Frame Off Restored Royal Lancer D500 383/320 HP V8

Dodge shed its stodgy image once and for all with the daring look of its 1959 offerings. That's because, in an attempt to appeal to a new generation of increasingly affluent buyers, Chrysler decided to pull out all the stops and load its brands with flashy, egocentric offerings. And subsequently, the curvy, jet-inspired creations Mopar enthusiasts had come to know and love began sprouting exclusive counterparts like this stylish Lancer D500 coupe. Wrapping a hot 383 cubic inch V8 and a stalwart Torqueflite pushbutton transmission in a tailored interior and a ton of stylish sheetmetal, this all-American cruiser HAS to be some of the coolest metal on the planet! And with only 6,277 companion cars built, it's likely some of the rarest Detroit iron ever produced. For fans of unique cars, it doesn't get much better than an Exner era Chrysler. And if you're a discerning collector who's itching for a classic, big-fin Mopar that'll be the star of every show it attends, this '59 Dodge is your ticket!

Based on legendary designer Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' body, Dodge's newly radicalized offerings were adorned in flamboyant 'Swept Wing' styling that made them look fast even when standing still. And, introduced to supplement the brand's Royal and Custom Royal models, this stunning Lancer D500 is some of the finest 'Swept Wing' metal to ever leave a Chrysler design studio. The car's spectacular code A Jet Black rolls over a clean, high quality restoration that was officially completed in late 2011. That restoration was conducted on a long, low and wide body that produces smooth reflections and exhibits no sign of major defects. That body's re-chromed, original bumpers and polished, original stainless look almost as good as the day they left the showroom. And despite what some might call exaggerated proportions and excessive brightwork, this graceful coupe is exceptionally striking and decidedly handsome.

Although Dodge's Lancer name has adorned everything from post-war gems to modern Mitsubishi compacts, the 1959 model is far and away its best manifestation. And when it comes to big-fin collector cars, it simply doesn't get much better than the sculpted bliss of this pristine D500. At the front of the big coupe's body, a thick bumper centers a stainless eggcrate façade between a stylish Dodge grille topper, bold parking lamps and quad headlights that are highlighted by dramatic chrome eyebrows. Those eyebrows flow into straight stainless belt mouldings that balance a planar profile with small wheel skirts, Lancer-specific fender emblems, rear-mounted louvers, and tucked and chrome-trimmed door handles. Those handles latch under a like-new greenhouse that rides between cleverly placed mirrors, original stainless frames and optional decklid antennas. Those antennas hang over dramatic tail fins that seat both “Royal” and “500” emblems in front of fluted chrome trim and rocket-inspired brake lamps. And those brake lamps illuminate pristine Dodge trunk trim, a second, equally thick bumper and rolled stainless exhaust tips.

All that classy metal moves thanks to a fully rebuilt, 383 cubic inch Chrysler V8 that wears a clean 1851829 casting number below a correct ML 383 II22 engine stamp and a telling April (4) 21st (21) of 1958 (8) casting date. Introduced to compete with increasingly powerful Plymouth and DeSoto hardware, this car's go-fast mill would eventually serve as inspiration for the Dodge division's entire line of Magnum offerings; thereby becoming one of Ma Mopar's most trusted and dependable powerplants. The copy you see here appears to wear a roster of correct pieces from its glossy, single-snorkel air cleaner and high performance Carter carburetor all the way to its heavy duty radiator and red cap battery. Fire is provided by a traditional points distributor which sequences sparks between a tagged generator and 7mm Standard Triple Silicone wires. And combustion comes courtesy of a high performance camshaft which breathes through a correct intake and fully restored exhaust manifolds. Aesthetically, the engine's fresh Aluminum paint contrasts well against the car's Jet Black firewall and satin black fenders. And little details like bright red valve covers, fresh stainless fuel lines, gold hood hardware and a pair of fully restored horns round out the car's epic eyeball appeal.

The 1959 Dodge was billed as “The Newest of Everything Great and The Greatest of Everything New”. Accordingly, Chrysler's marketing gurus drowned the print world in ads touting the brand's new Torsion-Aire Suspension. And, not surprisingly, the “great” part of that statement still holds true today, as this big boulevard king sits on a super fresh chassis that veils pothole-shattering solidity in a silky smooth ride. Behind the car's big V8, a slick-shifting Torqueflite sends power to a correct rear end. That tough driveline spins inside a fully restored undercarriage that's complete with robust torsion bars, stiff outrider springs and factory power steering. At the corners of that undercarriage, heavy duty drums ensure solid, fade-free stops. There's about a mile of solid floors that are detailed with fresh undercoating and a full assortment of still-tagged componentry. At the center of those floors, a traditional, true-dual exhaust system employs fresh turbo mufflers that sound deep and civilized. And all this road-worthy hardware rides on body-matched steelies which spin pliable G78-14 Coker Classic whitewalls around ornate Dodge wheel covers.

Take a look inside this massive coupe and you'll find a spacious and appealing interior that has enough room to seriously shorten your local Shriner's parade! Front and rear benches, which still feel firm to the touch, frame attractive plaid centerpieces in a bright, two-tone vinyl. Like-new carpet, both spotless and fade-free, does an excellent job of underlining the car's cool, comfortable ambiance. Above that carpet, a Jet Black dash hangs fully rebuilt gauges, standard pushbutton transmission controls and a correct AM radio under a fresh black pad that's garnished with a uniquely mounted mirror. At the sides of that dash, fantastic, two-tone door panels display a prominent 50s design theme behind fresh stainless trim, bright chrome handles and Jet Black door toppers. Above those panels, Jet Black A-pillars lead the eye to a tan headliner that's fitted with correct courtesy lamps, color-keyed roof bows and stylized sun visors. In front of the driver, a two-tone steering wheel spins an elliptical horn ring around a padded centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a Dodge-branded package tray rides above a giant, fully restored trunk that features echo-inducing cargo space.

The sale of this chrome-laden Chrysler includes a copy of its original broadcast sheet.

This classy Dodge is a super cool cruiser that's easy to imagine as the focal point of a cross-country road trip. With its burly V8, tailored interior and dramatic styling, it represents the very pinnacle of American design and manufacturing dominance. If you're looking for a top-notch classic that'll draw a crowd wherever it goes, your search is officially over!