While everyone has their favorite year or decade of car design, it can be almost universally agreed upon that the 1950s was the best decade for sheer automotive imagination. The decade started out relatively hum-drum, but by 1959, cars were being designed long with huge fins, chrome every which way, and with their own, unique personalities. The 50s were so impactful that all you need to do is mention the term "tail fins" and everyone will think of some sort of late-1950s flagship American car.There are a few iconic models that came out of the late 1950s that are universally coveted and loved by the automotive community, like the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado or the 1959 Chevrolet Impala with its "Bat-Wing" rear end. However, there was another car that embodied late 50s styling perfectly, but no one remembers it. It's the 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer, and it looks about as 1950s as you can get. The Beautiful Wallflower RK Motors Quick Facts About The 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Part of the Dodge Coronet family Employed the use of a 383 CID V8 Offered as both a two or four-door Featured options like foot-activated windshield wipers Known as one of the most quintesentially-50s cars ever designed While not even in its name, the Dodge Custom Royal Lancer is actually based on the Dodge Coronet, a model that got its start all the way back in 1949. Back then, Dodge was interested in breaking out of the old, outdated pre-World War II designs and into a more modern look. By the late 40s, automakers had begun penning cars with lower rooflines and longer wheelbases. The Coronet was the first of Dodge's new designs, and was the top-spec model, sitting above other models like the Dodge Wayfarer and Meadowbrook.Bring A Trailer A second-gen Coronet debuted in time for the 1952 model year, and looked wildly different from its first-gen forebear. With the introduction of a new Hemi straight-six engine, the second-gen Coronet was responsible for setting several land-speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It was also one of the first Dodge models to sport a one-piece windshield, something seen as sleek and stylish at the time. The Royal grade would be introduced in 1954, taking a higher place on the Coronet's model hierarchy.The third-gen Coronet entered the fold in 1955 with a new objective to adhere to. For starters, the Coronet was now slated to be one of Dodge's entry-level models, losing its opulent status enjoyed during its first and second generations. However, a new grade called the Custom Royal was added to complement the standard Royal, and sat just above it on the Coronet's offering list as a more luxury-oriented iteration of the model. Chrome & Tail Fins Galore 1959 Dodge Custom Royal LancerBy 1959, the Coronet was already two years into its fourth generation. However, its look had changed quite a bit within those couple of trips around the sun. The 1959 model boasted more chrome and body lines than any other Dodge model to-date, and the Custom Royal remained as the highest-spec model. However, the "Lancer" grade had also joined the Coronet Custom Royal lineup, becoming the most opulent and well-equipped model on the docket.RK Motors While it didn't carry the same sort of pedigree as a Chrysler model, the '59 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was about as close as you could get to owning a Chrysler, without actually buying one. Its options list included things like swivel front seats and foot-operated windshield wipers. The driver's seat could also be optioned with six-way power adjustment on top of the swivel feature. Power steering and brakes, an adjustable speed warning indicator, along with air conditioning and a push-button-operated automatic transmission were featured, as well.RK Motors The 1959 Custom Royal Lancer's styling was penned with a desire to compete with other Detroit Big Three intermediate flagships being produced at the time, like the Buick Electra 225 and the Mercury Park Lane. Being a Dodge, it couldn't set fully fledged brands like Cadillac or Lincoln within its sights directly. But, with its large fins, dual aerials, and a front end with more chrome than a 1930s future flick, it's understandable to assume that Dodge gunned for the big boys with the Custom Royal Lancer, too. What's Under All That Chrome & Steel? RK MotorsBuyers had their choice between three engine options, two of which took advantage of the same motor. At base level sat a 361 CID Dodge "Super Red Ram" V8. It was capable of producing 305 horsepower and around 400 pound-feet of torque. However, those with a larger penchant for grunt could opt for the D-500 engine option, which took advantage of a 320-hp 383 CID V8 employing the use of a single four-barrel carburetor. You could also have sprung for an even more powerful D-500 engine option with a pair of four-barrel carburetors, increasing the engine option's power output by 25 ponies.RK Motors The sole transmission option was a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic, and rear-wheel drive was the sole drivetrain on offer. The '59 Custom Royal Lancer's chassis was shared with other Chrysler brands, including Imperial, DeSoto, and Plymouth. All told, the Custom Royal Lancer measured 217.4 inches in overall length, just under nine inches shorter than a modern Chevrolet Suburban. Braking was taken care of by a set of self-adjusting drums featuring optional vacuum-operated power assistance.RK Motors*Specs courtesy of Auta5P & Hemmings Make Sure To Hide Your Wallet RK Motors If you're anything like me, this car would have probably captured at least part of your heart by now. There's no substitution for its 1950s charm, not even with some other models available at the time. However, it's not as simple as pulling a few large out of your bank account and popping down to the agreed-upon parking lot to pick up your Marketplace find. Instead, you'll most likely have to go through auction sites to get a decent example of a Custom Royal Lancer, and they're a bit rare as it is.You'll need the power of hope on your side if you're gunning for a D-500 iteration or, even worse, the Super D-500 dual-carb version. According to some sources, less than 10 were ever made in the first place. For context, a single Super D-500-equipped '59 Custom Royal Lancer was offered for sale on BringATrailer.com. It was bid up to $155,000, but did not sell, and that was in 2016. A price tag that would rival a small home in the Rust Belt should serve as a good-enough example of how much a Super D-500 can go for.RK Motors However, the standard-engined Custom Royal Lancers are easier to find, and nicer to the pocket. Take a look at the table below to see what Hagerty has to say about its value:So, it's safe to say that the Custom Royal Lancer can seriously put a dent in your savings. However, should you have the scratch and the determination to own one for yourself, the 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer can set your soul on fire with its peerless 1950s looks. But, make sure you roll with those aerials deployed. They really enhance the curb appeal, at least in this author's opinion.
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