Up for sale by a private party is this rare 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer “Le Femme”. In its original colors of Sapphire White and Heather Rose. Power comes from the numbers matching 270 cu. in., 183 horsepower “Red Ram” Hemi V-8 and backed by a 2-speed Torque Flight automatic transmission. The total mileage showing is 102,000. This “Le Femme” came equipped with power windows and a 6-way power front seat, both of which function.
NO TRADES
PLEASE NOTE….ALL BIDS AND OFFERS MADE ON THIS VEHICLE WILL FOLLOW EBAY’S PROTOCOL OF PURCHASING. THIS MEANS THAT ONCE THE BID OR OFFER IS MADE OR ACCEPTED THE BUYER AGREES TO PURCHASE THE CAR IN “AS IS” CONDITION. DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO J.D. @ 410-937-0719
- For those who do not know what a Dodge “Le Femme” is, here is a brief background. This model of the Custom Royal Lancer was only offered in 1955 and ’56 to attract women to the car market. In 1955 the colors offered were Sapphire White and Heather Rose. They came with custom emblems on the front fenders, gold “V8” emblems on the side and the interior upholstery was done in a “Rosebud” pattern.
- The big “Plus” were the two ‘cosmetic’ compartments located on the back of the front seat which came with an Evans pocketbook, purse, umbrella with the ‘Rosebud’ pattern, compact, lipstick case, mirror, turtle shell comb, plastic poncho, and hair covering. And this sale includes all of these pieces plus the sales brochure.!!! Only the poncho and hair covering are missing.
- The exact production figures of the “Le Femme” are not known but estimated at 2500. Of those made very few are still in existence (estimates are around 40 cars).
- The history on this particular “Le Femme” is not known except for the past 20 years. When it was purchased by a family for the wife’s 50th Prom reunion (1955) because her father had bought a new 1955 “Le Femme” for her 17th birthday.
- The body is in fantastic condition and still retains the original Heather Rose paint throughout the car. The Sapphire White was repainted about 3 years ago and the only bodywork was a small patch panel above the right rear wheel well. The rest of the body is believed to be original and shows no evidence of rust or cracks.
- The floors and frame are solid and original. All the glass is original and tinted. Most of the chrome is original with only a few pieces having been replated like the headlight eyebrows.
- It is not known if the 270 cu. in. “Red Ram” Hemi engine was ever rebuilt, but it starts and runs great (see video). Recent work performed includes a fuel pump, tune up, and rebuilt carburetor. Please note that because this was the last year for a 6-volt system for Dodge a converter was added to drop the voltage to the Dodge’s electrical system, but it uses a 12-volt battery to start it.
- The interior has had the front and rear seats reupholstered in the original ‘Rosebud’ pattern and a new headliner and carpet were added. All the gauges function except for the clock. It has electric windows and factory power steering. Yes, the AM radio works too.
- The suspension and rear differential have recently been rebuilt with a new original brake system with lines and master cylinder. Both the front and rear suspensions have been rebuilt and the differential had new carrier bearings and seals installed.
- This is a true piece of American automotive history which was not well known but has been well preserved and maintained over the past 69 years. The “Le Femme” is a show winner and draws attention wherever it goes.
