View source for Dodge Lancer

{{short description|Cars marketed by Dodge division of Chrysler}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{distinguish|Mitsubishi Lancer}}

{{Infobox automobile
| name = Dodge Lancer
| image = 1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan.JPG
| caption = 1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan
| manufacturer = [[Dodge]] ([[Chrysler]])
| production = 1955–1959 <br/> 1960–1962 <br/> 1984–1989
| platform = [[FR layout]] [[Chrysler A platform|A-body]] (for 1961–62) <br/> [[FF layout]] [[Chrysler H platform|H-body]] (for 1985–89)
| successor = [[Dodge Dart]] (for 1963) <br/> [[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-size car|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 car|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-size car|mid-size]]d [[Chrysler H platform]] model that was in production until 1988 after which it was replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit]].

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==1955–1959: Coronet Lancer, Royal Lancer and Custom Royal Lancer==
[[File:1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer.JPG|thumb|1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer]]

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 [[Dodge Coronet|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 {{convert|361|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} producing {{convert|305|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. A D-500 option was available, which included a {{convert|383|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor rated at {{convert|320|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, as well as a Super D-500 version with dual four-barrel carburetors producing {{convert|340|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.
[[File:1956DodgeCustomRoyalLancer1.jpg|alt=Interior of 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer |thumb|Interior of 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer ]]
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 seat]]s. The Lancer designation was dropped for 1960.

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==1961–1962: Lancer==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = 1961–1962
| aka = DeSoto Rebel (South Africa)
| image = File:1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan.JPG
| caption = 1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan
| production = 1960–1962
| assembly = {{unbulleted list | United States: | [[Los Angeles, California]] | [[Newark, Delaware]] | [[St. Louis, Missouri]] | Mexico: | [[Mexico City]] | Switzerland: | [[AMAG Automobil- und Motoren]], [[Schinznach]] }}
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]]
| engine = {{convert|170|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[Chrysler Slant 6 engine|Slant-6]] <br/>{{convert|225|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|adj=on}} Slant-6
| transmission = 3-speed manual<br/>3-speed ''[[TorqueFlite#A904|A904]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| body_style = 2/4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br/>2-door [[hardtop]]<br/>4-door [[station wagon|wagon]]
| platform = [[Chrysler A platform|A-body]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| related = [[Plymouth Valiant]] <br/> [[Chrysler Valiant]]
| successor = [[Dodge Dart#Third generation (1963–1966)|Dodge Dart]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|106.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Dodge/1961_Dodge/1961_Dodge_Lancer_Brochure/dirindex.html |title= 1961 Dodge Lancer Brochure (index) |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>
| length = {{convert|188.8|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com"/>
| model_years = 1961–1962
}}

For the 1961 [[model year]], Dodge applied the Lancer nameplate to a higher-priced, upmarket [[badge engineering|badge-engineered]] version of Chrysler's [[Plymouth Valiant|Valiant]] compact. The model was introduced when [[Chrysler]] officially assigned the [[Plymouth Valiant|Valiant]] to the [[Plymouth (automobile)|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#Third generation (1963–1966)|Dodge Dart]].

A survey of 1961 Lancer owners by ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' based on a total of {{convert|1023938|mi|km|0|adj=on}} miles driven reported that 77.6.2% rated their cars as excellent with handling, comfortable ride, power/performance, and styling as their top likes.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=i98DAAAAMBAJ&dq=1961+Dodge+lancer+owner+report&pg=PA278 |first=Jim |last=Whipple |title=Ownere like Lancer's Big Car Comfort, Roadability |pages=118–121, 278, 280, 282 |date=March 1961 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=115 |issue=3 |via=Google Books |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

===Styling & trim===
[[File:1961 Dodge Lancer 770 Station Wagon (2).jpg|thumb|left|1961 Dodge Lancer 770 Station Wagon]]
[[File:1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan (rear).JPG|thumb|left|1962 Dodge Lancer 170 2-Door Sedan]]
[[File:1962 Dodge Lancer GT 2-Door Hardtop.JPG|thumb|left|1962 Dodge Lancer GT 2-Door Hardtop]]
[[File:1962 Dodge Lancer 770 - 48003851347.jpg|thumb|1962 Dodge Lancer 770 station wagon rear view]]

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 [[Automotive lighting|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".<ref name="oldcarbrochures.com"/> 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 [[headlamp]]s. "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.

