1955 Dodge Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer La Femme
1955 Dodge Custom Royal 4-Door
1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible
1. Power Pack Gets 4-Barrel Carburetor
2. Styling is a Dramatic Change
3. Gyro-Matic Fluid Drive Completely Out
4. Powerflite Gear Selector Unique
5. La Femme Model Designed for Women
1955 – All New Size and Styling
The 1955 Dodge was all-new with a 120 inch wheelbase and 212.1 inches in overall length, quite different from the 1954 cars. Engine size and horsepower were up substantially. Powerflite transmission completely replaced the old “Gyro-Matic” fluid drive.
1955 Dodge Resources
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1955 Dodge Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1955 Dodge
| 501 Jewel Black | |
| 505 Halo Blue | |
| 506 Parisian Blue | |
| 507 Admiral Blue | |
| 515 Chiffon Green | |
| 516 Emerald Green | |
| 517 Satin Green | |
| 530 Cashmere Gray | |
| 550 Heather Rose | |
| 551 Cameo Red | |
| 552 Regal Burgundy | |
| 555 Sapphire White | |
| 558 Fantasy Yellow |
1955 Dodge Facts – Collector Car Insurers
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1955 Dodge Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1955 Dodge
The 1955 Dodge car lineup, consisting of the entry-level Coronet, Royal, and ornate Custom Royal, was a major departure for the company. Driven almost out of business in 1953 and 1954, the Chrysler Corporation was revived with a $250 million loan from Prudential and new models designed by Virgil Exner. The Dodge lineup was positioned as the mainstream line in Chrysler’s hierarchy, between DeSoto and Plymouth. The Wayfarer and Meadowbrook names were no longer used and the Custom Royal was added above the Royal, with all hardtops also named Lancer, and a La Femme model was developed exclusively for women.
Bodies were completely restyled and were lower, wider, and longer than the previous prewar style. The 1955 Dodge body shell was also all-new with a 120 inch wheelbase and 212.1 inch in overall length, longer than the 1954 cars. These cars lasted only through the 1956 model year before being replaced by an all-new 1957. Power windows were added to the available options. Horsepower was up to a maximum of 193 HP with the 270 CID Hemi power package.
Dodge’s advertising people called the new styling “Flair-Fashion”. This styling was set off by the use of tri-color paint schemes. The new grille had a large oval opening with a center divider and single horizontal chrome bar. Bumper guards were featured on even the lowest trim levels, and all models featured a simulated hood scoop. The windshield was a wraparound that Dodge referred to as a “new horizon” windshield. The new taillights were emphasized by a chrome trim piece with the higher trim levels featuring dual lenses on each side where the lower of which was often replaced with backup lights.
Six-cylinder equipped models featured the large Dodge crest in the center of the hood and trunk lid. Models with V-8 power featured the Dodge crest over a large “V”.
Coronet
The 1955 Coronet dropped to the lower end of the Dodge vehicle lineup, with the Coronet and Suburban station wagon as the base model. Base power came from a 230 CID L-head I-6, now producing 123 horsepower. Two V-8 engines were offered: 270 CID Polyspheric head producing 175 HP and a Hemi head delivering 183 HP or 193 HP. This was the only line to feature that 230 I-6, with the 270 CID Red Ram V-8 an upgrade.
Coronets were available in all body styles except the convertible. Sedans feature “Coronet” badges on the fenders, while the station wagons are called “Suburban”. Although hardtop coupes were officially named “Lancer”, it wore only “Coronet” badges. Surprisingly, turn signals were optional on the base Coronet.
Royal
With the introduction of the Dodge Custom Royal for the 1955 model year, the Royal moved down to the intermediate trim level, above the now base-model Coronet. The Royal “Lancer” name was applied to the 2-door hardtop model and Royal “Sierra” to the new station wagon models. Base engine was the 175 HP Poly head V-8, with the Hemi in either 183 or 193 HP configurations as optional.
Custom Royal
The Custom Royal was the new top level Dodge this year. The model included upscale trim and the convertible. The La Femme was also a Custom Royal. The 183 HP Hemi V-8 was standard, with the Power Package 193 HP engine optional.
Historical
Model year production peaked at 273,286 units. Motor Trend magazine tested a Custom Royal V-8 with Powerflite. It was capable of moving from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 16.2 seconds and calculated a top speed of 101.8 miles per hour.
1955 Dodge Factoids
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- La Femme Option
- Hemi Power Pack Gets 4-barrel Carburetor
- Powerflite Automatic Transmission Replaces Fluid Drive
The La Femme was an attempt to gain a foothold in the women’s automobile market. The La Femme, which began as a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-door hardtop coupe, in Sapphire White and Heather Rose. The exterior had special gold-colored “La Femme” scripts replacing the standard “Custom Royal Lancer” scripts. The interior of the 1955 La Femme were upholstered in a special tapestry material featuring pink rosebuds on a pale silver-pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. The car came with a keystone-shaped, pink calfskin purse coordinated to the interior of the car. The purse had a set of accessories including a face-powder compact, lipstick case, cigarette case, comb, cigarette lighter, and change purse. Also included was a raincoat, rain bonnet, an umbrella – all made from a vinyl patterned to match the rosebud interior fabric.
