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) |
The Dodge Lancer is an automobile that was marketed in three unrelated versions by Dodge during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s. The first version debuted as a hardtop version of the full-sized 1955 Dodge, and was produced in that form until 1959. The second version revived the nameplate in 1961 for a Chrysler A platform-based compact that was marketed for two model years and replaced by the Dodge Dart. The third version returned the Lancer nameplate in 1985 for a front-wheel drive mid-sized Chrysler H platform model that was in production until 1988 after which it was replaced by the Dodge Spirit.
Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 until 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 built.
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 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.
1961–1962 | |
---|---|
1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan | |
Overview | |
Also called | DeSoto Rebel (South Africa) |
Production | 1960–1962 |
Model years | 1961–1962 |
Assembly |
|
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 in (2,705 mm) [1] |
Length | 188.8 in (4,796 mm) [1] |
Chronology | |
Successor | Dodge Dart |
For the 1961 model year, Dodge applied the Lancer nameplate to a higher-priced, upmarket badge-engineered version of Chrysler's Valiant compact. The model was introduced when Chrysler officially assigned the Valiant to the Plymouth division for 1961, leaving Dodge dealers without a compact car to sell. All body styles of the Valiant were also available on the Lancer: two- and four-door sedans, two-door hardtop, and a four-door wagon. After 1962, the line was renamed the Dodge Dart.
A survey of 1961 Lancer owners by Popular Mechanics based on a total of 1,023,938-mile (1,647,868 km) miles driven reported that 77.6.2% rated their cars as excellent with handling, comfortable ride, power/performance, and styling as their top likes. [2]
The Lancer wheelbase and body shell were identical to those of the Valiant, but interior and exterior trim were more upscale for the Lancer. Lancers featured round taillights and a full-width grille, instead of the Valiant's cat's-eye taillights and central grille. For 1961, trim levels were the basic "170" and the premium "770". During 1961, the two-door hardtop was marketed as the "Lancer 770 2-Door Hardtop". [1] For the 1962 model year, the hardtop was marketed as the "GT 2-Door Hardtop" and carried premium trim. Two-tone paint was available and instead of the front bench seat, there were two bucket seats. Also for the 1962 model, "Lancer GT" medallions were mounted on the doors' interior trim panels below the vent window and on the sides of the front fenders just aft of the headlamps. "GT" emblems were placed on the hood, the deck lid, and on the vinyl dash pad. The headlamp bezels and the grille's horizontal slats were blacked-out. The GT also lacked certain ornamentation found on the 170s and 770s such as the "Lancer" door scripts, the slanted chrome hash marks on the lower quarter panel, and the hook-ended stainless steel door-to-fender spears.
The Lancer used the slant-6 engine. The base engine was the 170 cu in (2.8 L) unit, rated at 101 bhp (75 kW). The optional power package consisted of the larger 225 cu in (3.7 L) engine, rated at 145 bhp (108 kW). After the start of the 1961 model year, a die-cast aluminum version of the 225 engine block was made available. The aluminum 225 weighed 45 lb (20 kg) less than the iron 170 and 80 lb (36 kg) less than the iron 225. Any of the available engines could be equipped at the dealer with Chrysler's Hyper Pak parts kit for a significant power upgrade: the 170 Hyper Pak's published output was 148 bhp (110 kW), while the 225 Hyper Pak's was 196 bhp (146 kW). The Hyper-Pak shaved more than four seconds off the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time versus the standard 225, and was over a second quicker and seven miles per hour faster in the quarter mile. [3] With the Hyper Pak, a 225 Lancer could go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and turn in a standing quarter-mile time of 16.4 seconds. [4] 1962 cars had the engine and transmission moved for a flatter front floor. [5]
Transmission options were a Chrysler-built A903 three-speed manual with the shifter on the floor in 1961 and on the steering column in 1962, or a pushbutton-operated A904 Torqueflite three-speed automatic.