===Powertrains===
The Lancer used the [[Chrysler Slant 6 engine|slant-6]] engine. The base engine was the {{convert|170|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|adj=on}} unit, rated at {{convert|101|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The optional power package consisted of the larger {{convert|225|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|adj=on}} engine, rated at {{convert|145|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. After the start of the 1961 model year, a [[die casting|die-cast]] [[aluminum]] version of the 225 engine block was made available. The aluminum 225 weighed {{convert|45|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} less than the iron 170 and {{convert|80|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} less than the iron 225. Any of the available engines could be equipped at the dealer with Chrysler's [[Chrysler Slant-6 engine#Hyper Pak|Hyper Pak]] parts kit for a significant power upgrade: the 170 Hyper Pak's published output was {{convert|148|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, while the 225 Hyper Pak's was {{convert|196|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The Hyper-Pak shaved more than four seconds off the 0 to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} time versus the standard 225, and was over a second quicker and seven miles per hour faster in the quarter mile.<ref name = Morris>{{cite book|last=Morris |first=Charles R. |title=Factory Lightweights: Detroit's Drag Racing Specials of the '60s |publisher=CarTech |year=2007 |page=17 |isbn=9781932494440}}</ref> With the Hyper Pak, a 225 Lancer could go from 0 to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 8.6 seconds and turn in a standing quarter-mile time of 16.4 seconds.<ref name="Young">{{cite book|last=Young |first=Tony |title=Mighty Mopars 1960–1974 |publisher=Motorbooks International |year=1984 |page=25 |isbn=9780879381240}}</ref> 1962 cars had the engine and transmission moved for a flatter front floor.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Dodge/1962_Dodge/1962_Dodge_Dart-Lancer_Brochure/1962%20Dodge%20Dart%20%20amp%20%20Lancer-10.html |title=1962 Dodge Dart-Lancer brochure |page=10 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

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.

===Drag strip & sales competition===
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.<ref name="Morris" /> 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 {{convert|413|cuin|L||sp=us|abbr=in}} [[Chrysler RB engine#413|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 {{convert|113|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Young" />

Lancer sales did not meet expectations{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}} 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 [[Dodge Dart|Dart]], a name that had previously been assigned to a larger car produced by Dodge from 1960 through 1962.

===South African market===
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 (automobile)|DeSoto]] name was discontinued in the U.S. All were equipped with the {{convert|170|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler Slant 6 engine|Slant 6]] engine, and most had the three-speed manual transmission. As with the Australian [[Chrysler Valiant#R Series|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 "[[Chrysler Valiant|Valiant]] Rebel".

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==1985–1989: Lancer==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = 1985–1989
| image = 1988 dodge lancer es turbo.jpg
| caption = 1988 Dodge Lancer ES Turbo
| class = [[Mid-size car|Mid-size]]
| production = August 1984–April 7, 1989
| assembly = [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]], [[United States]]
| engine = {{convert|2.2|L|cuin|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2|K]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br/>{{convert|2.2|L|cuin|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo I|Turbo I]]''  I4 <br/>{{convert|2.2|L|cuin|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo II|Turbo II]]'' I4 <br/>{{convert|2.5|L|cuin|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} ''[[Chrysler K engine#2.5|K]]'' I4
| transmission = 5-speed manual <br/> 3-speed ''[[Torqueflite#A413|A413]]'' automatic
| body_style = 5-door [[hatchback]]
| platform = [[Chrysler H platform|H-body]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| related = [[Chrysler LeBaron GTS]] <br/> [[Chrysler LeBaron]] <br/> Chrysler GTS (Europe) <br/> [[Shelby Lancer]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|103.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|180.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|68.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|53|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| model_years = 1985–1989
}}

The Dodge Lancer was re-introduced in 1985 as a mid-sized 5-door [[hatchback]]. It was a rebadged version of the [[Chrysler LeBaron|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 [[Dodge Aries|Aries]] and the [[Dodge 600|600]]. All Lancers were built in [[Sterling Heights, Michigan|Sterling Heights]], [[Michigan]]. Production ended on April 7, 1989, and the market position was replaced by the [[Dodge Spirit|Spirit]].

