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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
   
Location: Lower Mainland BC | INTRODUCTION
I am a noobie to this forum but I am not a noobie to car forums. I have 33386 posts (Mar. 2009-Oct. 2016) on one forum, 11273 (Feb. 2006 to Oct. 2016) on another, and 18,742 (Mostly Feb. 2001 to Mar. 2009) on another. Did I say I was retired? Did I say I am obsessed? Pedantic?  Many of those posts were technical info about a particular Audi, the UrS4 (turbo 5 cylinder quattro). I also do build tag breakdowns for Audis of that era (I've done over 100 of them for different people from around the world). One of the best things I did was this live info map (with the very valued assistance of Steve Mills) where you click on the label to get more information:
http://members.shaw.ca/ajmills/UrS%20Engine%20Bay%20Device%20Map.ht...
I am obsessed by trivia about the vehicles I own so when I purchased my 56 Custom Royal with the D-500 engine and brake package (while searching for a 56 Plymouth V8 2dr hardtop) in mid-Septemeber, I started looking for info about the D-500. What I am about to share is probably well known to you but nevertheless, I felt compelled to document it, i.e. The selection of the 56 Dodge and particularly the D-500 package as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) pursuit vehicle in 1956.
BACKGROUND
When I had my 56 Dodge in a local shop days after I got it (for a full inspection), they had a copy of a 1956 Chevy advert on display. I read it and was astounded to find that the maximum hp was only 205! (I knew the D500 was 260 so 205 was obviously not going to cut it for the CHP). Subsequently, I found another advert for a 56 Chevy 210 that proclaimed 225 hp was available. Wow! (Lame)
The base 265 cubic inch 56 Chevy V-8 produced 162 HP at 4200 rpm with a 2 barrel carburetor and a three speed transmission. Adding a 4 barrel carburetor boosted the horsepower to 205 at 4600 rpm. This is the engine that was referred to as the new “Super Turbo Fire”. The “Super Turbo Fire” 56 was the fastest Chevy yet and one of the years quickest production cars at any price. The "frisky"" 205 HP version recorded 8.9 seconds going from 0-60 mph and had a top speed of 108.7 mph. REF: http://56classicchevy.com/1956-chevrolet-engines
 
Pushed by Ford in a horsepower race in 1956, Chevrolet upped the ante by making the "Corvette" engine an option for the sedans. With a compression ratio of 9.25:1, new lifters, lighter valves, larger intake and exhaust passages, Duntov Corvette cam plus a twin four barrel carburetor this new mid year "explosive" (sic) engine’s was rated at 225 HP at 5200 rpm. REF: http://56classicchevy.com/1956-chevrolet-engines . The 1956 Corvette itself had three versions of the 265 engine – 210 hp (160 kW) with a single 4-barrel carburetor, 225 hp (168 kW) with twin 4-barrels, and 240 hp (180 kW) with two four-barrel carburetors and a high-lift camshaft. Still nothing like the offerings from Dodge in the 56 Dodge sedans.
 
Obviously the CHP needed a fast vehicle. In terms of horsepower, even the 4 bbl 315 cu in Polyspherical Dodge had 230 hp so it had to be on the list of candidates for their pursuit vehicle.
