The flagship of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” revolution, the 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer broke Dodge out of its boxy design rut with sweeping, low-slung styling and genuine Chrysler Hemi firepower.
The Muscle: Packed a 270 ci “Super Red Ram” Hemi V8 putting out 183 hp, which bumped to 193 hp with the optional “Power Pack” (4-barrel carb and dual exhausts), shifted via the dash-mounted lever for the 2-speed PowerFlite automatic.
The Look: Showcased wild tri-tone paint jobs, hooded headlights, subtle emerging tailfins, and a futuristic, aircraft-inspired wraparound windshield.