By the time Dodge released their 1955 model lineup, the marque’s convoluted naming scheme had finally been sorted and simplified.

The “Custom Royal” had replaced the “Royal” as the top V-8 powered trim, and the Lancer name was applied to three of the four Custom Royal body styles: a sedan, a convertible, and a hardtop coupe.

The 1955 Dodge Custom Royal also saw significant upgrades, with all-new body shells and a Hemi-headed Super Red Ram V-8 engine bored out to 270 cubic inches.

This model was wider, longer, lower, and more powerful than its 1954 predecessors.

Other new features for 1955 included a four-way power front seat, power windows, and Full-Time Coaxial Power Steering, along with an automatic transmission control lever integrated into the instrument panel.

The Custom line further distinguished itself with chrome “pinched” tailfins, and new taillight surrounds.

This attractive 1955 Custom Royal Lancer Convertible showcases Dodge’s premium offering in the first year of Vir...