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1956 Dodge Custom

The '56 Dodge Custom? A seriously cool cruiser! Big fins, chrome galore – pure 50s Americana. It represented post-war optimism, a stylish ride for the booming economy. Think "Happy Days" vibes. Its distinct, swoopy profile made it instantly recognizable. A true classic.

The Timeless Appeal of the 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

Ah, the '56 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. It's not just a car; it's a living testament to a bygone era when cars were not merely vehicles but bold statements of style and power. Let me walk you through what makes this classic piece of Americana so captivating.

Photo of a 1956 Dodge Custom

1956 Dodge Custom Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Dodge Custom Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,359.00

Outstanding

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$29,900

Clean

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$18,500

Average

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$10,700*

Rough

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$6,500

1956 Dodge Custom Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 4
Length: 212.0 inches
Width: 74.6 inches
Height: 62.7 inches
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Weight: 3,520lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Helical
Displacement: 313.49 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 5/8 & 3 51/64 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 230@4400
Horsepower Rated: 42.05
Torque: 316@4400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On left side of block between Nos. 2 & 3 cylinders or on boss on right side of block below distributor or on top of block behind water pump.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Stromberg
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.5 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.68
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.2
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.73 to 1
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: On the drive shaft
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 7.6 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 17 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3.25 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:42608001 to 42618518
Total Digits:N/A
All colors may not be available in all models., Sapphire White, Cloud Gray, Royal Blue Metallic, Wedgewood Blue, Sea Foam Green, Jade Green Metallic, Neptune Green Metallic, Aquamarine, Oriental Coral, Chinese Rose, Crown Yellow, Iridescent Chacoal Metallic, Garnet Metallic, Misty Orchid, Regal Orchid
Sedan: Opt
Powerflite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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History of the 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

So, what's the big deal about this particular car, anyway? Introduced during a booming post-war economy, the Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was more than just a vehicle. It was part of the mid-century modern movement, offering both style and substance. Think tailfins, those dramatic sweeps that everyone loved back in the day. This car embodies that whole "bigger is better" mantra with aplomb.

Dodge capitalized on the era's consumer demand with this masterpiece, integrating the latest engineering advancements and artistic flair into its design. This car wasn't just about getting you from A to B; it was about doing so in high fashion.

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Pop Culture and Media: An Icon

Ever watch "The Adventures of Superman?" Dodge's beauty made numerous appearances on it. It became a cultural icon, appearing alongside the Man of Steel himself, making it one of those rare vehicles that have crashed through the barriers separating mere transportation and full-blown cultural artifact.

Photo of a 1956 Dodge Custom

Performance That Thrilled a Generation

Now, let's talk numbers. Ever heard of the NASCAR stock car races in the '50s? The Dodge Custom Royal wasn't just a pretty face; it roared with a 315 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine. Going from zero to sixty in under ten seconds, it's no wonder this car clinched its place in racing legend—the best of both worlds: performance and luxury.

Famous Figures Who Own Classic Cars

Alright, onto the celebrities—because, honestly, who doesn't want to know which shining star shares their love for fine automobiles? Here are a few famous people infatuated with the grand machine we call the 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer.

Chuck O'Malley

Ever been to a fancy car show? Then you might have seen Chuck's dazzling entrance. O'Malley, hailing from Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, has arguably one of the best-restored 1956 Dodge Convertibles. He snagged the prestigious George Barris Kustom d'Elegance Award for his efforts.

Margaret Carson

Flashback to Tequesta, Florida, where Margaret drives her old-school dream—a 1956 Custom Royal Lancer. It's like reliving high school magic, cruising down the local roads with "the one that got away" but found again.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Here's the thing: You can't just drive off with any classic Dodge and hope for the best. Knowing its past can save—or make—you a fortune. When you sniff around the market, having a reliable report and build sheet can make the difference.

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Price and Market Trends

The Dodge Custom Royal Lancer isn't just celebrated for its aesthetics and power but also for its place in the collector's market. Price records attest to its elite status, with one model fetching over $200,000 at auction. Investing here isn't just about passion; it's financially savvy too.

Final Thoughts

Let me tell you, whether it's the sleek lines or the thunderous growl of its engine, the 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer continues to captivate hearts and minds. Owning one isn't just about the drive; it's about living history, indulging in a tapestry of eras gone by with each rev of the engine. Before you go googling for a , remember: sometimes history is best experienced rather than seen on paper.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The '56 Dodge Custom, wow, it's a real head-turner! You'll instantly recognize its iconic, chrome-heavy grille; it's practically a trademark. Those swept-back tailfins? Pure 50s Americana, and let's not forget the overall shape – long, low, and luxurious. Think of it like a classic movie star; it just oozes style. Depending on the trim level, you might also find some neat options – power steering was becoming increasingly popular, so keep an eye out for that, as well as different interior styles. It was a seriously stylish car, so yeah, you know it's a classic.

Under the hood, you had some choices; Dodge offered a couple of V8s in the '56 Custom. Now, I'm not a mechanic, but I hear that the most common one was a 241 cubic inch powerplant; that thing could move! There was also a bigger, 270 cubic inch V8 for those folks who craved more oomph. Think of it like choosing between a six-cylinder and an eight-cylinder, just a bigger engine equals more power, generally speaking. Of course, horsepower and torque figures are what you'd look for if you're really into the technical aspects. So, it's not a single engine, it's a choice of engines which made the Dodge Custom a pretty versatile machine.

Well, finding a pristine '56 Dodge Custom these days? That's like finding a needle in a haystack – you gotta look hard! Many were produced, but, sadly, time, rust, and accidents have taken their toll. Many have been lost to history; time, folks, is a cruel mistress. So, while not exceptionally rare compared to some other classics, locating a well-preserved example will still require some diligent searching and probably some degree of patience. You'll need to dig to find that gem. So, yeah, start your search.

The value of a restored '56 Dodge Custom varies, it truly does. You know how it is with old cars; condition is everything! A completely restored car in top-notch condition? Expect to pay a pretty penny – we're talking tens of thousands of dollars. But, a car needing some TLC (tender loving care)? You might get away with significantly less. This value is also affected by the specific trim and options your car has, so the final price can be quite variable. It's all about the condition, in the end.

Finding parts for a car this age can be a quest; it's true! You’ve got several avenues you can explore. Online marketplaces, like eBay, often have listings. Classic car parts suppliers specialize in this stuff. Plus, there are always those local swap meets and classic car shows – those can be treasure troves of parts if you know where to look. There is always more than one way to skin a cat, as they say! Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts don't pan out.