Designed by Virgil Exner as part of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” styling program, this 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible was hailed by the company’s marketing department as the best and most beautiful automobile yet created.

The Custom Royal’s presence was undeniable, with a long and low profile that dripped with aviation-inspired touches.

From a pair of huge, triangular “Flightsweep” tail fins to the “twin jet taillamps” and high-contrast “Scope Sight” instrumentation, Exner’s design was clearly meant to evoke a sense of motion even when standing still.

Beneath the flashy chrome and Jet Age styling, the 1957 Custom Royal offered best-in-class handling and performance on account of a brand-new suspension and a selection of reliable and powerful V-8 engine and transmission combinations.

Dodge’s “Torsion-Aire” suspension used an independent torsion-bar system with ''anti-dip'' upper and lower control arms, shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar; it was a revelation in the compan...