1957 Dodge Custom Royal

The Dodge Custom Royal is an automobile which was produced by Dodge in the United States for the 1955 through 1959 model years. In each of these years the Custom Royal was the top trim level of the Dodge line, above the mid level Dodge Royal and the base level Dodge Coronet. 2-Door Hardtop, 4-Door Hardtop and Convertible models were marketed under the name “Dodge Custom Royal Lancer”.

Dodge described the 1957 Custom Royal Lancer as ‘completely new, from road to roof,’ and it was. The longer, lower and wider body sat on a new X-braced frame with side rails. ‘Twin-Set Driving and Parking Lights’ were neatly placed above the ‘Mono-Grille.’ Out back, ‘Soaring Swept Wings’ housed new ‘Twin-Jet Taillamps.’ The Torque-Flite automatic transmission featured pushbutton controls and a ‘Scope-Sight’ horizontal red ribbon speedometer accurately reported vehicle speed. All in all, it was a dramatic package that set the pace for medium-priced cars in 1957.

In 1957, the Custom Royal was the absolute top of the line for Dodge and the D-500 designation further rarified the air by dropping in a 325 cubic inch Hemi with a Carter 4 -barrel carburetor. With 285 horse power, once the D-500 option was checked the heavy duty, push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission was installed by default. The D-500 option also included a true dual exhaust system, a heavy-duty air cleaner, and a heavy-duty dual-point distributor. Big news for 1957 was the all new Torsion-Aire suspension: an independent torsion bar system that included ”anti-dip” upper and lower control arms, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar.

Original black and gold interior, power seat, power windows, power steering, power brakes and power top. Complete frame-off restoration, fender skirts, dual antennas and exhaust tips.

The Dodge Royal Custom was well-named, the top-billed act from Chrysler’s emerging sport division. This 1957 edition in yellow and black with Super Red Ram power befits Dodge’s heritage appropriately.