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25/03/2023 6:32 am
The following was the press release for the La Comtesse:
"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."
The Le Comte did not have nearly as much fanfare.
Apparently, the public approved of the La Comtesse strongly enough that Chrysler Corporation used the idea for the 1955 Dodge La Femme.
Here are some photos of the “hers” version
Note the beautifully picked out paisley seats.
Here are photos of the “his” version
These models are $159 retail, available to Forum43 readers for $150 each or $290 for the pair and $10 shipping from Tom Dirnberger at dirn44@gmail.com or Dale Dannefer at dxd79@case.edu
25/03/2023 11:03 am
Both look excellent! I've wanted a model of the La Comtesse since I saw it in person a few years ago.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Mike DeTorrice and John Kuvakas reacted
25/03/2023 11:28 am
I got the "his" version because of the color. The model is outstanding in every way as are the regular hardtops and station wagons. I only buy one color in each of my models...the decisions were very difficult in each case as all looked terrific.
25/03/2023 12:12 pm
I don't know how you can do that, but my hat is off to you, 'cause no matter how hard I try-it never happens. LOL!
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
25/03/2023 3:23 pm
WOW!! I had made up my mind to not buy this one as I was buying the hardtop and wagon, and already have the convertible. But that "his" version is absolutely STUNNING! I very well might be changing my mind...
UPDATE: Order placed for the Le Comte! It's the very definition of "MUST HAVE" for a Chrysler enthusiast like Moe Parr.
This post was modified 2 months ago by Moe Parr
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
25/03/2023 9:44 pm
I just can't take my eyes off Le Comte...
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
25/03/2023 11:33 pm
It is gorgeous and one that I am waiting patiently to arrive.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
John Kuvakas reacted
26/03/2023 9:57 am
I loathe continental kits generally but I must say that this one accommodates it quite well. It's not for me but it is striking and impressive; especially the roof.
John Kuvakas and John Merritt reacted
26/03/2023 10:18 am
Tom surprised me with these two concept models. I had known about the New Yorker hardtops and wagons for a few months now, but he never mentioned these two concept models. Both of which are must-haves for me. They look fantastic and I hope to have them this week. Since I'm home all week, I will be watching for the mailman, LOL!
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
26/03/2023 11:08 am
@moe-parr Good for you Barry. I know this will be a center piece in your collection as it is in mine.
26/03/2023 11:24 am
@jcarnutz Even with my policy of not buying more than one color of a model ( which incidentally is sometimes not adhered to) I still have over 6,000 pieces. I can't imagine how big that number might be under your guidelines. Yes there are times when I second guess my decisions but that's okay. My question to you is where do you keep them all? Everyone of my models are on display which helps make my decisions easier. I love your posts as they have been responsible for many of the models in my collection.
26/03/2023 12:24 pm
This is one of those questions I don't usually answer, cause to be honest, my collection is not all displayed. I have taken an unusual way to deal with my collection so far. I actually only have about a 1/4 or so of it displayed in a couple of display cabinets.
Almost all of my 1:43 scale model are out of their boxes, and they are kept in plastic shoeboxes on shelves in my model room. I have started the process of organizing them by auto manufacturer (Buick, Cadillac, Ford, etc.) this helps me to find a particular model more quickly. My displays are switched out a couple times a year usually with a theme on different shelves, like consecutive Buick years or Cadillac, cars of the 40s, 50s or orphan makes, things like that. The shoeboxes have allowed me to house my collection a little more efficiently in my limited space and also allows me to pull specific models for photoshoots and such. They also allow me to take them with me more quickly for outside shoots or ones away from home. The shoeboxes are lined with the thicker foam shelf liner than keeps the models in place, so they don't roll into one another and minimizes the vibration when moving them about.
It may not be the usual way to deal with one's collection, but it works for now. I have a 2nd bedroom that my wife has finally consented to allowing me to build a more conventional cabinet system that will allow me to display more, but my current work schedule has that on a backburner for now. I am currently liquidating a large part of my extensive DVD/Blue-Ray and music CD collection, so when I've finished that, I have more room and time to move forward with my display needs.
Unfortunately, my 1:24 & 1:18 collections are still mostly boxed, but I hope to change that soon as I make the changes I have planned.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
27/03/2023 9:54 am
@moe-parr Good for you Barry. I know this will be a center piece in your collection as it is in mine.
Bob, that's exactly the word I had in mind. The "Le Comte" will make the perfect "centerpiece" for the 1/43 Chryslers in my collection!
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
Jack Dodds reacted