For the first time the Dodge Super Red Ram Hemi V-8 received a WCFB 4-barrel carburetor as a performance upgrade. The larger carb resulted in an additional 10 HP in rating, but the result was a more responsive engine with a higher peak RPM. It was the harbinger of things to come in 1956 and beyond – namely the famous D-500!
The huge acceptance of the Powerflite auto transmission in 1954 across the Corporation’s lines resulted in the “Gyro-Matic” fluid drive semi-automatic transmission from the inventory.
1955 Dodge Facts – Models Offered
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Coronet – The Coronet was now the base trim level for 1955 and featured chrome windshield and rear window moldings; chrome trim around the simulated hood scoop; chrome headlight doors and a single horizontal chrome strip running from the front fender to the rear of the front door. The Coronet club sedan also featured a chrome strip, which began along the top of the front fenders, carried back and dipped over the side of the front door to a point just below the roof ‘C’ pillar, then swept up to a point near the top of the rear fender and carried back, along that level, to the rear of the fender. The Coronet name appeared in script, along the side of the front fenders.
Coronet models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Lancer Hardtop, 2-door Suburban Wagon 6-passenger, and 4-door Sierra Wagon 6- and 8-passenger. No convertible was offered.
Royal – The Royal was now the intermediate trim level for 1955 and included all the Coronet features, plus hooded, chrome headlight doors and the Royal name, in script, on the front fenders. Royal models were offered only with V-8 engines.
Royal models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Lancer Hardtop, 2-door Custom Suburban Wagon, 4-door Custom Sierra Wagon 6-passenger, 4-door Custom Sierra Wagon 8-passenger. No convertible was offered.
Custom Royal – The Custom Royal was the top trim level for 1955 and included all the Royal features, plus the name and medallion on the rear fenders. The chrome moldings on the body sides merged with the headlight doors and extended to the medallion on the rear fenders. The Lancer hardtop and convertible models featured a special chrome strip which was curved. Chrome fins were also used on the tops of the rear fenders and the Royal Lancer name appeared on the front fenders. A sharply swept back, stylized V-8 emblem appeared under the chrome strip, behind the front wheel.
Custom Royal models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Lancer Hardtop, 2-door Convertible. The La Femme option was attached to the 2-door Lancer Hardtop model.
1955 Dodge Facts – About the La Femme
The Dodge La Femme was introduced by Dodge between 1955 and offered again in 1956. The La Femme option was specifically designed for women, and was available on 1955 and 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer models.
Model Origin
The La Femme was the result of the observation of Chrysler’s marketing department that more women were taking an interest in automobiles during the this time, and that women’s opinions on car color and interior design were becoming part of a couple’s decision-making process when buying an automobile. Further, more and more women were driving and owning a car. The La Femme was an attempt to gain a foothold in this market.
The La Femme concept was tested with two Chrysler show cars from the 1954 season. Named Le Comte, and La Comtesse, each was built from a Chrysler Newport hardtop body. While the Le Comte was designed using masculine colors, the La Comtesse was painted “Dusty Rose” and “Pigeon Grey” in order to convey femininity. Favorable responses encouraged Chrysler to pursue the La Comtesse concept as the Dodge La Femme.
1955 La Femme
Dodge received the project and renamed the concept the La Femme, which began as a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer two-door hardtop coupe, painted Sapphire White and Heather Rose. From there, the exterior received special gold-colored “La Femme” scripts that replaced the standard “Custom Royal Lancer” scripts on the car’s front fenders.
1955 La Femme interiors were upholstered in a special tapestry material featuring pink rosebuds on a pale silver-pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. The La Femme came with a keystone-shaped, pink calfskin purse that coordinated with the interior of the car. The purse could be stowed in a compartment in the back of the passenger seat, in a way that its gold-plated medallion faced outward. This brushed-metal medallion was large enough to have the owner’s name engraved on it.
Significantly, each purse contained a set of accessories inside, including a face-powder compact, lipstick case, cigarette case, comb, cigarette lighter, and change purse. All made of either faux-tortoiseshell plastic and gold-tone metal, or pink calfskin and gold-tone metal – designed and made by Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA, famous for men and women’s fine keepsakes and jewelry.
On the back of the driver’s seat was a compartment that contained a raincoat, rain bonnet, and umbrella made from a vinyl and patterned to match the rosebud interior fabric.
Other than these designer changes the car was a Royal Lancer Coupe and could be ordered with any of the three V-8 engines and choice of transmission, as well as all other options. See the Brochure HERE.
1955 Dodge Facts – Engines
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230 CID 2-Barrel I-6 – All Transmissions. L-Head. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 230 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.25 x 4.63 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.4:1.
Horsepower: 123 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 194 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 236°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 18°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.365″, Exhaust 0.365″.
