Dodge Lancer

The Dodge Lancer is an automobile that was built by Dodge. Initially introduced for the as a hardtop version of the full-sized 1955 Dodge, the original version was produced until 1959. In 1961, Dodge revived the Lancer nameplate on the compact Chrysler A platform, but this only remained in production for two model years before it was replaced by the Dodge Dart. For 1985, Dodge used the Lancer nameplate on a car based on the mid-sized Chrysler H platform, and this model remained in production until it was replaced by the Dodge Spirit in 1989.

1955–1959 Coronet Lancer, Royal Lancer and Custom Royal Lancer

Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 to 1959 to designate the two- and four-door hardtop (no B-pillar) models in the full-sized Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal lines. The Custom Royal Lancer was a hardtop only and top-of-the-line model for Dodge in 1959. There were 6,278 two-door and 5,019 four-door hardtops made in 1959. A total of 11,397 Custom Royal Lancers were made.

The Custom Royal Lancer featured a big-block V8 engine, the 361 cu in (5.9 L) producing 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS). A D-500 option was available, which included a 383 cu in (6.3 L) engine with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor rated at 320 hp (239 kW; 324 PS), as well as a Super D-500 version with dual four-barrel carburetors producing 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS).