1956 Dodge Coronet

Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Here is an ultra rare 1956 Dodge Golden Lancer D500 heavy duty with the CORRECT D500-1 dual quad (2X4) intake system (intake manifold, professionally restored correct dual carbs, powder coated air cleaner with matching valve covers). This is an actual documented Golden Lancer D500—I have the IBM build card from Chrysler Historical and the engine number is stamped on the frame. I offer the following information for those who may not know much about the D500/D500-1. For those who are informed, skip down to the section ‘Condition of car’. Some facts & history: There is some confusion about the different versions of the 1956 Dodge D500 (which was Dodge’s first muscle car, like the Chrysler 300B, Desoto Adventurer, and Plymouth Fury). These versions are as follows: 1) D500 heavy duty, introduced Dec. 22, 1955—315 hemi engine with four barrel carb; 12 in. brake drums & 2 ½ in. wide brake shoes; heavy duty (stiffer) suspension (front and rear springs and shocks). The car sat about 1 ½ in. lower that the standard Dodge; available in Coronets and Custom Royals only in 2DSN, 2DHT, convertible. 2) D500-1 (factory race car), introduced Jan. 12, 1956—315 hemi engine with 10 to 1 compression, race cam, special exhaust manifolds, and dual quad intake system; super heavy duty suspension using Imperial brake drums and wheels. Body styles used were 2DHT, 2DSN, and convertible Coronets and Custom Royals. 3) D500 special, introduced Mar. 9, 1956—315 hemi engine with four barrel carb; standard 11 in. brakes and suspension; was available in any model or body style. Note: All D500’s had the D500 checkered cross flags on the front of the hood and the rear deck lid. For more facts and history of the D500/D500-1 cars, email me. I have some articles that can be sent as an attachment. As I mentioned above, the 1956 D500 was Dodge’s first muscle car and probably had more racing success than any Dodge performance car to come after it. Dodge won its class in drag racing that year with the Chrysler 300B coming in second, while in NASCAR the 300B came in first and Dodge took second place. It also placed second in the speed trials at Daytona Beach, with the 300B taking first. Not shabby for Dodge’s first performance car. Between the D500 and the 300B, mopars cleaned up on the competition. Definitions: I want to make clear that this car is NOT a D500-1 race car. There are only two known documented D500-1 cars in existence. One is located in Colorado, and is the only known original, complete car with all of its original parts (engine, etc.). The other is in Calif., but whose original engine was missing and has been replaced. As I understand it, only about 50 race cars were made. All but the above two have seemingly been lost to attrition. My car is a D500 heavy duty with the D500-1, dual quad engine performance upgrade, which is still a very rare combo (rarer than a 300B or ’56 Desoto Adventurer). Someone who purchased a non race car D500 could also purchase the D500-1 2X4 intake system uninstalled (through the dealer). It would be shipped in the trunk of the car, where it would be installed by the dealer or customer. These cars did not have the race cars’ heavier duty suspension, etc. In fact, although some race cars came from the factory with the dual quad setup installed and race prepared (special order), most came in the trunk and were installed by the racers themselves. Incorrect D500-1’s: When it comes to 1956 Dodges and other years mopars of this era, relatively little is known by the public about their performance options, and their racing history (compared to better known performance cars). There is a lot of ignorance and gullibility, which invites unsubstantiated claims. Here are two notable examples of 1956 Dodges with supposedly factory equipped dual quad intakes. The first car is a 1956 Dodge Golden Lancer D500 which sold in 2007 at Barrett-Jackson for $126,500.00 (Scottsdale, lot #1241.1). The second car is a 1956 Dodge Coronet D500 which sold in 2011 at Barrett-Jackson for $41,800.00 (Scottsdale, lot #706.1). Both of these cars have been nicely restored (especially the Golden Lancer), so I am not criticizing them nor implying they didn’t merit the auction price. I am simply stating the facts about their incorrect, non factory, non D500-1 dual quad intake systems (Offenhouser intakes, incorrect carbs and air cleaners). The last four photos shown in this listing are of these two cars; one of each car and their corresponding engine compartments. I am showing these cars with their intakes to show the difference between the D500-1 factory/Keikhaefer intakes and those that are not. I got these photos off the internet in the public domain. Condition of Car: This is an original, unmolested, complete, straight, and rust free California car that has been stored inside for the last forty years. By rust I am referring to rust through (holes), rot/cancer, or heavy scale. There is some light surface rust. It was last licensed in 1970. The paint is original and is a testimony to the car being kept inside the years it was driven. The car needs full restoration, including the paint as it has many chips, dings, and normal oxidation. I wet sanded the hood with 1200 grit paper and polished with a buffer and compound to see what the original color was like (that is why it looks so good). As mentioned above, the 2X4 intake system has been restored, but the engine is non-running and needs rebuilding. The stainless and chrome are in good condition, with the chrome having very little pitting. The dash assembly, steering wheel and horn ring are also very nice for a car this old. The seats and door panels are showing their age. I have the stainless trim that is missing on the windshield. All the glass is in good shape except for the broken rear window, but I have brand new OEM correct, date coded, solex (tinted) glass for the entire car (see pics). I also have a set of five (5) original (needing restoration) Kelsey Hays wire wheels for ‘55/56 Dodge that go with the car. If my reserve is met, these will come with the car. If the glass is not wanted, I will deduct $1500.00 off the selling price and supply a good used rear window. If the wire wheels are not wanted, I will deduct $500.00 from the selling price. I have more photos that I can email if desired. Email with any questions. My phone is 541-479-6744. International buyers will need to contact me before bidding. I will sell to international buyers under certain conditions. Thanks for looking.