The first car designed specifically for women. Photo

Original retro-invention.

A car for real ladies, was created in the middle of the last century in the United States. So curious title, the car was given not because of its peculiar pink color of the body. This car was a real “purse on wheels”.

In 1955 Dodge released the world’s first machine designed specifically for women. Dodge La Femme pale pink sold complete with pink parasol, pink purse, and a holder for lipstick. Despite the snide remarks in the press, there was a real reason for the appearance of such unusual models of cars.

Till 1940-ies of the vast majority of American women, once married, became Housewives and had renounced the career they had before marriage. However, after the outbreak of the Second world war, suddenly women have become an important part of the workforce in America. Since many men went to fight in Europe or in the Pacific region, the objective of the work fell on women’s shoulders. It was at this time appeared the symbol “Klepalschitsy Rosie”, representing the American women who worked in the enterprises during the war. These women sometimes went in a totally new and unusual for them, taking the place of men who went to the front. As women become more independent, they have a need for independence and on the road.

Shortly after the Second world war (and the Korean war) America entered a new era of prosperity and success. Families increasingly began to settle in the suburbs, where the city was reachable only by car. There is a problem of lack of transport. In fact, when husband was leaving for work, as a woman could get to the store or to their workplace? A few cars in the family was not a luxury but a necessity.
These changes in America were seen on time guide Dodge. It has been estimated that most of the cars that are missing, necessary women. And what kind of car can better show women’s newfound independence and prosperity than the Dodge La Femme?

A seat back La Femme was built offices:”wallets”, in which were piled the powder compact, lipstick, cigarette case, comb, cigarette lighter and purse. All of these accessories from the “Evans” was made from faux “tortoiseshell plastic” or colored pink calfskin and gold-tone metal.
Behind the driver’s seat was a compartment, in which were folded the cloak, the hat from rain and the umbrella.

The basis for the Dodge La Femme was a car, 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. Reworked female version cost only $ 143 more expensive.

Because company executives wanted to emphasize the independence of women and the fact that the car is only for them, the Dodge La Femme was produced only in pink color.

Brochures Dodge emphasized that the car was made “especially for her Majesty … the American girl”.

In the model of 1956 added a futuristic transmission control, “Mrs. Jetson”, in which the transmission switched with the buttons located to the left of the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, a unique model of La Femme has been virtually forgotten to the present day. Since 1956 La Femme was an option for base models of cars that could be ordered for a fee. It is unknown how much was done on this car, it is expected that within 2 years they were released about 2,500 units.
Today there remains less than 60 Dodge La Femme.

Unfortunately, La Femme practically not advertised. There were only brochures in the showrooms of Dodge, which describes this model. Since in magazines, on TV and radio, there was almost no advertising “women’s car”, most American families didn’t even know about its existence.

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