“Can you find me a nice, antique car?” asked this owner of his best friend in 1998, with having a classic car from his 1955 birth year in mind. His friend agreed to the task, and added: “You don't want a belly button car”, which was aimed at the “mainstream” Tri-Chevys. What he came up with, was this stunning 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer. The owner loved it and would cherish it for the years to come. Now, 24 years later, the garage just got too crowded, and it's time to pass the Dodge on to someone else.



The Lancer was ordered by a Chrysler executive with every option available on the list, but then spent many years in storage. It was then sold from New Jersey to a new owner in Atlanta and made its way back to New Jersey when the current owner acquired it. The current owner found out about the vehicle’s history at a car show when he met the second New Jersey owner who recognized his old Dodge. In 24 years, the recent owner really enjoyed the Lancer and added about 2,000 miles to the odometer, which reads 68,105 original miles. The clean North Carolina title is in his name.



The beautifully styled Lancer came from factory in a stunning Tri-color scheme, including “Fantasy Yellow”, “Saratoga White” and “Jewel Black”. The paint above the belt line chrome trim is original and shows some aging. The only area ever repaired was the lower (black painted) quarter panel behind the rear wheel arches. Tail fins, headlight buckets and bumpers have been re-chromed about 20 years ago and show nicely. There is an additional horizontal front bumper guard that was taken off for a cleaner look and comes with the vehicle. The original antennas were replaced with retractable ones for the easier use of the car cover, but the original parts can be reinstalled and reconnected with the factory AM radio, which still works.



The cabin appears in a very elegant black-on-white, with lots of chrome. The front and rear bench are wrapped in white vinyl, with black cloth inserts. It is original and in overall very good condition, with the only sign of aging visible at the loose door panel seam trim. The Lancer came with power-everything. It’s ultra-rare to find a ’55 with power seat, power windows, power steering and power brakes, and these power accessories still work as designed. Only the speedometer quit its duty about a year ago and it is known that cable is not at fault. The clock should be replaced with a quartz unit.



The 4.4 Liter/270 cu in. Super Red Ram Hemi V8 with 196 hp is mated to a 2-speed automatic, its performance is still respectable for today's standards. A 6V electric fuel pump with a check-valve was added to ensure quick starting if the car has been sitting for weeks or months. A hidden button pumps gas to the carb to prime it for start-up, but the car still runs on the original mechanical fuel pump. Brake master cylinder and all 16 wheel cylinders (four per wheel!) have been replaced, the Hankook Optimo radial tires are less than 200 miles old. The undercarriage shows some light surface rust – a normal sight for a vehicle of this age.



Other than noting the amount of wear and tear that can be filed under “patina”, the Lemon Squad inspection report mentions a strong engine with plenty of power with no signs of smoking or misfire, a smooth shifting transmission, a good road holding and responsive steering and firm brakes.



What we have here is a well preserved, unique cruiser with the right amount of patina, that still stuns with its beautiful design and elegant paint scheme after all these years. No question this Dodge will be a refreshing sight at any car show among all the mainstream Chevys, but it is also capable of handling long distances . The owner enjoyed the Lancer on multiple road trips. Relish the original, unmolested condition as is, or invest some TLC and turn this Dodge into an absolute show stopper. And you can be sure, you will have the only Royal Lancer wherever you are.



Listed for auction at www.Clasiq.com

Auction Ends 8/11

Please contact me for links to more photos, mechanical inspection and walk around video

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