383-Powered 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

Description

The 1957 Dodge models were totally restyled from the previous year and were very much a part of Chrysler's “Forward Look” design approach. The cars were longer, lower and wider than any previous Dodge and featured large tail fins and deeply recessed headlights with chrome “brows” along with a gull-wing shaped horizontal bar grille, which dipped in the center and surrounded a large Dodge crest. The Custom Royal was the top trim level of the Dodge line, with convertible, four-door, and two-door hardtop models wearing the "Lancer” designation as the sportier and more premium options.

This ‘57 Custom Royal Lancer spent approximately 20 years with its previous owner and was acquired by the seller in August 2022. Per the seller, the car is powered by a replacement drivetrain that consists of a 383ci V8 and a push-button TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission.

The car is finished in turquoise and black over black and gray upholstery and is reported to have a limited-slip rear axle fitted. Additional details include a dual exhaust system, an aluminum radiator, latch-and-link lap belts, and a push-button AM radio.

This 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer two-door hardtop is now offered with a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Custom Royal Lancer trim

• Replacement carbureted 383ci V8 engine

• TorqueFlite automatic transmission

• Turquoise and black paint

• Black and gray upholstery

• Aluminum radiator

• Dual exhaust system

• Locking fuel cap

Factory Equipment

• Two-door hardtop body

• Tail fins

• Quadruple headlights

• Chrome bumpers and trim

• AM radio

• Drum brakes

• Power steering

Modifications

• Carbureted 383ci V8

• TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission

• Aluminum radiator

• Latch-and-link lap belts

• Dual exhaust system

• Police Interceptor-style steel wheels

• Half-moon hubcaps

• Horn button added below steering column

Servicing

Per the seller, service under their care has included a tune-up, lube job, and nut-and-bolt torque checks in addition to repairing the trunk floor, installing a tinted windshield, and replacing the front tires.

Known Imperfections

• Scratched side and rear window glass

• Corrosion on underbody components

• Paint overspray on underside

• Rust and filler in lower rear quarter panels

• Driver door mechanism must be clicked down after opening from the inside to reset the door latch

• Fluid leaks on underside

• Radio does not work

• Horn ring does not work

• Parking brake disconnected

• Fuel gauge does not read correctly

Ownership History

The car spent approximately 20 years with its previous owner and was acquired by the seller in August 2022.

Additional Information

From the seller: “The previous owner removed the factory 325ci V8 and installed a 383ci big block with a TorqueFlite transmission. It has dual exhaust, which is an upgrade, and a posi rear axle, which I’m not sure if was an upgrade or was original to the car. The headliner is original; the seats have been reupholstered. This is a solid car that only had serious rust in the trunk because of a leaky seal, so I had the floor professionally repaired.

This car makes a 50s statement in every way with its color scheme (turquoise and black) and huge rear fins. The car starts right up, runs very well, drives smooth, and is a great cruiser. It turns heads and stirs up conversation everywhere I drive it. As long as I’ve owned classic cars, I’ve never had a thumbs up from a State Patrol motorcyclist, but I did with this car. Under the advice of the previous owner, I’ve always added a lead substitute with each fill up to protect the motor.”