1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer ‘Super D-500’ Coupe
1957 brought forth several notable vehicles, including the Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. This model reflected the design trends of mainstream American manufacturers during the latter half of the 1950s.
The exterior featured dramatic tail fins, chrome trim accents, and a distinctive two-tone paint scheme that captured the optimistic spirit of post-war America. Sweeping lines ran from front to back, creating a sense of motion even when stationary.
The wraparound windshield and hardtop design eliminated the B-pillar, giving the car an open, airy appearance.
Under the hood, the Super D-500 variant packed serious muscle with its 325 cubic inch OHV V-8 engine. Equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors, this powerplant generated an impressive 310 horsepower; substantial output for its time. Power reached the rear wheels through a two-speed Power-Flite automatic transmission.
The suspension system combined torsion bars in front with traditional leaf springs in the rear, providing a balanced ride quality. Four-wheel drum brakes handled stopping duties, while power steering made the big Dodge manageable in everyday driving situations.
Inside, the Custom Royal offered luxury appointments unusual for its price point. Available features included power windows, power seats, and factory air conditioning – a rare option in 1957. The interior displayed typical 1950s American automotive design elements: plenty of chrome trim, a broad dashboard with multiple gauge pods, and bench seating front and rear.
The Custom Royal Lancer competed directly with other premium offerings from GM and Ford, including the Buick Century and Mercury Monterey. However, its optional Super D-500 engine package put it in a different performance category, making it an early entry in the emerging high-performance luxury car segment.
Notable features included dual antennas for the radio system and distinctive badging identifying it as part of the Custom Royal series. The 122-inch wheelbase provided excellent interior space while maintaining relatively manageable exterior dimensions for a premium car of its era.
Dodge positioned this model as its flagship, emphasizing both luxury and performance capabilities. The company’s advertising highlighted the car’s low-slung appearance and extensive feature list, marking it as a significant step forward in Dodge’s product lineup.
Production numbers for Super D-500 equipped vehicles were relatively low, though exact figures remain unclear. The combination of the high-output engine option with luxury features like factory air conditioning made certain examples particularly uncommon.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
