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1959 Dodge Custom

The 1959 Dodge Custom: Big, bold, and undeniably '50s! A symbol of post-war prosperity, its fins and chrome were iconic. Part of Dodge's push for larger, more luxurious models, it cemented the brand's place in American car culture. Think chrome galore and a seriously impressive profile. A classic!

Dive into the Legacy of the 1959 Dodge Custom Royal

The 1959 Dodge Custom Royal is like that timeless little black dress—you know, a peak of its era's style, performance, and, dare we say, elegance. It stands out with its "Forward Look" design crafted by the visionary Virgil Exner. This ride isn't just a car; it's a statement—a luxurious icon embodying the ambitions of a decade gone by.

Photo of a 1959 Dodge Custom

1959 Dodge Custom Models:

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

How Much is Dodge Custom Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,868.00

Outstanding

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$27,800

Clean

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$20,200

Average

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$12,900*

Rough

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$7,300

1959 Dodge Custom Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 4
Length: 217.4 inches
Width: 80 inches
Height: 58.6 inches
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,660lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Torqueflite automatic
Displacement: 360.83 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/8 & 3 3/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 10.1 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 305@4600
Horsepower Rated: 54.45
Torque: 400@2800
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: Carter
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.93 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: On the drive shaft
Tire Size: 8 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 20 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:See Additional Information
Total Digits:N/A
All colors may not be available in all models., Pearl, Ruby, Silver Metallic, Rose Quartz, Canary Diamond, Blue Diamond, Coral, Star Sapphire Mest., Aquamarine, Biscuit, Turquoise, Pewter Metallic, Jade Metallic, Mocha Metallic
Sedan: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1959 Dodge Custom Royal

Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane. The '59 Dodge Custom Royal marked the grand finale of the series, striking a perfect balance between innovation and aesthetics. Under the hood, it packed a D-500 V8 engine making jaws drop with its mighty 345 horsepower. Its streamlined body wasn't just for show; it symbolized the quintessential 1950s glam.

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Performance and Features

Speaking of power, this beauty featured a high-performance Super D-500 version, providing a mighty boost of 345 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Not just a fast-luxury ride back then, the Custom Royal feels like cruising in style on a cloud—thanks to its innovative perimeter frame that balanced rigidity with comfort.

Popular Figures Who Own the 1959 Dodge Custom

Larry Swedel

Larry Swedel, a name resonating in classic car circuits, once treasured the Dodge Custom as a masterpiece of American car design. His profound admiration was not just for the car's aesthetics but for its entire essence, enhancing its legacy among aficionados.

Terry Armstrong

Enter Terry Armstrong, a maestro in the narrative of the Dodge Custom. Being its second-to-last owner, his respect for this vehicle went deeper than surface curiosity. Knowing every "nut and bolt," Armstrong's deep-seated connection to the car emphasized its revered status within elite automotive circles.

1959 Dodge Custom Gallery

Photo of a 1959 Dodge Custom
Photo of a 1959 Dodge Custom
Photo of a 1959 Dodge Custom

Pricing Through the Years

Ah, the financials! You'd be surprised. The pricing wheel spins widely with this model—between $22,000 to $36,300 for those in tip-top condition. Auctions tell a compelling story too, with peaks reaching as high as $62,500. The demand clearly mirrors its iconic stature in collectors' hearts.

Speed Records and Performance

While the 1959 Dodge Custom aimed more at luxury than outright speed, she held her own with impressive numbers. The notable 300E variant turned heads with a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds. Though it wasn't all about top speed back then, the Super D-500 engine brought potent performance, showing off its engineering heft.

The Cultural Icon

And hey, enter pop culture. The Custom Royal's silver screen moments, like those uncanny appearances in "Vanishing Point," eternally fix it in the pop culture zeitgeist. Not just a car, right? It's theatre on wheels, riding on roads of nostalgia.

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Wrap Up

The 1959 Dodge Custom Royal isn't just metal and chrome—it's a piece of history teasing us with its glamour and engineering marvel, yet whispering stories of days when cruisers ruled with style and substance. Get to know it, and you'll see why it's not just a car, but an era on wheels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The '59 Dodge Custom, man, it's a real head-turner! Think of it as the grandpappy of cool, with its distinctive forward-swept fins—you know, like a futuristic rocket ship, but kinda classy. They were known for their spacious interiors, seriously comfortable, and a choice of powerful V8 engines; some folks even called them 'land yachts' because of their size and comfort. That's a pretty accurate comparison if you ask me. The styling is totally unique to that year; you won't mistake it for anything else from the era. Basically, it's a classic car that really stands out in a crowd.

Okay, so under the hood, you had some pretty serious choices. Dodge offered a range of V8s, from a relatively modest 318 cubic inch engine to a whopping 361 cubic inch powerhouse, and, get this, some even boasted a mighty 413-cubic-inch behemoth! The horsepower ranged widely, depending on the configuration, naturally. Think of it like choosing your ideal pizza toppings—you get to pick the power level that suits your taste (and your need for speed, let's be real).

Well, that's a tough one. It depends entirely on the condition. A pristine, fully restored example might fetch a pretty penny, while one that's seen better days will understandably command a lower price. Think of it like real estate – location, location, location, along with condition. It's in the same ballpark as other similar full-size American cars from that period—Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and the like. However, the Dodge's unique styling might influence its pricing; it's a sought after model with enthusiasts.

These old beauties are prone to some typical classic car issues. Things like the electrical system can sometimes be temperamental; these are not like modern cars. Brake systems require careful attention; you can't underestimate the need for maintenance. And the automatic transmission, if equipped, might need some TLC (tender loving care, ha!). Honestly, finding a well-maintained example is half the battle. Thoroughly inspecting it before purchasing is super crucial, and if you're not a car guy, get a mechanic to do so.

Restoration costs are highly variable. It all depends on the condition you get it in and how fancy you want the work to be. A simple cleanup might only cost you a few thousand dollars and a weekend, whereas a complete nut-and-bolt restoration could easily reach into the tens of thousands, maybe more. It can be like building a house; some just need a fresh coat of paint, others need a complete overhaul. Think about it carefully before you even start.

Finding parts for a '59 Dodge Custom isn't always a walk in the park, but it's certainly doable. Online forums and specialized classic car parts suppliers are your best friends. Plus, there's a whole community of enthusiasts; they always seem to know where to find parts, it's kinda amazing. Don't hesitate to tap into that network. You might even find some parts at swap meets. Those places are goldmines for certain parts.