping to New York area port if being exported.

Feel free to call me at 860-883-3998 with any questions or click on the 'contact seller' link.