THE CHP TESTS
The 1956 California Highway Patrol tests took the car through maximum acceleration up to 70 miles an hour, then panic punched the brakes, attempting a maximum braking situation. Without allowing for any cooling, the car would again be max accelerated back to 70. This was repeated four times in a row; after the fourth stop, the car was maximum accelerated to 90 miles an hour. Again, the brakes were punched in a panic manner. This was repeated. Then the car was taken up to wide open throttle, as fast as it could go, and the brakes were slammed on. This exercise was repeated four times. REF: http://www.allpar.com/history/inside/plymouth-4.html
In 1956, Dodge faced Pontiac, Buick, and Mercury. Mercury was disqualified because it failed the brake test miserably. Buick too had lousy brakes. Pontiac was a little better, going through the four stops from 70, but was not able to hold on at the first try from 90. The only car to pass was the Dodge. The brakes were extremely hot, and had all sorts of funny smells, along with whiffs of smoke coming from them. But they absolutely refused to fade! The secret of the sintered metallic linings is that the hotter they got, the better they stopped! After Dodge had whipped its competitors with its four high speed panic stops, an instructor took the Dodge on the high speed chase course. In the entire length, there are at least 10 places where maximum effort braking is required, bringing the car down from a high speed, over 80 mph to a much lower speed of around 20 to 30 mph. The instructor ran the Dodge through the course, without stopping 10 times in a row. The brakes never offered to fade, pulling the big Dodge down at a measured 25 feet per second, squared! Powerful, but confidence inspiring, brakes! REF: http://www.allpar.com/history/inside/plymouth-4.html
THE RESULTS
As a result, the CHP purchased an initial batch of 400 230 hp Polyspherical-engined 56 Dodge Pursuits, along with 400 Pontiac Chieftains (why why why?) . Like most states, they tried to please everybody. (Sure but why - it had failed the tests) The California experience with the Chieftains was mostly positive, but the Dodge blew the competition away. (Yup ;)) REF: http://www.allpar.com/history/inside/plymouth-4.html
  
In their book about 1956-76 Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler Police cars, Sanow and Bellah state on page 21 that:
 
Photo courtesy of Rebels_59
Subsequently, other jurisdictions got into the action and selected D-500s for their highway work:
 
Well maybe NOT "everywhere"
NOTE: If this ends up to be a double post, I apologize.  The posting sequence of adding links and uploading photos is quite different than the other forums that I have been active on.
REFERENCES:
Edited by 56D500boy 2016-10-22 11:32 AM
 (CHP56Dodge230PartrolCarAdvert_small.jpg)
 (56To76DodgePlymouthChryslerPoliceCarsBookCover_small.jpg)
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 CHP56Dodge230PartrolCarAdvert_small.jpg (106KB - 2391 downloads)
56To76DodgePlymouthChryslerPoliceCarsBookCover_small.jpg (77KB - 554 downloads)
56DodgeCHPPurchases_Parag_2.jpg (129KB - 2271 downloads)
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1172
Location: Georgia | Wow! Good info here, Dave! Thanks and welcome to the forum here!
Pete |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | SavoyPlaza - 2016-10-22 6:46 AM Wow! Good info here, Dave! Thanks and welcome to the forum here!
Pete
I should have mentioned that after I watched Leno's Garage's youtube segment on a 61 Dodge Polara CHP car, I contacted Morgan Yates of the Automobile Club of Southern California (the guy in the red shirt):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX8dbrzedd0
I emailed Morgan with this:
"I just finished watching Leno's Garage review of the 1961 Polara CHP car in which you were featured as the archivist.
That got me to thinking. I have a new to me 1956 Dodge Custom Royal with the D-500 260 hp 315 hemi and Windsor brake package. In reading about the D-500 I came across an article that talked about the CHP testing a number of cars in 1956 and concluding that the Dodge Coronet with the full D-500 engine, brake and heavy duty suspension package was the way forward for them. Based on that, I was surprised to find an advert that touted the CHP buying the Coronet with the 230 hp Polyspherical (quasi-hemi) engine. (!!??). Can you clear up the confusion for me? What was the Dodge that CHP used in 1956? This:  "
Morgan replied the next day with:
"Hi Dave: In preparation for the taping of that Leno’s Garage segment on the Auto Club’s ’61 Polara CHP cruiser I consulted a number of references, including “Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler Police Cars, 1956-1978.” It’s an excellent reference book and I’ve attached some info from it that discusses the 1956 police package, which spells out the CHP acquisitions. The book is available on Amazon if you don’t already have a copy. I hope this info will be of use to you. Morgan"
So the conclusion was that the CHP had both the 230 hp Poly and 260 hp hemi versions of the Pursuit. Subsequently, I have purchased a copy of the book for my archives.
Edited by 56D500boy 2016-10-22 4:07 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown | What makes one think the CHP didn't buy some of both ?
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | Doctor DeSoto - 2016-10-23 2:46 AM What makes one think the CHP didn't buy some of both ?