In the 1962 NHRA Winternationals, Wayne Weihe won the C/FX (Factory Experimental) class with a Hyper-Pak-equipped Lancer, clocking a 15.67 E.T. [3] Although the bigger Dodges were beginning to appear at drag strips around the country, the "Golden Lancer" of Dode Martin and Jim Nelson was one of the fastest compacts on the strips in 1962. The engine was a 413 cu in (6.77 liters) Chrysler RB V8 engine modified by the Chrysler engineers' "Ramchargers" racing team. The Golden Lancer raced successfully in A/FX class and could do the quarter-mile in 12.68 seconds at 113 mph (182 km/h). [4]
Lancer sales did not meet expectations[ citation needed ] and sold about half as well as the Valiant. As a late part of the total redesign of Dodge's compact car for 1963, the Lancer name was discontinued. Dodge compacts for 1963 through 1976 were named Dart, a name that had previously been assigned to a larger car produced by Dodge from 1960 through 1962.
In South Africa, a right hand drive version of the Lancer was sold from 1961 through 1963, badged as the DeSoto Rebel not long after the DeSoto name was discontinued in the U.S. All were equipped with the 170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant 6 engine, and most had the three-speed manual transmission. As with the Australian RV1 and SV1 Valiants, the DeSoto Rebel used the instrument cluster from the U.S. 1961 Plymouth Valiant. White reflectors were mounted to the front bumper, in compliance with South African vehicle equipment regulations.
The Rebel name was re-introduced by Chrysler South Africa in 1967 as the economy-priced "Valiant Rebel".
1985–1989 | |
---|---|
![]() 1988 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo | |
Overview | |
Production | August 1984–April 7, 1989 |
Model years | 1985–1989 |
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 |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2,619 mm) |
Length | 180.4 in (4,582 mm) |
Width | 68.3 in (1,735 mm) |
Height | 53 in (1,346 mm) |
The Dodge Lancer was re-introduced in 1985 as a mid-sized 5-door hatchback. It was a rebadged version of the Chrysler LeBaron GTS and was based on the Chrysler H platform, a stretched version of the Chrysler K platform. The Lancer eventually slotted between the Aries and the 600. All Lancers were built in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Production ended on April 7, 1989, and the market position was replaced by the Spirit.
A special version was available for the 1987 model year called the Shelby Lancer, which was built by Shelby Automobiles in Whittier, California. A total of 800 units were produced with half featuring a 5-speed manual transmission and cloth seats while the other half were equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission and leather upholstery. [6]
Along with Shelby-themed trim changes, the cars included modified suspension, with upgraded sway bars, shorter springs, and quicker steering, as well as 4-wheel disc brakes and a Pioneer CD player which were an advanced features for the time. [6] [7] The Lancer Shelby is powered by a 2.2 L Turbo I engine converted to Turbo II specifications with an intercooler, producing 175 hp (130 kW) and 175 lb⋅ft (237 N⋅m) of torque. [8] Period 0-60 mph (97 km/h) tests achieved between 7.2 and 8.0 seconds. [7] [9]
Chrysler took over production starting with the 1988 model year, building them in the same Sterling Heights plant as regular Lancers. The "Dodge Lancer Shelby" featured many of the same appearance and handling modifications as the Shelby, with some omissions. [7] These included the upgraded sway bars, shorter springs, and quicker steering along with other comfort and convenience features such as leather seats, power locks, windows, seats and mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, and a two-position cup holder.[ citation needed ] While some of the modifications from the 1987 Shelbys were included, the Shelby shocks and wheels were replaced by Chrysler units and the rear disk brakes were discontinued in favor of the regular Lancer's rear drums. [6] Most of the Shelby graphics and badges were also removed and the Pioneer CD player was replaced by Chrysler's Infinity II system. While the 1987 models were only available in red, the 1988 and 1989 models added a choice of white or black. [8]
The Lancer Shelby used a true intercooled Turbo II engine for the manual transmission version, providing the same 175 hp (130 kW) and 175 lb⋅ft (237 N⋅m) of torque. The automatic variant was equipped with the 146 hp (109 kW) Turbo I. [6] 279 Lancer Shelbys were produced in 1988 and 208 in 1989 for a total of 487 units. [7]
