Preceding the 1956 Dodge LeFemme was the La Comtesse concept car of 1954. La Comtesse was part of a pair of "His and Her" show cars: the Le Comte and the La Comtesse. These were among the first of Chrysler's show cars under the helm of Virgil Exner. Chrysler's Press Release had this to say about the car: Chrysler�s exotic new plastic top car, presents a gorgeous two-tone exterior of dusty rose with a pigeon gray top. The interior is luxuriously finished in cream and dusty rose leather with seat back inserts of platinum brocatelle fabric. Interior appointments are set off by specially-designed chrome hardware. A long, low note is provided by heavy chrome molding running along the lower body of the car from the front wheel openings to the rear bumper. A continental tire mount and chrome wire wheels add to the car�s smart appearance. La Comtesse is built on a New Yorker Deluxe Newport chassis and is powered by a 235-horsepower Chrysler FirePower V-8 engine and features fully-automatic PowerFlite transmission, power steering and power brakes plus Chrysler�s high-roll front suspension for easier handling and improved roadability. After the 1955 show season, La Comtesse disappeared. However, reader Wayne Graefen writes in to tell us: (2008) La Comtesse has been located after years of storage (the license tag says last registration was 1970) in Southern California. The show car has been purchased by the Chrysler Historical Foundation and will eventually appear in the museum. Merle Wolfer is preparing to submit an article to WPC regarding the story of the car. We can't wait to read the article and see La Comtesse back on display!

(click on small images to see larger ones)

(2008) La Comtesse as she was recently discovered in Southern California:

 

 

 

 

 

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(2009) Photos of La Comtesse at a show: