“Spring Special” Edition! 1958 Dodge Coronet Royal Lancer
Chrysler set the U.S. auto industry on its ear in 1957 with its “Forward Look” styling across all its divisions. These cars were more futuristic in appearance compared to what some of the competition was peddling. Given the radical change in ’57, 1958 Dodges were little changed except for dual headlights residing where singles and turn signals lay before. This 1958 Coronet Royal Lancer was largely restored by the seller for his wife, but she passed away in 2022 and he has lost interest in the vehicle. It’s also a Spring Special Edition (more on that later). The Mopar is in Conroe, Texas, and is available here on eBay where a single bid of $14,000 has been cast (but there’s still a reserve).
Finding concrete information on Chrysler’s “Spring Specials” is not easy to do. But from what we can tell, this was a ploy by the company in early 1958 to beef up product interest during the then-current economic recession. It was a trim thing, which at Dodge included a full-length wide body molding, an emblem added to the grille, end caps on the fins, and a few other odds and ends. The company would ship kits to their dealers, too, so they could freshen up the inventories they had on hand. Supposedly there are no markings on the car that give the Spring Special away, but it is indicated on the fender tag (the seller’s car has the code).
The seller’s auto is one of 4,318 Coronet Royal Lancer 2-door hardtops built in 1958 (how many were Spring Specials isn’t known). The Royal editions were treated to a 325 cubic inch V8 that produced 245 hp and the seller’s Dodge also has the push-button automatic transmission Chrysler used in those days. The seller found this car in a barn in Kansas in 2019 and had it partially restored for his wife (the shop went out of business before completing everything). The floors in the passenger compartment and trunk were replaced and coated but may need some further finishing.
This car is on the market due to the wife’s passing and the seller getting on in years (pushing his 79th birthday). The description of the vehicle and the work done/not done is very thorough with more details than you usually find on these vintage automobile ads. It’s described as good enough to take to Cars & Coffee, but maybe not nice enough to collect awards.
It will need new tires if you plan to drive it a lot. When the car was rescued, the engine was a focus with new seals and gaskets, rods, lifters, and so forth. The carburetor was rebuilt, and the fuel system flushed out with a new gas tank installed. But the list includes a lot more items. For cruising comfort, under-the-dash air conditioning has been added (for those hot Texas summers!). The seller has been good enough to add a video of the vehicle. If acquiring one of these “Forward Look” Mopars is a priority for you, this could be a nice find.
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Comments
Exners 57s were truly the Forward Look. This 58 Dodge shares a very similar look to DeSotos 58 Firesweep introduced as price leader. Basically a DeSoto with Dodge front end on a shorter wheelbase. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to save DeSoto from being squeezed out of existence in 61 by Dodge moving up while Chrysler moved down in pricing. Unfortunately quality control left many customer complaints and few remaining 57 through 59 in good condition. If this one is as good as it looks, it is truly a bon marche!
thought the 59 was the best of the 3 yr. run
The ’59 had the long, rocket tip taillights. I had a ’59 and every one was broken and wrapped in red tape. Plus it smoked, the clutch slipped, the floor were shot and there was no trunk floor, just a piece of plywood on top of the gas tank. My father paid 50 bucks for when I was 12, I thought it was great.
Evil-looking front end on these.
Yes! Yes! YES! Keep a smile on your face and a song 🎵 in your heart! So hurry on to your friendly Dotch Dealer and tell them Lawrence Welk sent you! 🍾 😉
I just heard him say that and saw him standing (as he turned from side to side)
I restored a “58 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman and whenwe moved fem WA State to Idaho I sold it to a gentleman in KY. BIGGEST MISTAKE I EVER MADE!. He passed away and his son was into drugs and that’s the end of the story and the car. I’m a Retired 100 % disabled Marine and 87 years young STILL looking for a vehicle that is of the same caliber as my “58 DeSoto andthis one looks close. I stillhave the capabilities of finishing the restoration and considering the vehicle. You can see my vehicle on my F/B page.
A set of whitewalls (not ‘wide’) would really set this car off!
I love it.
This looks good enough to take to the Woodward Avenue cruise once you add a set of Coker whitewalls. The 58s were less desirable than the 57s because of their busier trim and the absence of the Hemi. Still wouldn’t mind owning this one, even if it isn’t a D500.
When I lived in Windsor the Woodward Ave cruise was always a must attend also the cruise in at Greenfield Village.
This is a 1958 poly headed base motor – BUT has the some what rare 4bl intake – that the earlier Hemi heads will fit on – sometimes not even needed pistons swaped. It was based on the 1956 315 D-500 motor which became the D-500 325 Hemi in 1957.
I agree I hav a 59 that I will be selling soon
Note to author: There is no such thing as a “Coronet Royal Lancer”. It can be either a Coronet OR a Royal, but not both. The front fender has a Coronet script, and no where in the original ad is the term “Coronet Royal” used. That would be the same as calling a car a Chevy Biscayne Bel-Air. Lancer simply indicates it’s a convertible or ht body style.
It has a Royal Lancer emblem on the right rear 1/4 panel.
Yes it goes back a year or two….think 1955 was the first year.
Beautiful!
I wish it wasnt so expensive..or better put , I had the money to throw at it.
I’d drive it as my DD like a giant middle finger at modern SUV society :) Just beautiful.