When you scrutinize his designs, Virgil Exner could rarely be described as subtle. The man who gave the automotive world the “forward-look” philosophy penned this 1960 Plymouth Suburban Station Wagon. Its bold lines guarantee that it will turn heads, while the seller’s mechanical upgrades give it plenty of performance potential. It is ideal for anyone seeking a turnkey project candidate that provides room for the entire family. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Jackson, California. Bidding has passed the reserve, sitting at $4,350 at the time of writing.
The seller has been the custodian of this Suburban for approximately a year, stating that the Wagon has provided significant motoring pleasure. They admit that it needs a new owner who can recapture its former good looks, doing justice to its upgraded mechanical components. The color combination of Oyster White and Plum Red is classy, but the paint visibly shows its age. It has developed a matte look, and there are areas of White primer. Add a few bumps and bruises into the equation, and it would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh. Vehicles across all Chrysler marques during this period developed a reputation for rust issues, and this Plymouth is no exception. However, it appears that the previous owner cut away the offending areas, welding in new steel to return this Suburban to an essentially rust-free state. The glass is clear, and the trim generally looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.
Lifting the hood reveals a profound change that has transformed this Suburban into a muscle Wagon. It is unclear what type of engine originally occupied the space, but what we now find is a 440ci V8. The seller teamed this with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and the brakes. The seller confirms that both the motor and transmission are freshly rebuilt, with the 440 receiving an aluminum Edelbrock intake and a Summit four-barrel carburetor. They also installed new brake shoes, brake lines, and wheel cylinders. Potential bidders can consider this Plymouth as a turnkey proposition that runs and drives exceptionally well. That provides the opportunity for immediate motoring pleasure as the new owner plans their restoration.
This Plymouth’s cosmetic needs extend beyond the panels and paint, with the interior in need of TLC. The painted surfaces require a refresh, with the seller confirming that the seats are in poor condition below the slipcovers. The shopping list will extend to carpet, door trims, and armrests. The headliner looks quite respectable in the supplied images, and the enormous cargo area should be capable of holding everything that the buyer may need for extended cross-country family vacations.
Virgil Exner changed the face of automotive design in the 1950s, demonstrating that passenger cars no longer needed to be boxy and upright. He brought the concept of long and low lines to the fore, and such was the appeal of his approach that the competition soon followed suit. This 1960 Plymouth Suburban Station Wagon perfectly encapsulates the ‘forward look” philosophy, featuring the hallmark Exner fins. The interest it has generated has been substantial, although the price remains within an affordable range. Will it stay that way? Only time will tell.
What a cool car, and you know, as society crumbles, we’re going to see some amazing deals, unfortunately, not for the sellers. Up to $5200, got to be a tremendous loss, heck, there’s $5grand in the motor. So what’s the delay? Got everything, nice condition, plenty of room, quirky 1960 charm, AUTOMATIC,,okay, the 440 is a bit much, but could even shlep something. The “all new Slant 6” was available, but most had the 318 ( 317.6, to be exact). This motor is cool, in that, one probably wouldn’t go far with this, not that you couldn’t, and mileage would probably be low teens, with POWER TO PASS,,,,those pesky 4 cylinder Jeeps holding things back. Some great cars coming through, I’m just glad I don’t have to try and sell one.
Maybe its by region but here in the Southwest the classic car crowd is thriving,the cars shows I enter with my 66′ Mustang are full with cars and alot of spectators. I guess the nice year round weather of no snow helps.One full service shop is busy just working on pre-72 cars.
Our 55 only club has hundreds of members.
For sale near me on FB
Was asking 12 lowered to 11K
I really like this car. Fantastic price too!
I bet this would’ve been a total disgrace to be seen in during the ‘70s. Neat wagon. Nice to see the heater hoses even hooked up. Undress the engine, spend a decent bit on upholstery, give it a better DIY paint job and enjoy.
There was no chance of failing to see the Exner influence on the 60 Plymouths. I first saw a red FURY convertible in a local parade weeks after the 60s were sold. As most know, my motto is TOO much is NEVER, so I was breathtaken after the 59s. Although not for me, this is IMO, a rare opportunity for one of the last of Exners fabulous finned fantasies.
Wow, does this ever bring back memories! My parents had the exact same model when I was a kid. It was the same white, but the roof and fender chops were gold. It had a tan interior and a 361 under the hood, if I remember correctly. The thing I remember most was that I could barely reach the top of the fins for the longest time. They traded it on a 1968 Dodge Monaco wagon, a car I came to own until 2004, when I sold it with 302,000 miles on it. The ’60 sadly was totalled barely a month after it was traded when the new owner got t-boned by a stop sign runner. Was so sad to see it in the junkyard!
Wow. Beautiful, a work of art.
I had a car once where the paint oxidized into a matte finish. More than one coat of car wax and a buffer would do wonders for that roof.
I was under the impression that the early cast iron torqueflites would only mate to 1962 and before engines. It looks like this one is still operated by the pushbuttons. Any experts have any insight into how they did it, or can tell me that my preconceptions were wrong? Thank you.