1958 Dodge

1958 Dodge
File:Regal Lancer2.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge (Chrysler)
Also called	Dodge Coronet Dodge D-500 Dodge Royal Dodge Royal Lancer Dodge Custom Royal Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Dodge Regal Lancer
Production	1957–1961
Model years	1958–1961
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop coupe 2-door wagon 4-door wagon 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	230 in³ (3.8 L) Getaway I6 325 in³ (5.3 L)Red Ram V8 350 in³ (5.7 L) Super Red Ram V8 361 in³ (5.9 L) D-500 V8 361 in³ (5.9 L) Super D-500 V8
Transmission	2-speed automatic 3-speed automatic
Chronology
Predecessor	1955 Dodge

The Dodge lineup was refreshed for the 1958 model year, continuing the three-line scheme of the 1955 Dodges with the entry-level Coronet, Royal, and ornate Custom Royal. The Regal Lancer was added as a new Top of the line model in spring.

Overview

The 1958 Dodges shared their basic mechanicals with the De Soto, but featured special styling. The Coronet lasted through the 1959 model years.

Coronet

The Coronet was the base model with little chrome and no "teeth" at the front. This was the only line to feature the 230 in³ (3.8 L) Getaway I6 with 123 hp (92 kW), but the 325 in³ (5.3 L) Red Ram V8 was an option.

Royal

The Royal were the next step up. They used only the V8 engine.

Custom Royal

The flagship model was the Custom Royal. It came with the 350 in³ (5.7 L) Super Red Ram V8 with a standard two-barrel carburettor, but the optional four-barrel carburettor delivered 300 hp (224 kW). One unique feature of the Custom Royal was its bumper-mounted exhaust.

Regal Lancer

Trying to boost sales, the Regal Lancer model was added in February and only available as a two-door hardtop with special colors, exterior trim and interior. Four color combinations where available: bronze with white trim, bronze with black trim, black with bronze trim, and white with bronze trim. It featured special nameplates at the front of the side spear trim and heavy eyebrow trim. Inside, Regal Lancers got their own interior with unique trim and door panels featuring molded armrests. A special Acousti-Foam headliner with chrome bows and roof rails was a Regal Lancer exclusive, as was the bronze instrument panel with textured aluminum inserts. The standard engine offered for Regal Lancers was the 350 cubic inch displacement "Super Red Ram" V8. Optional engine choices were the 361 cubic inch displacement D-500 and Super D-500 iterations. Only 1,163 were produced.

File:Regal Lancer1.jpg

Dodge Custom Royal Regal Lancer name plate

File:Regal Lancer3.jpg

Dodge Custom Royal Regal Lancer interior