In April 1988, Chrysler started offering some models on the European market. One of them was the "Chrysler GTS", a rebadged version of the Dodge Lancer ES. Due to European vehicle regulations, the exterior appearance was slightly different. The rear turn signals were amber rather than red, the front sidemarkers and the centre high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) were blanked off, small round repeaters were installed into the front fenders and the sideview mirrors were of spring-hinged rather than rigid design. The engine options included the naturally aspirated 2.2 L (134 cu in) Four, and a turbocharged version of the same engine. From 1989 on, the 2.5 L (153 cu in) Four became available with or without a turbocharger. The 2.2 engine was dropped, except for the Turbo II version that was standard equipment on the Chrysler GTS Shelby, the European sibling of the Dodge Lancer Shelby. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a three-speed automatic transmission as an extra-cost option. The GTS Shelby came only with a manual transmission.
The Chrysler GTS had few buyers in Europe; the competition was too hard. Even the comparatively low prices could not help, and sales figures were very low. By the end of 1989, the GTS was replaced by the Saratoga.
Production Figures:
Hatchback | Shelby | Yearly Total | |
---|---|---|---|
1985 | 45,853 | - | 45,853 |
1986 | 51,897 | - | 51,897 |
1987 | 26,569 | - | 26,569 |
1988 | 9,064 | 279 | 9,343 |
1989 | 2,585 | 208 | 2,793 |
Total | 135,968 | 487 | 136,455 |
Plymouth was a brand of automobiles produced by Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler. The brand was launched in 1928 to compete in what was then described as the "low-priced" market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. It became a high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s. Plymouth cars were marketed primarily in the United States. The brand was withdrawn from the marketplace in 2001. The Plymouth models that were produced up to then were either discontinued or rebranded as Chrysler or Dodge.
The Chrysler New Yorker is an automobile model produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, serving for several decades as either the brand's flagship model or as a junior sedan to the Chrysler Imperial, the latter during the years in which the Imperial name was used within the Chrysler lineup rather than as a standalone brand.
The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge in various forms over eight generations since 1966.
The Plymouth Valiant is an automobile which was marketed by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation in the United States from the model years of 1960 through 1976. It was created to give the company an entry in the compact car market emerging in the late 1950s. The Valiant was also built and marketed, without the Plymouth brand, worldwide in countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as other countries in South America and Western Europe. It became well known for its excellent durability and reliability, and was one of Chrysler's best-selling automobiles during the 1960s and 1970s, helping to keep the company solvent during an economic downturn.
The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.
The Dodge Dart is a line of large passenger cars produced by Dodge from the 1959 to 1976 model years in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets.
The Slant-Six is the popular name for a Chrysler inline-6 internal combustion engine with an overhead valve reverse-flow cylinder head and cylinder bank inclined at a 30-degree angle from vertical. Introduced in 1959 for the 1960 models, it was known within Chrysler as the G-engine. It was a clean-sheet design that began production in 1959 at 170 cubic inches (2.8 L) and ended in 2000 at 225 cubic inches (3.7 L). It was a direct replacement for the flathead Chrysler straight six that the company started business with in 1925 until the old design was discontinued in the 1960s.
The Chrysler LeBaron, also known as the Imperial LeBaron, is a line of automobiles built by Chrysler from 1931 to 1941 and from 1955 to 1995. The model was introduced in 1931, with a body manufactured by LeBaron, and competed with other luxury cars of the era, such as Lincoln and Packard. After purchasing LeBaron with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company, Chrysler introduced the luxury make Imperial in 1955, and sold automobiles under the name Imperial LeBaron until 1975. Chrysler discontinued the Imperial brand in 1975 and reintroduced the Chrysler LeBaron in 1977 to what was then Chrysler's lowest-priced model.
