Photo of the 1957 Dodge Royal Lancer D-500 owned by Tom Herrmann’s brother clearly proves it was an official D-500 model as the badge on the lower right of the trunk shows. (Photo complements Tom Herrmann).
Here’s a photo of the D-500 trunk badge up close from 1957. Two 325 Hemi engines were available, one a single four barrel and a second two four barrel design. (Complements Chrysler LLC)
Q: Greg, I enjoy your column and admire your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the cars from the 1950s. In the early 1960s, before I was old enough to drive, my older brother owned what I thought was one of the best looking cars on the road, a beautiful shiny black 1957 Dodge Royal Lancer two-door hard top with red interior.
He claimed his had the D-500 option. I do remember, from the valve covers, that it had the dual rocker shaft “Hemi” engine. It also had one four-barrel carburetor, factory dual exhaust and a 3-on-the-tree stick shift tranny.
Many years later, I saw a 1957 Dodge D-500 convertible at a local car show. The owner explained that the D-500 option consisted of a dual four-barrel 325 cu. in. hemi engine like he had in his car. He didn’t think that my brother’s car could have been a D-500 if it had only one four-barrel carb.
I never confronted my brother, whom I admired very much, about this while he was alive as I didn’t want to appear to be challenging his claim. So, now that he is gone, what about it Greg, could it have been a D-500? Any additional information you may have about the D-500 and the even rarer D-501 would be greatly appreciated. You know, as beautiful as the 1957-58 Dodges are, there appears to be very few around these days. Tom Herrmann, Spokane, Washington
A: Tom thanks so much for your excellent letter and your kind words.
I am going to side with your brother on his car being an original D-500 optioned Royal Lancer. Back in 1957, I remember the D-500 could be ordered on any and all full size Dodges, from your Royal Lancer to the entry Coronet two-door.
In 1957, however, there were actually three D-500’s on the engine list, your brother’s 325 Hemi V8 with 285 horses (single four-barrel Carter carb), a Super D-500 325 inch Hemi V8 with 310 horses (two Carter four-barrels) or a 354 Hemi with 340 horses and two fours. This is the only year where two different size Hemi engines shared D-500 options. As for the D-501, this is very rare option that was built solely for the NASCAR events. Overall, only 100 or so D-501’s were built featuring solid-lifter 355-horsepower 354 Hemi V8s with two Carter four barrels. Only three are said to exist to this day.
I also agree that the 1957 and 1958 Dodges (and DeSotos, too) were great looking vehicles. Matter of fact, my high school buddy Rudy “Skip” Luisi had a 1957 DeSoto Adventurer with the single four barrel Hemi engine, so I know how well these cars accelerated and that both single and dual four-barrel versions existed.
To summarize, your brother indeed did own an original D-500. Notably, the badge to the lower right of the trunk on your photo proves it!
As for the owner of the convertible, he was incorrect about the 325 Hemi V8 coming only as a two four barrel option. The 354 Hemi engine, meanwhile, was a D-500 option that did come with two fours and I’m wondering if his was a 354 Hemi and you both got a little confused because of the two size Hemis available in 1957. If this is the case, and his was a 354, then you are both correct.
In ending, I remember going to a regional fair somewhere around Allentown, Pa., back in the fall of 1957 and my dad bought a chance to win a 1958 Dodge Station Wagon. I prayed that we would win it, but we did not. I loved the way the door handles pulled up – and still do to this day.
Thanks again for your letter and photo of your brother’s Dodge D-500 Royal Lancer. And, I’d never hold the good Lord above responsible for not answering my prayer to win that 1958 Dodge Wagon – but he sure did come through for you Seattle Seahawk fans!
Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist who welcomes reader questions on collectible cars, auto nostalgia and old-time racing at 116 Main St., Towanda, Pa. 18848 or email at greg@gregzyla.com).
