Dodge Lancer

Dodge Lancer
1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge (Chrysler)
Production	1955–1959 1960–1962 1984–1989
Body and chassis
Platform	FR layout A-body (for 1961–62) FF layout H-body (for 1985–89)
Chronology
Successor	Dodge Dart (for 1963) Dodge Spirit (for 1989)

1961–1962
1962 Dodge Lancer 4-Door Sedan
Overview
Production	1960–1962
Assembly	United States: Hamtramck, Michigan Los Angeles, California Newark, Delaware St. Louis, Missouri Mexico: Mexico City Switzerland: AMAG Automobil- und Motoren, Schinznach
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door wagon 4-door sedan 2-door sedan 2-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body
Related	Plymouth Valiant Chrysler Valiant
Powertrain
Engine	170 cu in (2.8 l) Slant-6 225 cu in (3.7 l) Slant-6
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed A904 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.5"
Length	188.8"
Chronology
Successor	Dodge Dart

1985–1989
1988 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo
Overview
Production	August 1984–April 7, 1989
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	H-body
Related	Chrysler LeBaron GTS Chrysler LeBaron Chrysler GTS (Europe) Shelby Lancer
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 l (134 cu in) K I4 2.2 l (134 cu in) Turbo I I4 2.2 l (134 cu in) Turbo II I4 2.5 l (153 cu in) K I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic

The Dodge Lancer is an automobile which was built by Dodge. Initially introduced as a hardtop version of the full-sized 1955 Dodge, the original version was produced until 1959. In 1961, Dodge revived the Lancer nameplate on the compact Chrysler A platform, but this only remained in production for two model years before it was replaced by the Dodge Dart. For 1985, Dodge used the Lancer nameplate on a car based on the mid-sized Chrysler H platform, and this model remained in production until it was replaced by the Dodge Spirit in 1989.

Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 to 1959 to designate the two- and four-door hardtop (no B-pillar) models in the full-sized Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal lines. The Custom Royal Lancer was a hardtop only and top-of-the-line model for Dodge in 1959. There were 6,278 two-door and 5,019 four-door hardtops made in 1959. A total of 11,397 Custom Royal Lancers were made.

The Custom Royal Lancer featured a big-block V8 engine, the 361 cu in (5.9 L) producing 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS). A D-500 option was available, which included a 383 cu in (6.3 L) engine with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor rated at 320 hp (239 kW; 324 PS), as well as a Super D-500 version with dual four-barrel carburetors producing 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS).

The Custom Royal Lancer also featured a padded dashboard and steering wheel, Lancer emblems on the fenders, steering wheel, hubcaps, foot-operated windshield wipers, dual radio antennas, deluxe side trim, and thick chrome eyebrows. Optional equipment included power windows and brakes, air conditioning, and swivel seats. The Lancer designation was dropped for 1960.

For the 1961 model year, Dodge applied the Lancer nameplate to its higher-priced, upmarket badge-engineered clone of Chrysler's very popular Valiant compact. The model was introduced when Chrysler officially assigned the Valiant to the Plymouth division for 1961, leaving Dodge dealers without a compact to sell. All the same body variants available on the Valiant were also available on the Lancer: two- and four-door sedans, two-door hardtop and four-door wagons. At the end of 1962, it was renamed the Dodge Dart.