That was the point of the exercise: to confirm that the CHP purchased both the 230 hp Poly and 260 hp hemi versions of the 56 Dodge Coronet 2 dr Pursuit. The 400 of the 230 first and then 200 of the 260 later.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 782
Location: Edmonton, Alberta | Thanks for posting this. This was a neat post to read. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1155
Location: somerville mass | in 1955 and 56 and some 57 episodes of "highway patrol" you see 55 56 dodge patrol cars...
ill look for the flags.. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | I once owned a 57 Coronet CHP Pursuit vehicle. 325 Hemi, big brakes, and
heavy torsion bars/rear springs. This car had a water-cooled Torqueflite.
Also owned a 60 Seneca WSP Pursuit. This one was equipped with a 4bbl
383 and a 3-onda-tree.
Wish I had both cars tucked away now !
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | moparsteve - 2016-10-26 11:18 AM in 1955 and 56 and some 57 episodes of "highway patrol" you see 55 56 dodge patrol cars...ill look for the flags..
Found 1: Highway Patrol 1 in Amnesia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGfvUHcRlR0&index=2&list=PLxX_AJ8DFf... Starting at about 8:04
No flags so "230" Pursuit (or movie clone)
Only 146 more episodes to check.  |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | Episode 45: False Confession 57? 58? Pursuit at (I'm confused, sorry) at 4:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6UT0cE17sk
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599
Location: northern germany | 56D500boy - 2016-10-26 5:01 PM
moparsteve - 2016-10-26 11:18 AM in 1955 and 56 and some 57 episodes of "highway patrol" you see 55 56 dodge patrol cars...ill look for the flags..
Found 1: Highway Patrol 1 in Amnesia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGfvUHcRlR0&index=2&list=PLxX_AJ8DFf... Starting at about 8:04
No flags so "230" Pursuit (or movie clone )
Only 146 more episodes to check. :bleh:
That girl is hot  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1155
Location: somerville mass | the stay at home housewife - those were the days! no microwave - in wall oven state of the
art! i saw a 57/58 coronet no d500 badge bad guys 58 plymouth plaza/ savoy v on grill 58 buick
any of you guys old enough to see these shows new or reruns? all dig. restored magnificent.
most all actors gone now. 55-59. why stop in 59? brod said "we ran out of crimes" he died 1986
if you read up an alcoholic always drunk on the set even lost his licence. a job to sober him up.
ate large meals and smoked like me. fine that so many finned fwd looks in it even those
coronets left a patch of rubber! |
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Expert
Posts: 3835
Location: NorCal | moparsteve - 2016-10-27 9:28 PM
any of you guys old enough to see these shows new or reruns?
Watched every episode when it was first run.
In later years I owned four ex-CHP cars, a '55 Buick Century, a '54 Olds 88, a '57 Dodge Coronet and a '60 Dodge Matador. '60 was the year the CHP changed over to 4-doors.
Edited by 57chizler 2016-10-28 2:17 PM
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | Here is a photo of somewhere in Tennessee where they used a 56 Dodge 4dr V8 as a cop car.
Edited by 56D500boy 2017-12-08 8:33 AM
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | I was just going through my emails and a I see that I don't think that I posted this article that I received from Michael Wong at the CHP headquarters in Sacremento in the fall.
As usual, there are errors in the article, e.g. the 260 hp D-500 4 bbl 315 hemi engine was just that ("D500"), not "Super-Powered Super Red Ram" (that was the 230 hp 315 4 bbl dual exhaust poly).
Edited by 56D500boy 2019-03-15 2:07 PM
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ArticleFromMichaelWongAtCHPInSacremento_Small.jpg (417KB - 544 downloads)
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
I was looking for something 56 Dodge-related yesterday and bumped into these (not sure where the photos were taken):
NOTE: Simply marked Dodge on the rear fenders, not Coronet.
 (56DodgeCHPD500Restored_2_small.jpg)
 (56DodgeCHPD500Restored_1_small.jpg)
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56DodgeCHPD500Restored_2_small.jpg (187KB - 388 downloads)
56DodgeCHPD500Restored_1_small.jpg (187KB - 430 downloads)
56DodgeCHPD500Restored_3_small.jpg (164KB - 421 downloads)
56DodgeCHPD500Restored_4_small.jpg (176KB - 419 downloads)
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Expert
Posts: 1495
Location: Pacific Northwest | Stunning! |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10259
Location: So. Cal | Those look like '55 dog dish caps. If I were a police officer, I would love to drive this car. |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | Powerflite - 2020-09-13 9:45 AM
Those look like '55 dog dish caps. If I were a police officer, I would love to drive this car.
