In the post-World War II era, with the economy thriving, there was a widespread embrace of the “bigger is better” philosophy in the automotive industry during the 1950s. Full-size vehicles were in high demand, prompting manufacturers to explore ways to attract more customers to their showrooms.
The Big Three automakers began introducing increasingly luxurious trims and special-edition models to capitalize on this trend. Among these ventures was Chrysler’s creation of a car targeted specifically at women: the Dodge La Femme.
Essentially a Royal Lancer based on the Coronet platform, it featured design elements and accessories intended to appeal to female drivers.
Despite high hopes, the La Femme proved to be a commercial failure, with fewer than 2,500 units sold between 1955 and 1956.
Nevertheless, it exemplified the lengths carmakers were willing to go to capture a larger market share. While the car showcased here is not a La Femme, it also targeted a specific demographic: the Texan, sold exclusively in Texas.
Unlike the La Femme, which boasted numerous special features, the Texan was essentially a Coronet with distinctive badges on the rear fenders, trunk lid, and glove compartment. The creation of the Texan reportedly stemmed from requests made by a group of oilmen and politicians in Texas who desired a unique Dodge model for their state.
Although some speculate that the Texan was conceived as a response to the La Femme, it is improbable given the latter’s lack of popularity.
Instead, Texan models were originally standard Coronets, later customized with unique badges by Texas dealerships. Chrysler approved of the Texan and even included its emblems in the official parts catalog.
Despite its localized appeal, the Texan was only available for three model years, introduced in 1956 and discontinued by the end of the 1958 model year.
While specific production numbers are unavailable, it appears the Texan did not achieve significant popularity, with some sources indicating that Texas dealerships sold only a few hundred units per year, contributing to its relative obscurity.
In a noteworthy discovery, a 1957 Texan was found by “Obsolete Automotive” on YouTube in 2023. Nearly a year later, the owner embarked on reviving the vehicle, which had been sitting idle for some time after its purchase.
Fortunately, this particular Texan had been well maintained and underwent restoration, retaining its vibrant red paint and pristine two-tone black-and-white interior. The vehicle retains its original V8 engine, a testament to its authenticity and rarity among surviving Texan models.
While not yet road-worthy, the host of the YouTube channel successfully got the V8 engine running again and even took the car for a brief test drive. Determined to restore the Texan to its former glory, this effort represents a far more promising fate than that of a 1956 Texan found in a junkyard in 2022.
For those curious about its performance, the Texan is powered by a 325-cubic-inch (5.3-liter) Red Ram V8 engine. Depending on the carburetor setup, this engine produced either 245 or 260 horsepower, promising an enjoyable cruising experience once fully refreshed.
