The Savoy was a fixture in the Plymouth line-up between 1951 and 1964. For the “Forward Look” editions of 1957-58, the Savoy was the middle-level trim edition sandwiched between the Plaza and Belvedere (all named after upscale hotels). The seller has owned this 1958 Savoy 2-door sedan for 10 years, purchased as a barn find. It’s not perfect but performs well enough and has a touch of patina. Located in Arcadia, Oklahoma, the finned Mopar is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000. Thumbs up to “Zappenduster” for another cool tip!
Like the other full-size Plymouths, the Savoy gained quad headlights in 1958, the easiest way to tell the cars from the 1957s. These vehicles (including the 1959s) were known for their way-out, futuristic styling that started a trend with the competition, and they always seem to turn up in a late 1950s B-grade science fiction movie. 1958 was a recession year, yet Plymouth sold more than 17,600 Savoy 2-door sedans like this one.
As the story goes, this Plymouth was in a neighbor’s garage for more than 20 years, collecting its share of dust and dirt. The seller took it off their hands, threw in a new battery and a fresh source of gasoline, and the old girl came right back to life. Other things have been done to it over time, and the seller has used it periodically for some local cruises.
Under the hood is a 230 cubic inch “flathead” inline-6 with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. An electric fuel pump has taken over the duties from the original. At a passing glance, this auto could be the cousin of the movie car, Christine. The body and paint are at least okay, and some work has been done to the interior. On the downside, the clutch slips some under a full load, and the engine smokes a tad. Otherwise, this Mopar should delight the turnout at your next Cars & Coffee event.
Maybe Christine’s ugly cousin.
Her slow cousin. I think King gave C. a V8.
Much better looking than Christine, before the “make over”. We need to disregard the flat 6 if so.
The Hag says if this car had a 318 it would be worth around 11K. I love these Forward Look Mopars.
This car would be just right with a 361 and a Torqueflite.
I’m with you Rex! Although, a 360 amd a 4 speed would be nice too. I have driven many, many 1957 Plymouths in the past. (Dad had 7 altogether 2 new and the rest used) 2 new, because the first one was stolen (4 door six cyl. 3 on the tree) And was replaced by the insurance company with a V8 4 bbl.. With dual exhaust 2 door hard top. All the ones I have driven have been V8s with automatic and 3 on the tree. I can’t imagine one with a 6 cylinder. (I was too young to drive the first 2)
Oh you can’t lock me in the trunk. I still remember being a kid and figuring out how to pop the trunk from inside. I used to scare my sisters all the time!
I is a ‘Silver Special’ with the 1956 Plymouth Forward Look emblem on the rear fender and special lower trim.! Marc
The forward look front end, the white walls, huge tail fins, and not a seatbelt in sight…What’s not to like?
Family had one when I was a kid. Lots of days in the back seat on trips and 30 miles to the grocery store one way. The next car was 63 Chrysler Newport.
People can say what they want about the movie “Christine” but I have been in love with the’57-58 Plymouths ever since. I would take either one over the same period Chevys any day of the week. The two door hardtop is my favorite body style for this car.
I like the rarity of the B pillar. Just a quibble, I’ve always distinguished ‘57 from afar by the matching grill below the bumper for ‘58. Even as a kid when there were more others around, I thought the treatment on the ‘57 was at least a design mistake.
neat but the Christine thing is so played out. too much money for what it is.
You forgot the “Fury”…the flagship.
It still brought back memories of the movie, in that first picture, gazing out of the garage.