Agree about the 55 dog dishes (on my future high school/university car (1967-72) when I was a kid (1960)):
And different that these ones (on a 56 D500 Coronet that might or might no be an ex-police car):
Edited by 56D500boy 2020-09-13 3:12 PM
 (56DodgeCoronetD500CoupeOregon_2.jpg)
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56DodgeCoronetD500CoupeOregon_2.jpg (234KB - 438 downloads)
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
I have a trial subscription on Newspaper.com and was poking around looking for mention of 1956 Dodge D500s. I found quite a few. Two that I am bringing to this thread relate to the results of the try outs between Dodge D500s, Oldsmobile and Pontiac.
The first one is from California; the second from Tampa Florida, using the data to sell cars.
 (Verona_Cedar_Grove_Times_Thu__Jul_26__1956_D500CHPTestResults.jpg)
 (Tampa_Bay_Times_Mon__Sep_3__1956_D500PatrolCar_Snippet.jpg)
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Verona_Cedar_Grove_Times_Thu__Jul_26__1956_D500CHPTestResults.jpg (213KB - 395 downloads)
Tampa_Bay_Times_Mon__Sep_3__1956_D500PatrolCar_Snippet.jpg (228KB - 387 downloads)
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10259
Location: So. Cal | Pretty neat. Cool to have this data published. |
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Member
Posts: 9
| The Real 1956 Dodge D-500-1 2Door Special Car Owner I have been looking for the other one sins 1990`s and Have not seen a nother real deal one yet it seems there are copys been made..
56 Dodge D-500-1 is not a option like it was sold with the same extra name on Coronets Its a Car model of its own That is why it only says Dodge on the rear fenders + The brakes are specialy made for Nasscar racing on one they are not the same as Imperial thow they mite remind them but they are special made for Only dodge D-500-1 cars + for nasscars not for the coronet option models..
In 1990 there was a artical on a car magazine that there are only two COP CAR 1956 DODGE D-500-1 of 2DOOR SEDAN that are like the Race Car`s on the planet But havent seen the other one yet..
Seems like the car with thows blue plates is not real? course of anteners and stuff and the inside lights dont look right thow they were in side the car..
I Have all the old documents that my car is the real deal+it was real exspencive in the 90`s here in Finland (210.000) back then a house was half of that amount.. |
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Member
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| Sorry yellow Plates not blue.. the anteners dont look right course there 2 of them and the rear inside lights dont look right..
I havent Driven my D-500-1 car sins 2004 I think it was when I drove it to Sweden Westeros Car Meet and back to Finland Tampere..
Have been offered all sorts of cars for it like challengers sixpack convertibles and so on sins I have owned it..
Was thinkin of selling it ones.. but glade I dident..
Best Regards
Real Cop Car 56 D-500-1 owner. |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | D-500:1 COP CAR - 2021-02-20 5:32 AM
I havent Driven my D-500-1 car sins 2004 I think it was when I drove it to Sweden Westeros Car Meet and back to Finland Tampere..
Have been offered all sorts of cars for it like challengers sixpack convertibles and so on sins I have owned it..
Was thinkin of selling it ones.. but glade I dident..
Best Regards
Real Cop Car 56 D-500-1 owner.
We'd love to see some photos of your car, exterior, interior, engine bay and the cowl data tag on the firewall.
If you can't upload them (need to be <250 kB and .jpg (not .jpeg)), I've private mailed you my home email address and I can do it for you (once you send them to me).
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Member
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| Found |
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Member
Posts: 9
| Found Info about the Cars
cussion Starter • #1 • 4 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)
The 1956-1961 Dodge D-500 cars and performance packages
by "Da Cruizer"
To start with, the people responsible for the 1956 D-500 were:
william-newberg.jpg William C Newberg, president
Byron J Nichols, vice president
R. D. Engle, chief engineer for Dodge division
Danny Eames, chief test driver for Dodge.
