1956 Dodge Other

D500 Sedan

D500 315 Hemi

Automatic

35152048

Clear

1956 Dodge D-500 Custom Royal 4-Door Sedan. I am told it was an ex-Montana Police or Sheriffs Car. Odometer shows 8,373K in miles but I am sure it has turned over, at least once. The Montana license tag shows the last sticker date of 1969. So, this 56 year old car has been off the road for over 43 years. This car was discovered on an Indian reservation in Montana by a traffic helicopter pilot when flying low over the reservation. He made a note of the GPS coordinates and traveled by car to see and retrieve this treasure. I purchased the car with intentions of having the D-500 motor, Imperial Brakes, Heavy Duty suspension, dash instruments and switches, linkage, etc. removed from the car as donor parts for a 1957 Dual-Ghia project, BUT--- I realized that this car is a true survivor—to good to be a parts donor car. The door seals and glass are tight and kept the elements from destroying the interior. I was “told” it was a police or sheriffs car and realized it was when I saw it still had the ORIGINAL rubber floor mats, blanked out instrument areas on the dash—etc. BESIDES being a D-500 car. The outside paint is obviously bleached out by the strong Western sun, but the interior, while brittle, is the ORIGINAL!!. The driver’s seat is torn and the headliner is drooping down everywhere. Most of the stainless trim is in very good condition as is the tinted glass. There is a 110 volt engine heater installed. There is rust through in the usual areas; in the corners under the rear seat and in the area of the front kick panels. The rocker panels are not in good condition. There is also a couple of rust through spots in the trunk. The magazine ads from 1956 claim “The most powerful POLICE CAR on the American Road today…. The 1956 Dodge Pursuit Police Car”. The D-500 was a model and not a dealer add-on package it is a complete separate “model”. The D-500 set or broke a total of 306 standing records and this was the first time out!! Note: the 1954 Royal 500 was NOT a D-500. The 1956 D-500 should not be confused with the Standard 1956 Dodge. The 315 C.I., 260 H.P, 4-barrel carburetor Hemi consisted of many special D-500 only components, carburetor, intake manifold (1634262), dual point distributor, heads (1734049), cam, valve springs, etc. The motor in this car has all of the correct components with correct casting numbers, etc. The block casting number #1739429-4 dated July 1957, is a Hemi block ONLY used in these three motors: #1 The 1956 Dodge 315 D500 Hemi, #2 The 1957 Dodge 325 KD500 Hemi and #3 The Dodge Truck 315 Hemi. So, the block is correct for the 1956 Dodge D-500 motor. In the motor photos you will see the original valve covers, air cleaner etc. This car was never Hot-Rodded. The engine compartment also shows the Power Steering Pump and Being a car that was driven extensively, the original engine block was replaced. We pulled the motor to check it out and it is all there and turns freely. The D-500, besides having the famous, 315 C.I., 260 H.P. Hemi, also had; A “lowered” heavy duty chassis, suspension, and drive train components from the Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial. Newly designed D-500 steering arms Larger exhaust system. Lighter brake area/weight ratio with the 12 inch Chrysler brakes And of course the distinctive identification-Crossed Checkered Flags with “500” inset, located on the hood (left front) and trunk (right rear). The original broken ones have been replaced with new reproductions. This car also has other suspension modifications of extra springs on the front and some type of traction bars on the rear. Possibly because of the towing—since this car has a trailer tongue mounted (possibly for trailering the horses??) The left front fender and, part of the grill, was damaged and replaced. The left rear door rust looks like it can be repaired, however, an extra door is included if you prefer to restore it in that way. The front bumper is a disaster but a good replacement is included along with a good front splash pan. The 4 wheels appear to be all different and only one (possibly the original) will accept the Dog Dish covers (four come with the car). The four wheel covers also come with the car in case you cannot locate the other 3 correct wheels. The tires are dry rotted and only good for rolling around the garage or onto a trailer. We put the motor back into the engine bay but did not reconnect the drive shaft, water pump housing, etc since we knew the motor would be coming out for the next owners restoration project. The front fender light & siren work but the housing has a dented rear. The roof “Bubble Gum” light is not original but is included with the car. It is not bolted to the roof. The 1960’s Motorola Police radio & speaker is not installed but also included. There is a body tag on the left front door jamb but the under hood fire wall tags are missing. There is no title.