The 1956 Dodge La Femme stands as a fascinating and deeply unique footnote in American automotive manufacturing. It was not a distinct model but rather a highly specialized option package offered on the Custom Royal Lancer hardtop coupé. This vehicle represented a calculated, if ultimately flawed, attempt by Dodge to market directly to female drivers. The entire concept grew from the positive reception of the La Comtesse concept car unveiled two years earlier. Consequently, the 1956 Dodge La Femme is celebrated today for its rarity and its singular place in cultural history. It captures a specific moment in $1950$s American consumerism and design.
Distinctive Orchid Exterior Design
For the $1956$ model year, the La Femme package adopted an exclusive color palette. This striking two-tone combination featured Misty Orchid and a deeper Regal Orchid. Furthermore, the overall exterior design was based on the standard Custom Royal Lancer. It carried the dramatic “Forward Look” styling penned by Virgil Exner. This design included prominent tail fins and extensive chrome trim, typical of the era. The elegant, sweeping lines provided a sophisticated visual statement. Therefore, the 1956 Dodge La Femme was visually set apart from almost everything else on the road.
Luxury and Thematic Appointments
The theme of the La Femme package extended into unique exterior badging and wheel covers. The car did not feature any mechanical modifications over the Custom Royal Lancer base. However, its visual identity was completely transformed. This concentrated effort at specialization is what makes the La Femme a market curiosity. The orchid colors were a bold choice, signalling a departure from typical automotive hues. Ultimately, the focus was entirely on aesthetic differentiation.
An Exclusive Interior Experience
The cabin of the 1956 Dodge La Femme was even more focused on its specific theme. It featured a unique loop-pile carpet and a distinct jacquard fabric for the seats and door panels. Furthermore, the upholstery featured patterned designs with lavender and purple loops. The headliner was a heavy white fabric with delicate splashes of gold paint. This elaborate detailing was meant to convey a sense of feminine luxury. Consequently, the specialized interior is a major reason for the car’s current collectability.
Matching Accessories and Storage
A key feature of the La Femme was the inclusion of matching accessories. This included a raincoat, a rain hat, and an umbrella, all designed to complement the unique interior fabric. These items were stored in dedicated compartments built into the back of the front seat. This built-in storage was considered a practical and highly unique convenience. However, the matching calfskin purse and makeup accessories offered in $1955$ were discontinued. The remaining specialized gear still underscored the car’s targeted marketing strategy.
Underlying Mechanical Foundation
While the focus was on trim and color, the car was built upon a competent, full-sized Dodge chassis. It benefited from the brand’s engineering updates for $1956$. These included a shift to a $12$-volt electrical system and the introduction of push-button controls for the PowerFlite automatic transmission. The robust platform provided a comfortable ride quality. Moreover, the optional engine choices made it a surprisingly capable machine. This blending of unique style with serious power makes for an interesting combination.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
The 1956 Dodge La Femme came standard with V8 power, specifically the $\text{Poly}315$ cubic inch engine. This $\text{V}8$ engine produced a solid $230$ horsepower with the four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust option. Notably, a small number of La Femmes were fitted with the high-performance $\text{D-}500$ engine package. This $\text{D-}500$ used a $\text{Hemi}$-head $315$ cubic inch $\text{V}8$ engine. It was officially rated at $260$ horsepower. When equipped with this engine, the car offered genuinely brisk performance for its size and time. This powerful performance potential often goes overlooked due to the model’s visual focus.
The Legacy and Market Value
Production numbers for the La Femme were not explicitly tracked as it was an option package. However, estimates suggest fewer than $2,500$ units were built over its two-year run. The distinctiveness and extreme rarity of the 1956 Dodge La Femme ensures its place in the collector car market. It serves as a textbook example of a niche marketing failure that evolved into a valuable historical artifact. The car’s story is often taught as a lesson in consumer research. It remains a visually captivating piece of automotive Americana.
Summary of a Unique Auto Icon
The 1956 Dodge La Femme is a memorable piece of $20$th-century automotive design and marketing. It was conceived as a highly stylized vehicle aimed at a specific demographic. The car’s unique Misty Orchid paint and elaborate interior make it visually arresting. It was fundamentally a Custom Royal Lancer with potent $\text{V}8$ engine options. The La Femme’s low production and distinct story contribute greatly to its current iconic status.
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Source: Stellantis