Danny Eames was hired by Bert Carter in 1953. He was very successful from 1953 to 1955 in racing, and brought home checkered flags from Bonneville and Daytona for Dodge. Danny was with Dodge division from 1953 to 1956.
Dodge racing efforts were guided by Danny, Bill Bogan, chief engineer, and Dean Engal, assistant engineer; Danny was also special assistant to William C.Newberg's staff. That meant an open ticket for the development of the high performance program at Dodge.
Dean Engal became chief engineer in early 1956 at Highland Park. Wally Zierer was general automotive engineer and was a great help in the 1953-55 racing program. Danny Eames "and his brains were an asset to my programs." Bolstered by those early victories and the experience, desire, and the need to build Dodge's performance image and competitive edge, the D-500 was born.
The new kids on the block may have taken their lead from their big brother, the 1955 Chrysler 300 C. The Dodge D-500, Desoto Adventurer, and Plymouth Fury, were all new nameplates for 1956, and were separate models, not performance options, dealer add ons, or packages.
We'll start with twelve examples of what the 1956 D-500 consisted of, based on an internal letter:
Specific goals to satisfy the public's desire for a distinctive and prestigious automobile with levels of performance not possible with standard models.
Introduction and release after initial standard models were announced to the public. (Standard, November 7, 1955, and Dodge 500, December 22, 1955).
Separate sales brochure and literature similar to the 300B, Adventurer, and Fury.
Special high performance engine (260 and 276hp).
Special identification engine numbers (D-500-1001 beginning).
Heavy duty chassis, suspension, and drive train components (from New Yorker and Imperial).
New designed D-500 steering arms and steering wheel rims.
Larger exhaust systems.
Larger brakes for the weight; 12 inch Chrysler brakes.
Restricted to specific body types and styles, engine and drive train components. (Initial release).
Suggested a limited paint colors and schemes (2-tone "sandwich," only in Oriental Coral and Sapphire White ).
Distinctive identification: medallions, emblems, and crossed checkered victory flags with 500 inset located on the hood (left front) and trunk (right rear).
Unless the Dodge carried these "Flags of Destination," you could not order the above items separately. With this in mind, let's continue the story.
The D-500 was capable of outrunning just about anything it went up against, and, again, was a model in every sense of the word. The 1956 D-500 set or broke a total of 306 standing records, and this was its first time out, and Dodge's first shot at building a car of this caliber.
Sports Car Illustrated wrote in August 1956: "It is designed from the ground up as a high performance road machine that can be used for commuting to work, for winning its class at the local Drag Strip, or for making a top showing in a tough rally or race."
There was another 500 in 1954, the Royal 500. This one was a pace car replica; production was 501. The Royal 500 was not a D-500 in any way. The 500 in D-500 was the number of cars that had to be produced to be accepted as a production car under NASCAR sanction , but those of us who really know about these cars know that they were produced on demand. The D-500 should not be confused with the Standard 1956 Dodge.
Racer Brown in Hotrod magazine (May 1956) said that the D-500 was named after the Indy 500; according to R.D. Engel and B.J Nickols this was just a coincidence.
The D-500 was released on December 22, 1955, first as a 2 door hardtop and convertible Royal Lancer, then in the Coronet line as a 2 door sedan club coupe, and as a convertible. The Coronet convertible was available, but it was not listed. It's possible that it was used for racing only.
The two versions of the Coronet (the 2 door sedan club coupe and the convertible) were available in full race form. They were also available with optional equipment but this model was the D-500-1, held back until January 12, 1956 to reduce confusion of the two D-500s. So on January 12, 1956 the D-500-1 became official.
On March 9, 1956 there was an announcement that boded ill for the D-500: the D-500 Special using standard Dodge suspension springs and 11-inch brakes. That was part of a letter that was released on March 9, 1956, reading, "We recently extended the availability of this equipment to include all V8 models and body types." It confused the identity of the freshly minted D-500.
One issue was adding the potent engine to the Royal (V8 model) that the D-500 was never intended for. The D-500 was only intended for the Custom Royal and the Coronet, period. Now the Royal line was part of the D-500 series.
