This 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer was featured in season five of the popular television series, “The Adventures of Superman.” It aired from 1952 to 1958. Photos courtesy of IMCDB.

We are counting down the Top 50 hot rods and street cars of all time that have made an appearance in a television series, or a memorable television episode. Starting from #50, and counting down to our #1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.

30. The Adventures of Superman: 1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer

Superman may have been able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and drive around in a 1952 Nash-Healey convertible as Clark Kent, but it is cub reporter Jimmy Olsen’s 1956 turquoise and white Dodge Custom Royal Lancer that sole the show in the fifth season as he finally obtains a car of his own.

Brought to life from the Marvel comics, “The Adventures of Superman” airing for 53 episodes in black and white, and then in color for 51 episodes between 1952 and 1958. While a 1956 car appearing in a 1958 program was not considered a classic at the time, we can look back and appreciate the variety of automobiles that were used throughout the life of the show, including Lois Lane’s 1950 Nash Rambler droptop, and countless others.

In 1956, the Dodge Custom Royal was placed at the top of the trim line, above the mid-level Royal and entry level Coronet. It was available in four-door sedan, two-door hardtop coupe, and two-door convertible configurations. The car featured on Superman was the latter, and is considered a Lancer trim since it was a convertible.

Equipped with a hefty 230 cubic-inch Gateway inline-six engine, this flagship vehicle had a wheelbase of 120 inches and an overall length of 212.1 inches. The tailfins were trimmed in chrome with special surrounds on the lights, and an upgraded interior.

Standard equipment included backup lights, and an optional three-speed automatic or manual transmission, and a 270 cubic-inch Super Red Ram. Its successor was the Dodge Polara.