The available color scheme for the La Femme models were sapphire white or heather rose pink. The exterior featured a stylish gold badge with pink vinyl trim and the interior compartments featured a special tapestry material containing pink rose buds on a pink background.
The 1955 La Femme model offered many accessories for women including a rose colored shoulder bag fitted with a compact lighter, cigarette case, lipstick, coin purse, and comb. Other unique items included a rain cape and umbrella located behind the driver’s seat.
In 1956, Dodge released the new La Femme models which replaced the sapphire white and heather rose color scheme with a new regal and misty orchid combination. The interior offered a color design of orchid jacquard combined with Gold Cordagrain trim. The rain cape and umbrella feature of ’55 were offered yet again with the ’56 models. The 1956 advertising campaign stated that the Dodge La Femme was, “America’s most glamorous car, designed with the ladies in mind!” The total cost of a 1956 La Femme model was $2,693.
Although the vehicle concept was fascinating among many buyers, the Dodge La Femme model production ended in 1956. Less than a thousand Dodge La Femme models were produced and many women buyers did not purchase them not only due to the high cost factor but also because of the dislike of pink and rose scheme.
Today, the Dodge La Femme models and its two produced catalogs are extremely rare and difficult to find. Many automotive historians stated that the Dodge La Femme models were the only domestic car designed that was built for women. Nowadays, the Dodge La Femme models, if in mint condition, could sell anywhere from $12,000 - $25,000. Are you interested in seeing a Dodge La Femme model in person? If so, be sure to visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum (Auburn Hills, MI) to view one of the most beautifully restored 1955 Dodge La Femme models. Click here to visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum website for further visiting details.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating the story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Photographs courtesy of Robert Tate’s personal collection (Bibliography-Lindsey, Tony. "1955-56 Dodge La Femme By Appointment to Her Majesty-the American Women “Collectible Automobile, February 1988, p 54.)
Please do not use any photographs without the permission of the Robert Tate or MotorCities National Heritage Area. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org. If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at lambriez@motorcities.org