Just think of the mess that would have been made of the C300 if Chrysler had offered a C300 motor package in a 4 door sedan Winsor or a station wagon or worse yet, in anything, across the board. Well , that's what happen to the D-500 when the D-500 special was offered across the board, to include the 4 door sedan and 4 door hardtop Lancers and station wagons (bulletin B-J14) . The source of this information is B. J. Nichols (Feb. 28, 1993) .
This was a benchmark year not only for Dodge but the entire auto industry. The D-500 was a world class pace setter; what it stood for then is still true today. Vision is what set it apart , and made it the best. That's what December 22, 1955 and January 12,1956 were all about. On Dec. 22, 1955 was the birth of the 1956 D-500. Jan. 12, 1956 was the birth of the 1956 D-500-1.
On Jan. 29, 1956, the four door sedans and four door hardtops (Lancers) and station wagon (body types) were released into the initial D-500 series of Dec. 22, 1955, and March 9, 1956 the D-500 special was in more ways than one the biggest reason the package rumor got started: the rumor of the D-500 being a engine/suspension package/option, and this being because of the limited use of the D-500 equipment.
Now though all of this crazyness, there were some things to consider. Dodge had taken the D-500 from Dec. 22, 1955 to March 9, 1956, and created a three series of high performance factory hotrods that not only set records on the salt flats, but on the race tracks all over the world. This was an industry first, and was great for sales, however through all of this the original D-500 of Dec. 22, 1955 become a stepchild to the others and almost lost its idenity altogether.
The original D-500 was not so clearly defined as the Chrysler 300B, the DeSoto Adventurer, or even the Plymouth Fury (which would also be watered down, though not quite as quickly). The Dec. 22 1955 "B" bulletin (the initial release) said that they contained a redesigned Hemi powerplant, a new D-500 chassis with New Yorker chassis and suspension components, and indicated "initial" body types available.
by the Allpar staff
1957's "Super D-500 Engine" and "D-500 Engine"
For 1957, a Dodge brochure clearly stated that the "Super D-500 Engine" was "available at moderate extra cost on all models... Full hemispherical combustion chamber with double rocker arms. Compression ratio, 9.25:1.... 325 cubic inches." It was rated at 310 hp and 350 lb-ft and included dual exhausts, heavy-duty double breaker distributor, heavy-duty air cleaner, and dual four-barrel carburetors.
The "D-500 engine" was also sold, "at little cost on all models. All specifcations same as Super D-500 except: Horsepower, 285 @ 4800 rpm. Torque, 345 lbs ft @ 2800 rpm. Single 4-barrel carburetor." (The Super Red Ram was 260 hp and 335 lb-ft.)
1960 D-500 Specifications
In 1960, the D500 was good for 15 hp, 45 lb-ft of torque on the 361, and 5 hp and 35 lb-ft on the 383. All horsepower numbers are gross measurements.
D500 (1)
Super Red Ram
D500 (2)
Ram-Fire
Cubic Inches
361
361
383
383
Bore x Stroke
4.12 x 3.38
4.12 x 3.38
4.25 x 3.38
4.25 x 3.38
Compression
10:1
10:1
9:1
10:1
Carburetor
Dual 4-barrel
2-barrel
Dual 4-barrel
4-barrel
Gross hp
310 @ 4,800
295 @ 4,600
330 @ 4,800
325 @ 4,600
Max torque
435 @ 2,800
390 @ 2,400
460 @ 2,800
425 @ 2,800
Ram induction on the 1960 D-500 used air pressures that are always present in the manifold to make the engine breathe efficiently. With a conventional manifold, opening and closing of the intake valves sets up an air pulsation in the intake passages. This pressure wave bounces back and forth and interferes with the fuel-air mixture. With Ram Induction, the length of each manifold passage was "tuned" (like a pipe organ) so the pressure wave was moving away from the intake valve when no fuel is needed - and toward the valve when fuel was needed. This "ram" effect or "tuning" had its peak effect over a wide range of engine speeds.
The base engines:
The Super Red Ram V-8 engine used in Matadors, and the Ram-Fire V-8 engine used in Polaras, were identical except for displacement and carburetion. Pistons, pins, rings, and connecting rods were selected from matching sets to meet precision standards for size and weight. These assembled components, together with the torque converter, were installed into the engine block and then electronically balanced.
