This 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer is a Canadian-built two-door hardtop that was initially delivered to Boulevard Dodge-DeSoto of Montreal, Quebec. The car underwent a body-off refurbishment between 2002 and 2005, during which time a repaint in Grey Rose Poly and black was carried out. Work following the seller’s acquisition in September 2021 involved rebuilding and overboring the 361ci V8, rebuilding the differential, and refreshing the power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Shifting is via a TorqueFlite push-button three-speed automatic transmission, and features include purple and black vinyl upholstery with patterned fabric inserts, dual exhausts, power-assisted steering, and steel wheels with chrome covers. This Dodge is now offered in Canada with an owner’s manual, service records from current and prior ownership, refurbishment photos, and Quebec registration in the seller’s name.
The body was removed from the frame during the aforementioned refurbishment and repainted its factory shade of black and Grey Rose Poly. The brightwork has reportedly been rechromed and includes bumpers, trim, side moldings, and the front grille. The car also features dual sideview mirrors, vented front quarter windows, dual antennas, Lancer badging, taillights that protrude from the bodywork, and dual exhaust outlets.
Steel 14” wheels wear chrome covers with white accents and are wrapped in 225/75 whitewall tires. An older spare is found in the trunk. The power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes were refreshed within the past year via a rebuild of the brake booster and replacement of the brake linings and wheel cylinders.
The cabin houses two rows of bench seats trimmed in purple and black vinyl with patterned gray fabric inserts and matching door panels. Black carpets and rubber mats line the floors, and the car is fitted with power steering and a dash-mounted rearview mirror. The push-button AM radio is inoperable.
A black and purple two-spoke steering wheel with a half horn ring sits ahead of a horizontal 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 78k miles, approximately 300 of which have been added by the seller.
The 361ci V8 was rebuilt and reportedly bored .030″ over in February 2023 by Pièces d’Auto Classiques J.R. of Saint-Clet, Quebec. Additional work included machining the crankshaft, resurfacing the cylinder heads, rebuilding the two-barrel carburetor and generator, and replacing the main bearing, oil pump, fuel pump, and pistons.
The engine stamping is pictured above.
The TorqueFlite push-button three-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels via a differential that was also rebuilt during current ownership. Additional underbody images are provided in the gallery below.
Another photo from the refurbishment can be seen in the gallery.
The car does not have a title, as it is being sold in a province and country that does not issue titles for road vehicles. It is offered with its Quebec registration.