===Lancer Shelby===
{{Main|Shelby Lancer}}
[[File:1987 Shelby Lancer no.1, front right side.jpg|left|thumb|1987 Lancer Shelby]]

A special version was available for the 1987 model year called the [[Shelby Lancer]], which was built by [[Shelby American#Dodge|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.<ref name="Gold">{{cite web |last1=Gold |first1=Aaron |title=Carroll's Forgotten Cars: The Shelby Lancer |url= https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/carrolls-forgotten-cars-shelby-lancer-261139 |publisher=Autotrader |access-date=27 July 2022 |date=24 January 2017}}</ref> 

Along with Shelby-themed trim changes, the cars included modified suspension, with upgraded [[sway bar]]s, shorter springs, and quicker steering, as well as 4-wheel disc brakes and a [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]] CD player which were an advanced features for the time.<ref name="Gold"/><ref name="Gilboy">{{cite web |last1=Gilboy |first1=James |title=The Shelby Lancer: One of Carroll Shelby's Forgotten Children |url= https://www.thedrive.com/article/15039/the-shelby-lancer-one-of-carrolls-forgotten-children |publisher=The Drive |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref> The Lancer Shelby is powered by a 2.2 L [[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo I|Turbo I]] engine converted to Turbo II specifications with an [[intercooled|intercooler]], producing {{convert|175|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|175|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=2021-12-09 |title=1988-1989 Dodge Lancer |url=https://shelby-dodge.com/88-89-dodge-lancer.html |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Shelby-Dodge.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Period 0-60 mph (97 km/h) tests achieved between 7.2 and 8.0 seconds.<ref name="Gilboy" /><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lBGPo3ICgE |title=1987 Shelby Lancer {{!}} Retro Review |date=2021-02-28 |last=MotorWeek |access-date=2024-05-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

=== Dodge Lancer Shelby ===
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.<ref name="Gilboy" /> These included the upgraded [[sway bar]]s, 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|date=October 2008}} 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.<ref name="Gold" /> 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.<ref name=":0" /> 

The Lancer Shelby used a true [[intercooled]] [[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo II|Turbo II]] engine for the [[manual transmission]] version, providing the same {{convert|175|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|175|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. The [[automatic transmission|automatic]] variant was equipped with the {{convert|146|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler K engine#2.2 Turbo I|Turbo I]].<ref name="Gold" /> 279 Lancer Shelbys were produced in 1988 and 208 in 1989 for a total of 487 units.<ref name="Gilboy" />

===European market===
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 [[ECE Regulations|European vehicle regulations]], the exterior appearance was slightly different. The rear [[Automotive lighting#Turn signal colour|turn signals]] were amber rather than red, the front [[Automotive lighting#Side marker lights and reflectors|sidemarkers]] and the [[Automotive lighting#CHMSL|centre high mount stop lamp]] (CHMSL) were blanked off, small round [[Automotive lighting#Side turn signals|repeaters]] were installed into the front fenders and the [[Wing mirror|sideview mirrors]] were of spring-hinged rather than rigid design. The engine options included the naturally aspirated {{convert|2.2|L|cuin|0||abbr=on|adj=on}} Four, and a turbocharged version of the same engine. From 1989 on, the {{convert|2.5|L|cuin|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} 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#Lancer Shelby|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 [[Chrysler Saratoga#1989–1995|Saratoga]].

'''Production Figures:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Dodge Lancer Production Figures<ref>{{cite book |last1=Flammang |first1=James M. |title=Standard catalog of American cars, 1976-1999 |date=1999 |publisher=Krause Publications |first2=Ron |last2=Kowalke |isbn=9780873417556 |edition=Third}}</ref>
!
!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
!<u>136,455</u>
|}
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==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{imcdb vehicle|make=Dodge|model=Lancer|Dodge Lancer}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Dodge}}
{{Dodge early timeline}}
{{Dodge timeline 1950–1979}}
{{Dodge timeline 1980 to date}}
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[[Category:Dodge vehicles|Lancer]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:1960s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1955]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1985]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1989]]
[[Category:Cars of Mexico]]