A modified wedge design produced high turbulence for complete combustion and carbon reduction. Compact and lightweight, the intake manifold had a two-square-inch direct path for the fuel-air mixture to travel. A choke well puts the sensing mechanism in the exhaust manifold crossover to provide precise action. A separated-branch design permitted a tight seal without gaskets. This central outlet location provided minimum back pressure, thus lengthening exhaust-valve life and adding power.
The crankshaft was supported from underneath by the sold metal of the deep-skirted engine block. The design also provided a stronger mounting for the transmission.
Pistons and compression rings were tin-plated to help fast engine break-in. The lightweight aluminum-alloy pistons were reinforced with steel struts for extra strength and to control expansion and contraction. Two compression rings and one oil ring assured a tight seal.
The crankshaft was billed as probably the most rugged, best balanced in the industry, up to 20 % heavier than those in competitive cars, with exceptionally large bearing areas to distribute load, and an effective, large vibration damper. Drop-forged connecting rods were stronger than the cast-steel connecting rods used by some competitors.
The carburetor included a special float to prevent flooding on turns. At low and medium speeds, only two barrels were used to minimize fuel consumption. Rear barrels kicked in at speeds above half-throttle.
Click to expand...Jim G. wrote, "I was researching a 1956 Golden Lancer (mid year debuted special edition Custom Royal Lancer) that I own which has the 'elusive' double carbureted D500-1 engine and maximum duty chassis. Thought you might want to know."
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Home Forums Allpar - the Mopar Community Allpar.com Articles Model
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Member
Posts: 9
| This Cop Car in The Pitchure is My car that is in Finland!
And Is A Super Power Super Red Ram Hemi 315 Interceptor
Made Special For High Way Patrol of Eureka!
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Member
Posts: 9
| And STILL is Faster then a Mustang from back in the days!
That Magazine artical + the one later is right! only thing is that it was puffed not re painted .
And the Engine was made more powerfull before it was on the road!
higher preshion pistons 0.40 over bored RACING Brakes and Suspension
It has a lot of od stuff in it .. and its fast I have cruised on the motorway over 120mph and it keeps just going..
tyres under it at the moment are 235/75x15" +265/70x15"
it had white wall tyres wen it came to me but I dident like them..
it has a lot more power then 260hp what is a normal dodge (D-500 pakage option)
all the Cop Cars had ALLWAYS 1 x 4barrel Carboretor in this case the numbers are that of a 354 Chysler 56 one times( 6-1273Wcfb ) 4barrel.
there was some the engine has more likely 325hp taken out of it.. dont know course I dont have a Dyno.
Edited by D-500:1 COP CAR 2021-03-07 3:57 PM
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Member
Posts: 9
| 56D500Boy
Sorry a bout the miss undrestanding
coment.. You seem to know a lot a bout Dodge cars.. |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | D-500:1 COP CAR - 2021-03-08 2:42 AM
56D500Boy
Sorry a bout the miss undrestanding
coment.. You seem to know a lot a bout Dodge cars..
Thanks for that Rauno. Just remember, don't believe everything that you read in magazines or newspapers or the internet about Dodge D500s. There are often errors in what is written, like the newspaper article about your car calling the engine the "Super-Powered Super Red Ram" when it was actually called the "D500". (The "Super-Powered Super Red Ram" was the 230 hp 315 cu in 4 bbl dual exhaust polyspherical head engine).
I will soon be doing a new posting chronicling the history of the Red Ram V8 engine name and its many variations.
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Member
Posts: 9
| 56D500boy Thank You.
Seems that way even Classic Car shops seem to have wrong info about 1956 Dodge Special Cars..
Seems to be hard too find stuff..
Best Regards
Rauno |
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Member
Posts: 10
| Any one know anything about this other
One I was told years ago that There's still allso this other
Special D-500s allso alive and well but dose any one know anything about this other one? Or has any one got he's email adress would be nice too get his one's story thow he mite not want to let it out course lot of as that have cars that are one of a kind cars dont want them in out there..
I have a old magazine that says that the other one is still around
And there are two on the planet.
If any one has info let me know..
Course I have been tryed to find The other one for years now..
