1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer LaFemme Hardtop

The Dodge LaFemme was a $143 option package offered on the 1955 Custom Royal Lancer Hardtop. Sadly, sales were rather poor, even with extensive advertising and promotion. The cars were painted in pink, orchid and other colors that Chrysler thought would appeal to women (Sapphire White and Heather Rose). Between 1955 and 1956, there were less than 2,500 LaFemme units produced.

The interior featured special tapestry-based upholstery featuring pink rosebuds on a pale pink background. Accessories including a purse containing a compact, lipstick case, cigarette case, lighter and change purse. There was an umbrella, rain bonnet and makeup case. All of these accessories were color-coordinated to match the rosebud interior and stored in compartments on the back of the front seats.

For 1956, Chrysler added a Misty Orchid and Regal Orchid color scheme and more matching accessories.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010

In the post-war 1950s, the increasing influence and buying power of the American woman was recognized by automakers. They reacted by introducing concept cars designed to appeal exclusively to women.

It was Dodge that first made good on these dream-car promises with a regular-production model, the 1955 LaFemme, based on the top-of-the-line Custom Royal Lancer hardtop. Advertising for this niche model proclaimed the car to be 'By Special Appointment to Her Majesty.....the American Woman.' The LaFemme had limited sales success and was quietly discontinued after the 1956 model run.

Heather Rose and Sapphire White were colors exclusive to the 1955 version of the LaFemme. The unique interior was finished in orchid and white, with metallic gold trim, and special fashion accessories provided a feminine touch: a coordinated rain coat, bonnet and umbrella are housed in compartments behind the front seat.

The exact number of La Femme models built is unknown, and surviving examples are very rare. This example was acquired by the W.P. Chrysler Museum in 2003, and treated to a full restoration by in-house FCA technicians.