In a previous blog I referred to my friend Srinivas, who writes about cars from his home in India. An e-mail from Srinivas requested info on the Dodge Custom Royal, which sent me in search of a little history. In its time the Custom Royal was Dodge's top of the line. According to allpar.com, the definitive site on all things Mopar, "it came standard with a Super Red Ram 350 c.i. V-8, the father of the 413 Wedge and grandfather of the legendary big block Hemi."

The site continues with "most came out of the factory as two-tones, had tricky exhaust tips bolted to the rear bumper, came with air, power steering, electric seats, power windows and (so says the author) in the back seat for Canadian models a kerosene heater." Frankly I doubt the latter. My country can be cold in winter but we've always enjoyed the latest in automobile heating systems. The photograph is hardly the most glamorous to appear on Classical Drives but I like it because it reflects, not only the Custom Royal, but the way it was regarded in those halcyon days when styling triumphed over taste.

The 1956 Custom Royal was the basis for the La Femme, Chrysler's pathetic attempt at reaching female buyers with cars painted lavender and white and a matching umbrella, hat, and purse hook. The concept failed. I wonder what it would take to attract female buyers in 2007?