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1958 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Sedan
Dodge Custom Royal Lancer
1958 (Fourth Generation Coronet/Royal/Custom Royal) · Sedan
Rarity Score
7/10 - Rare; while mass-produced, survival rates for 1958 Dodges are low due to severe rust issues from the era
Spot Difficulty
9/10; extremely difficult to find on the road; primarily seen in junkyards, car shows, or high-end collections due to restoration costs
Engine & Performance
Engine: Likely 350-cubic inch (5.7L) Super Red Ram V8; naturally aspirated; estimated 295-310 HP in factory spec
Transmission & Drivetrain: 3-speed TorqueFlite push-button automatic; Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Performance: 0-60 mph in approx 9.5-11 seconds; top speed around 110 mph; 10-14 mpg; curb weight approx 3,850 lbs
Exterior
Faded red and white two-tone paint; four-door sedan body with sweeping tail fins; quad headlights; heavy chrome bumpers (now tarnished); missing hood, grille, and various trim pieces
Interior Features
Stripped or heavily weathered cloth/vinyl bench seats; push-button gear selector on the left dash; largely missing trim and headliner; extensive sun damage to the dashboard
Condition Assessment
Poor / Salvage (Parts car); vehicle is non-operational, sitting in a field with missing major panels and severe rust
Condition Issues: Heavy surface rust and rot; missing hood, grille, and wheels; smashed windshield; interior gutted; body panels dented and sun-bleached
Estimated Mileage: Unknown (Exceeds mechanical limits / 100,000+ miles likely)
Historical Significance
Represents the peak of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' design era at Chrysler, known for dramatic tail fins and the introduction of advanced torson-bar suspension
Notable Features
Dramatic tail fins with recessed taillight housings; 'Forward Look' styling; factory push-button automatic transmission controls; wraparound windshield
Production Numbers
Approximately 15,000 - 20,000 Custom Royal Sedans were produced in 1958
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: Value as a parts car: $1,000 - $2,500 based on salvageable trim and body panels
Auction Estimate: $500 - $1,500 at a no-reserve salvage auction
Maintenance Recommendations
Full frame-off restoration required; look for severe floor pan rot; replace all rubber, wiring, and seals; engine requires total rebuild or replacement
Fun Facts
The 1958 Dodge is the same model year as 'Christine's' cousin (though Christine was a Plymouth); it was the first year of the 350ci engine for Dodge; advertisements claimed it was 'The World's Most Modern Car' because of its low-slung, finned profile
Identified on: 6/13/2026
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