Unrestored Survivor: ’54 Dodge Royal 500 Indy Pace Car
Performance
Motorsports
Classics
American
Pace cars have led the start of the Indianapolis 500 for more than 100 years. Leading the field is a coveted honor and a valued marketing opportunity for carmakers. The 1954 Dodge Royal 500, recently offered on eBay, is a splendid example of one such pace car.
This Dodge Royal 500 is remarkably well preserved with 64,000 miles showing on the odometer.
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Showcasing the “Red Ram” Hemi
Dodge made 701 of these convertibles to promote the 1954 race. That limited supply of special Indy pace models were distributed for sale by select Dodge dealers.
The ’54 Dodge retains all the original factory equipment specified for pace car duty. That starts with a significant upgrade under the hood in the form of a 241 cubic-inch Hemi V-8.
Dodge fitted pace cars with the first four-barrel carburetor used on the recently introduced “Red Ram” Hemi engine. The Carter 450 cfm (cubic feet per minute) unit added 20 horsepower, boosting output to 170 ponies. However, because Dodge didn’t have a suitable intake manifold, all pace cars used an aluminum unit from Offenhauser - opens in new window or tab., the legendary California speed shop.
From the Brickyard to the Showroom
The 1954 pace cars in Dodge showrooms came with the choice of a three-speed manual or a two-speed automatic transmission. The loaded example on eBay is equipped with the original Power Flite automatic, a $189 option at the time.
The list of other pace car equipment present includes:
- Hard-to-find 500 badges with crossed flags
- The original Pace Car Yellow paint with Jewel Black trim
- A continental kit - opens in new window or tab. for the spare tire that uses the stock bumper and extends more than a foot past the trunk
The original pace car regalia commemorating the 1954 race remains on both sides. All the chrome trim still shows well. In addition, the windshield and side glass are in good condition.
Original Instruments
The yellow and black color scheme extends to the well-preserved interior. The immaculate dash features original seats, door panels, and fully functional original instruments. The factory clock and push-button radio were rebuilt, and the owner replaced the carpet. Those fine touches bring the interior up to the standard of the rest of this incredible time machine.
Other recent maintenance work includes a new convertible top, a rebuilt carburetor, transmission, rear end, starter, a new battery, exhaust system, and a set of Coker wide whitewall tires - opens in new window or tab..
This car is an extremely rare yet fully operational collectible that needs nothing. With only several hundred pace cars built for the 1954 race, this might the most original and complete from that year.
That makes this a rare find almost sure to increase in value. The sellers just tuned it up and serviced the brakes. So this rolling piece of racing history is ready to hit the road and lead the pack once again.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.