Rust Free Restorer: 1957 Dodge Custom Royal
Having spent its entire life in the drier climes of Texas, this 1957 Dodge Custom Royal has managed to avoid all of the rust issues that can so easily plague classic cars from this era. It is also a straight and complete car that could represent a fairly straightforward project vehicle for its next owner. Located in San Antonio, Texas, you will find the Dodge listed for sale here on Craigslist. The asking price for this classic has been set at $12,999.
The color combination of Tropical Coral and Glacier White sets this Dodge off very nicely, and with the lower surfaces finished in a lighter color, it makes it quite easy to spot any incriminating signs of rust. For my money, I really can’t spot any problems. The owner says that the floors and frame are solid, and the photo that he supplies of the trunk looks really promising. There is surface corrosion visible, but no penetrating rust. One really nice aspect of this car is that in spite of the fact that it has spent its life in Texas, it has managed to avoid that “baked” appearance that can easily afflict cars of this age. The owner does point out that the Dodge has spent its life stored indoors, so this has undoubtedly aided its cause. I really think that a buff and polish would have the vehicle shining like a new penny. The external trim and chrome is all present, but it will need a bit of elbow grease to bring it up to its best. There is essentially not a lot wrong with the majority of it, but there are a few pieces that might need a trip to the plater. However, a few of the close-up shots show the sort of minor surface scratching on many pieces that can accumulate over the years. Those items don’t need restoration, just someone with a lot of patience and a quality polishing product to return them to their best.
Under the hood of the Custom Royal, you will find the 325ci V8, producing 260hp. This power is then sent to the rear wheels via a TorqueFlite transmission. While it isn’t specifically mentioned, I get the impression that the Dodge may have spent an extended period in storage until recently. The reason for this belief is that the owner talks about rebuilding the original carburetor, and getting rid of the old fuel out of the car. To me, that sounds like the work of someone reviving a dormant classic. In addition, the vehicle has received new plugs, plug wires, a new cap, rotor, and new belts. He says that the car now runs silky smooth, but doesn’t indicate whether it is actually roadworthy. If I was considering buying this car, I would certainly be factoring the cost of a full inspection into the equation before I considered undertaking any extended trips. Otherwise, when fully roadworthy, this is a vehicle that should be capable of some effortless open-road cruising.
Probably the low point with this Custom Royal is the presentation of the interior. I mean, it isn’t terrible, but it will require some work to make it sparkle once again. The seats have been treated to new covers at some point, and they certainly aren’t up to the standard of the originals. Given the fact that this was the range-topping offering from Dodge in 1957, that might provide some justification for fitting replacement covers at some point in the future to return that feeling of luxury. Some of the upholstery on the door trims is also looking a touch on the ratty side, so when you combine these factors, the next owner might be best served in searching for a full trim kit. The rest of the interior, the dash, and the wheel, all look like they are in pretty decent condition. One huge positive with this particular car is the fact that the original owner chose to order it with air conditioning. It isn’t clear whether it still functions, but it would be a nice feature to have on a warm Texas day.
In 1957, a total of 281,362 vehicles rolled off the Dodge production lines. Of these, a mere 18,135 were Dodge Custom Royal 4-door sedans. The owner talks about the relative rarity of the vehicle today, and to a certain extent, he is right about this. As stated earlier, they were a car that was prone to rust, and it was this that tended to consume a great many examples. Finding a project-grade car today that doesn’t have rust issues is a difficult task, but that’s what this car would seem to be. It is a car that will probably never be worth mega-dollars, but if you are the sort of person who is searching for a project car where you can potentially undertake the majority of the work yourself, then this might be a car that is worth serious consideration.
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Comments
It’s Exner-licious! A tad pricey for a 4-door, it would seem.
Now THIS is find!! Like the 2 `58 Dodge wagons unearthed here recently, this `57 is in fantastic shape. Sure; it’s a four door pillared sedan but IMHO that doesn’t detract a thing from being desirable. As for the interior, NOS interior fabric IS available for these. You might even try SMS interiors to bring it back to original. Well worth the effort. `57-`58 Chrysler products suffered badly from a lack of quality control, and they tended to rust easily within their first 2 years. This one (regarding rust anyway) seems to have some serious TLC in a dry area most of its life. It makes me wish I had a spare $13K. I’d be on my way to trailer this baby home!!
A serious PS: I sure wish the seller would have taken the time to do just two simple things for this posting:
#1: Give at least the outside of the car a thorough wash. SOS pad the whitewalls.A little windex to the glass, etc. Take a meesley hour and a half to make the visually attractive which would only work in his/her favor.
#2: When photographing, have the car parked ON PAVEMENT in even a semi-nice setting. OK, maybe their own driveway is cluttered & not that attractive of a background for photos. How about a local park? A wide-open parking lot somewhere? It too, goes a long way in presentation of the car for sale.
You gotta remember that when this car was built you never saw “quality” and “control” in the same sentence. There are those who say that the phrase originated with the then-nascent space program or nuclear power program. Quality didn’t sell cars in that era. “Bigger” and “more” sold cars.
This has that haunting kind of ugly that to me is very attractive, but I’m a complete and total Exnerd.
I just love cars like this! The glitzy, over the top Exner styling just looks fabulous. Sure, it’s a 4-door but so what? I know that may turn some off but I think a lot of the cars from the ’50’s wear 4 doors very well. I would definitely try to keep it as original as possible, even if the paint and chrome/trim isn’t perfect. Just buff and polish everything as best you can. The interior does need help, those door panels are pretty well shot. The seats would do for now but at some point that can be corrected with money and a trip to an upholsterer. Go over the mechanicals, bumper to bumper, and refresh as needed. Some my consider the price a little high but considering the original condition is so good and it runs and drives as is, maybe not. I’d certainly be tempted if I wanted a car that proudly screams 1950’s excess!
Agreed. I don’t get why so many people still have the attitude that two doors are the only cars worth saving. It isn’t 1990 anymore. Everything from that era is a rare, unique car now. Especially now, where even a K-car looks like a custom coachbuilt creation next to many of today’s shiny plastic jellybeans with the electric shaver grilles.
Aside from everything else, factory A/C on a 50’s car is rare and cool (no pun intended) no matter what it’s on.
I love this. Hey where’s my credit Adam? :P
This “beauty” belongs in my garage! What a rare find.
My dad had one of these when is growing up he always used to back up and break the tail lights
I know a guy(named Tony) in Gun Barrel City Texas who owns a wrecking yard with mostly 65-66 Mustangs but also has some other cars one of which is. Dodge just like this one. He buys and sells cars all the time and has some really nice old stuff. I’ve been to his place on many occasions but I don’t have contact numbers.
God bless America
The original dealer is still in business there, although now called Bluebonnet Chrysler/Dodge. Would be neat to show up with this.
Now if this was a D500.
Was a D500 available in 57 ?
Price a bit high.
My first car was a 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2 dr Hardtop in light green over white. It was filthy and the front seat cover was shot. Sears had a bargain bin of seat covers which only fit the 1/3 -2/3 split bench and were only in green.
I rebuilt the 4bbl carburetor, my first rebuild. It did start. I took it to a German mechanic who lived in trailer in his junkyard. He put on his sweater with the deer jumping over the stream and grabbed a wooden handled screwdriver. He drove. It was dark and rainy but he did not need a light. At each roadside bar, he would adjust the carb. I then had to buy two Strohs. After several bars, the car no longer bogged,
That’s a fantastic story!
I still drink Stroh’s!
Artiolo’s in enfield ct has one D-500 with rear end missing now a parts car this cars in creditable for that price