The year 1954 was a big one for Chrysler’s Dodge division, as it was the first time that a Dodge had ever paced the Indianapolis 500. A Royal Convertible was chosen for the honors. This car was finished in a special and distinctive color combination of two-tone yellow and black both on the inside and out, and it was equipped with a rear-mounted Continental kit spare and Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels. Under the hood, the Hemi V-8 was specially tuned with a four-barrel carburetor on a custom Offenhauser intake manifold, and it used the same parts that were available over the parts counter at the local Dodge dealer.

Dodge supplied some 701 Royal Convertibles that were produced in identical trim and included the dealer-installed speed parts under the hood, the factory-installed Continental kit, and the chrome wire wheels.

The car offered here was found by its current owners in California. The owner reports that in the course of a full restoration, the engine, transmission, power steering, and power brakes were all rebuilt. The undercarriage was restored and is as clean as the rest of the car. Inside, all components were returned to original condition, including its beautiful, like-new upholstery and vinyl top. One component that remains original is the very rare trunk mat, which is unique to this model; it is one piece and comes without the cut-out for the spare tire, which is, of course, mounted outside of the trunk. Fortunately, the original mat, which would be irreplaceable, is still in very good condition. The excellent, authentic restoration was honored with AACA Grand National First Prize honors in 2014, and it would still be appropriate for any show or concours.