1955 Dodge

1955 Dodge
1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge (Chrysler)
Also called	Dodge Coronet Dodge Suburban Dodge Royal Dodge Sierra Dodge Royal Lancer Dodge Custom Royal Dodge Custom Royal Lancer
Production	1955–1956
Assembly	Dodge Main Factory, Hamtramck, MI
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop coupe 2-door wagon 4-door wagon 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Related	DeSoto Custom Plymouth Plaza
Powertrain
Engine	230 in³ (3.8 L) Getaway I6 270 in³ (4.4 L) Red Ram V8 325 cu in (5.3 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Transmission	2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	120 in (3048 mm)
Length	212.1 in (5387 mm)
Chronology
Successor	1957 Dodge

The 1955 Dodge lineup, consisting of the entry-level Coronet, Royal, and ornate Custom Royal, was a major departure for the company. Driven almost out of business in 1953 and 1954, the Chrysler Corporation was revived with a $250 million loan from Prudential and new models designed by Virgil Exner. The Dodge lineup was positioned as the mainstream line in Chrysler's hierarchy, between DeSoto and Plymouth.

Overview

The 1955 Dodge was all-new with a longer 120 in (3048 mm) wheelbase and 212.1 in (5387 mm) overall length than the 1954 cars. They shared their basic mechanicals with the DeSoto Custom, but featured special styling. These cars lasted through the 1955 and 1956 model years before being replaced by the all-new 1957 design.

There were six body styles and four trim lines for 1955:

Coronet

The Coronet (and Suburban station wagon) was the base model. This was the only line to feature the 230 in³ (3.8 L) Getaway I6 as well as the 270 in³ (4.4 L) Red Ram V8. Coronets were available in all body styles except the convertible. Sedans feature "Coronet" badges on the fenders, while the station wagons are called "Suburban". Although the hardtop coupe was officially named "Lancer", it wore only "Coronet" badges. Turn signals were standard on the Royal and Custom Royal models but optional on the base Coronet.

Royal

The Royal (and Sierra wagon) were the next step up. Featuring only the V8 engine, the Royal also lacked the 2-door sedan and wagon models available in the Coronet line. Early hardtop coupes lack the "Lancer" script, although they were officially Lancers, but later models wore "Royal Lancer" badges.

Custom Royal

1956 Coronet Royal Lancer with custom chrome flipper hubcaps

The flagship model was the Custom Royal. All hardtop coupe and Custom Royal-only convertible models were called "Custom Royal Lancer". The Custom line featured unique chrome tailfins (although early model year cars went without this trim), special tail light surrounds, and an upscale interior. Backup lights were standard on the Custom line but optional on all others. The Custom Royal also featured the hemi 270 CID Super Red Ram engine.^[1]

La Femme

See also Dodge La Femme

The La Femme was a special package oriented towards women, who made up an increasing share of Dodge buyers. It came in Heather Rose and Sapphire White colors and included a cape, boots, umbrella, and shoulder bag that matched the floral tapestry-like fabrics. Changes to the car include built-in compartments in the seatbacks to hold these accessories.

Technical specifications

Power came from either a 230 cu in (4 L) flathead straight six or one of two 270 cu in (4 L) V8s. The regular Red Ram V8 was standard on the Royal and optional on the Coronet. A hemi V8 (the Super Red Ram) was standard on the Custom Royal. A rare Power Pack was optional, consisting of a four-barrel Carter carburetor and dual exhausts good for 193 hp (144 kW; 196 PS) with the Hemi engine.

Two transmissions were offered: a three-speed manual with optional overdrive and Chrysler's two-speed PowerFlite automatic. The PowerFlite was controlled by a dash-mounted lever, though this was changed to a push-button setup for 1956.

The cars used a special coil spring/kingpin suspension in front and regular leaf springs and a live axle at the rear. Power steering was optional. A six-volt electrical system was updated to 12 volts in 1956.

References

• "Dodge cars of 1955". Allpar.com. Retrieved July 26, 2006.
• "D-500". Allpar.com. Retrieved July 26, 2006.
• "Dodge Coronet History Part I". Musclecarclub.com. Archived from the original on 2006-07-20. Retrieved July 28, 2006.