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Member
Posts: 10
| I am talking about The one on the pitchures
Reg.(E) 5395
Looks allmost like My one dose but some litle difrent'ses
Like hub caps. |
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Member
Posts: 10
| There is one thing wrong on that sherif star on The Back trunk ?????
Seems od..?? or is it acopy..? ?? |
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Member
Posts: 10
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1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer - Total Recall
This '56 Royal Lancer May Be One Of The Rarest Cars We've Ever Run.
mopp-0204-01-ps-1956-dodge-custom-royal-lancer-exterior
There is a link
A voit the special Car's |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | The Real 56 D-500s - 2022-02-09 7:30 AM
1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer - Total Recall
This '56 Royal Lancer May Be One Of The Rarest Cars We've Ever Run.
The link is:
https://www.motortrend.com/features/mopp-0204-1956-dodge-custom-roya...
That it is not a Cop Car D500 (the subject of this thread) but it is a D500-1 (with the factory 2 x 4 bbls). It is Tim Dupont's D500-1.
The article was written by Geoff Stunnard 20 years ago. 20.
I've talked to Tim about his car on several occasions. He still has it. It is a real D500-1.
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Veteran
Posts: 293
Location: WA/USA | Thanks you for taking the time to post this info. Very interesting and enjoyable reading! |
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Member
Posts: 10
| Yes I know its not a Cop Car but the one in the pitchures with (E) registred is and thats why it dos not have any Coronet or Lancer option pac stuff on it it has only DODGE D-500?? on it course that is what it is.
Not a Lancer option pac to get better selling raids like they put The badges on so they would sell better..
Nothing to do with a Real D-500 Dodge just the badges.as you can find out.just a better option pac. |
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Member
Posts: 10
| Yes I was talking about about The (E) 5395 registred car looks like The other Real 1956 Dodge D-500-1 Cop Car that is knowen to Be on The planet..not some Car with only D-500 badges that you can Even buy on eBay.. some one is selling copy's of them there so that all normal one's can Be made into copy's but If you put same 4 door sedan or Coronet or Lancer with them for sale in some place and try to sell as a real D-500-1 one car they Will check it out from the Factory and that person Will do time..and that is great course there are alot of fake Car's around like a prototype 68 Road Runner in the States course the Real one was shipped to Finland in 1989 and do think it is still in Finland..
Funny how it is so hard to find information about the realy Rea one's
And the only thing most want is pitchures of vin plates and engine number plates.. and stuff so they can Make a fake one that's what it sounds like..
But its Great that Dodge Racing made one brakes for the Real D-500-1 cars and its so hard to copy course not of lot of people know what they realy look like..
And I can tell this mutch they are not imperial brakes course not one Part fits from imperial brakes have tryed to swap imperial part's but not Even close.. but they are a litle like them If you dont have the Real one's close.. |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10640
Location: Lower Mainland BC | .
Previously I said:
"Pushed by Ford in a horsepower race in 1956, Chevrolet upped the ante by making the "Corvette" engine an option for the sedans. With a compression ratio of 9.25:1, new lifters, lighter valves, larger intake and exhaust passages, Duntov Corvette cam plus a twin four barrel carburetor this new mid year "explosive" (sic) engine’s was rated at 225 HP at 5200 rpm. REF: http://56classicchevy.com/1956-chevrolet-engines . The 1956 Corvette itself had three versions of the 265 engine – 210 hp (160 kW) with a single 4-barrel carburetor, 225 hp (168 kW) with twin 4-barrels, and 240 hp (180 kW) with two four-barrel carburetors and a high-lift camshaft. Still nothing like the offerings from Dodge in the 56 Dodge sedans."
The link is dead but I did find this today on an Auction and a 56 Corvette advert from back in the day:
56 Corvette 265 SBC with the 2 x 4 bbl manifold and Carter WCFB carbs:
 (56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265._Advert.jpg)
 (56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265_1024.jpg)
 (56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265._EngineBay_1024.jpg)
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56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265._Advert.jpg (149KB - 10 downloads)
56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265_1024.jpg (145KB - 12 downloads)
56CorvetteWithThe2x4bbl265._EngineBay_1024.jpg (149KB - 11 downloads)
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CHP and Selection of the 56 Dodge D-500
