D500
The 1956 D500 was a highperformance model derived from the standard 1956 Dodge but differing in many ways. It included a heavy duty suspension and other chassis upgrades from the New Yorker and Imperial lines, upgraded brakes, and a highperformance 315 in³ (5.2 L) Hemihead V8. A fourbarrel Carter carburetor pushed output to 260 hp (194 kW) and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m). The 3speed manual transmission was standard, with the PowerFlite 2speed automatic as an option. A rare NASCARspecific option was the D5501, which upped power to 285 hp (213 kW). The D500 originally used only the Coronet 2door sedan and Royal Lancer hardtop and convertible bodies.