The Chrysler Valiant was a full-size car which was sold by Chrysler Australia between 1962 and 1981. Initially a rebadged locally assembled Plymouth Valiant from the United States, from the second generation launched in 1963, the Valiant was fully manufactured in Australia. It was sold locally but also in New Zealand and South Africa, with smaller numbers also exported to South-East Asia and the United Kingdom.
The Dodge Colt is a subcompact car that was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and marketed by Dodge for model years 1971 to 1994 as captive imports. Rebadged variants include the Plymouth Champ and Plymouth Colt, both were marketed by Plymouth.
The Dodge Aspen, and its badge engineered variant, the PlymouthVolaré, are compact rear-drive cars manufactured and marketed by Chrysler for model years 1976-1980 in four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and four-door wagon styles.
The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989. At launch, it shared a common design with the Chrysler LeBaron and for much of its later production run was the counterpart of the more upscale Chrysler Fifth Avenue and lower priced Plymouth Gran Fury. It was also sold in Mexico between 1981 and 1982 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet. The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.
The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. It was introduced for the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere, becoming a separate series one level above the contemporary Belvedere for 1959. The Fury was a full-size car from 1959 until 1961, then a mid-size car from 1962 until 1964, again, a full-size car from 1965 through 1974, and again, a mid-size car from 1975 through 1978. From 1975 until 1977, the Fury was sold alongside the full-size Plymouth Gran Fury. In 1978, the B-body Fury was the largest Plymouth, and by 1979, there was no large Plymouth. This product gap was filled in 1980 with the R-body Gran Fury, followed by the M-body Fury in 1982. Production of the last V8, RWD Plymouth Fury ended at the Kenosha Main assembly plant in Kenosha, WI, on December 23, 1988. Unlike its sibling brand, Dodge, Plymouth would not live to see the resurgence of the large, V8/RWD sedan.
The Plymouth Savoy is an automobile model produced from the 1954 through 1964 model years by Plymouth.
The Dodge Polara is an automobile introduced in the United States for the 1960 model year as Dodge's top-of-the-line full-size car. After the introduction of the Dodge Custom 880 in 1962, the Polara nameplate designated a step below the full-sized best-trimmed Dodge model; the Polara that year had been downsized to what was in effect intermediate, or mid-size status. In its various forms, the Polara name was used by Dodge until 1973, when its position in Dodge's line-up was replaced by the Dodge Monaco.
The Newport was a name used by Chrysler for both a hardtop body designation and also for its lowest priced model between 1961 and 1981. Chrysler first used the Newport name on a 1940 show car, of which five vehicles were produced. From 1950 to 1956, the Newport name was then used to designate any Chrysler model with a hardtop body style. In 1961, Chrysler introduced the Newport as a new, low-priced model, offering large, comfortable two- and four-door Chrysler models that were modestly priced compared with the Chrysler 300, the Chrysler New Yorker and the Imperial. For 1961, the Newport was priced below the Chrysler Windsor in the Windsor's final year.
The Dodge Custom 880 is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge from 1962 through the end of the 1965 model year. It was positioned as Dodge's product offer in the mid-price full-size market segment and to help fill the void in Chrysler's lineup left by the discontinuation of DeSoto in 1961. A cheaper version, the Dodge 880, was also offered for 1963 and 1964.
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 Dodge 440 is a mid-size car that was marketed by Dodge from 1962 to 1964.
The Plymouth XNR is a concept car developed by Chrysler. It was designed by Virgil Exner, and first shown in 1960. Also called the XNR 500, the car is an open roadster with some asymmetric features, and was proposed as a sporty addition to the Plymouth model lineup, and as competition for the Chevrolet Corvette.