Carburetor: Stromberg 2-barrel WW3-124.
NOTE: Only available on the Coronet Line.
270 CID Red Ram 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves, Polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 270 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.256 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.6:1.
Horsepower: 175 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 240 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Stromberg 2-barrel WW3-131.
270 CID Super Red Ram 2-Barrel Hemi V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves, Hemispheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 270 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.256 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.6:1.
Horsepower: 183 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 245 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Stromberg 2-barrel WW3-120.
270 CID Super Red Ram 4-Barrel Hemi Power Pack V-8 – All Transmissions. . Overhead valves, Hemispheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 270 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.256 inches.
Compression ratio: 7.6:1.
Horsepower: 193 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 245 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.360″, (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Carter WCFB 4-barrel 2253S.
Exhaust: Dual.
NOTE: Available on all V-8 lines.
1955 Dodge Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 120.0 inches.
- Overall length: 212.1 inches.
- Overall width: 74.5 inches.
- Overall height: Coronet I-6 – 60.3 inches, Coronet V-8, Royal, and Custom Royal – 60.6 inches.
- Front tread: 58.9 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.1 inches.
- Tires: Coronet I-6: 6.70 x 15 with 7.10 x 15 optional; Coronet, Royal V-8 and Custom Royal: 7.10 x 15 with 7.60 x 15 optional.
1955 Dodge Facts – Powertrains
- Two Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 1.72:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.39:1.
- Stall: I-6 – 2.6:1 @ 1330 RPM; V-8, 175 HP – 2.6:1 @ 1450 RPM; V-8, 183 & 193 HP -2.6 @ 1500 RPM.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.57:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.48:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.57:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.48:1 Overdrive – 0.70:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.90:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.30:1.
- I-6: AMT – 3.73:1.
- V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1..
- V-8: 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.10:1.
- V-8 AMT – 3.54:1.
1955 Dodge Facts – Powertrain Options
- Transmissions
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard on all I-6 and V-8s.
- Three-speed manual transmission with overdrive was optional on all I-6 and V-8s.
- Two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission was optional on all engines.
- Engines
- I-6 was standard on all Coronet models.
- 270 CID 175 HP V-8 was optional on all Coronet models. and standard on all Royal and Custom Royal models.
- 270 CID 183 HP Hemi V-8 was optional on all Coronet V-8, Royal, and Custom Royal models.
- “Power Pack” 270 CID 193 HP Hemi V-8 was optional on all Coronet V-8, Royal, and Custom Royal models.
1955 Dodge Facts – Significant Options
Prices where known
-
- Airtemp air conditioning ($567).
- Electric clock.
- Heater.
- Overdrive ($102).
- Power brakes ($38).
- Power seats ($70).
- Power steering ($113).
- Power windows ($102).
- Powerflite fully-automatic transmission ($184).
- Radio ($110).
- Turn signals.
- V-8 power package ($48).
- White sidewall tires.
- Windshield washer.
1955 Dodge Downloads and Images
1955 Dodge Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1955 Dodge AMA Specifications Sheets
1955 Dodge Facts – Related Images
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1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible
The 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible was the only convertible in the line this year. Only 3,302 were made.
1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-door Hardtop
The 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-door Hardtop was the top level 2-door in 1955. A substantial 30,499 were sold.
1955 Dodge Custom Royal 4-door Sedan
The 1955 Dodge Custom Royal 4-door Sedan was the top end 4-door in 1955. It was the best-selling Dodge with 55,503 produced.
1955 Dodge Royal Lancer 2-door Hardtop
The 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer 2-door Hardtop was the mid-range hardtop this year. 25,831 were sold.
1955 Dodge Royal 4-door Sedan
The 1955 Dodge Royal 4-door Sedan was the mid-price 4-door sedan in 1955. it sold well with 45,323 delivered.
1955 Dodge Royal Sierra Station Wagon
The 1955 Dodge Royal Sierra Station Wagon was available trimmed as either a Coronet or Royal. In both cases it was only V-8 powered and could be had as a 6- or 8-passenger versions with the Coronet version selling 5,952 and the Royal version 5,506.
1955 Dodge Coronet Lancer 2-door Hardtop
The 1955 Dodge Coronet Lancer 2-door Hardtop was the least expensive 2-door hardtop in the line. A solid 26,727 found happy customers.
1955 Dodge Coronet 4-door Sedan
The 1955 Dodge Coronet 4-door Sedan was the entry-level 4-door for 1956. It was a great seller with 46,074 made.
1955 Dodge Coronet 2-door Club Sedan
The 1955 Dodge Coronet 2-door Club Sedan was the entry level Dodge this year. 24,104 were sold.
1955 Dodge Coronet 2-door Suburban Station Wagon
The 1955 Dodge Coronet 2-door Suburban Station Wagon was the only 2-door wagon in the line. It was available with either I-6 or V-8 power. 8,115 were delivered, best among all wagon models.