What’s more interesting, the cars or the owners? Owners often don’t tell you much about themselves, heck sometimes they don’t tell you much about the car either and leave us struggling to figure out what they’re selling. This 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook convertible attracted me because of what it is – I can’t remember ever encountering one. In addition to that is this car’s pristine condition and the seller’s open bluntness – more on that later. Located in Sanford, Maine, this Plymouth drop top is available, here on craigslist for $32,000. Gunter K gets a positive check mark for this find!
This is not a rare car, there were 51K Plymouth convertibles produced in ’51 but who knows how many remain – I’d wager it’s a slim number. Anyway, the Cranbrook also came in a “Club Coupe” body style (a two-door sedan), a four-door sedan, and an upscale “Belvedere” two-door hardtop that possessed a very stylish greenhouse. Lesser Plymouths for ’51 included the Cambridge and then the Concord occupying the anchorman position.
As to whether or not this example could be considered a survivor, I can’t say. It shows like new but the seller makes no mention if this convertible is in its original preserved status or has experienced a redo. The mileage is recorded as being 53K miles but it’s not authenticated. Regardless, it stands to reason that this car has undergone some amount of restoration – it just shows too perfectly. The images of the convertible top aren’t the best but from what can be spied it looks as good as new – and it is power operated. Some underside images would be appreciated, and that can probably be arranged, but what this car really needs is an outdoor photo session – it runs, and isn’t buried under a ton of garage whatever, so why not?
There are no images of the 97 HP, 217 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine, nor is there a description of its operating prowess. The seller does add, “Driving this beauty can give you a diversion from stress and open up a new world of hope and excitement“. OK, well that’s fair enough but I think I’d like a little more mechanical/operating detail.
The interior is just too exquisite – I’m calling it, this car has been restored and done to a very high level. The two-tone vinyl upholstery, the painted dash and trim pieces, the carpet, and the door panels – all are in excellent shape and don’t look seven months old much less 71 years of age.
So, why sell this beauty? The seller lays it all out, “I’m selling my convertible because I have gained a lot of weight and don’t fit in it“. Ouch, that’s unfortunate. Choices and differing approaches to a matter can always be taken but if this is his preferred direction, so be it. If you’re interested in this beautiful Plymouth convertible, it’s just a phone call away as the seller advises, “No texts as I may be the only person in Maine without a cell phone“. Can’t top honesty, now can we?
Never been a fan of Mopar from this era due to “tall roof” styling. I do like this convertible though, and a neighbor’s immaculate 20 year old Cranbrook is one of the cars that got me interested in the hobby.
The seller didn’t do himself any favors by taking pcs in the garage. I see it was a nice sunny day out when he shot this; too bad he didn’t have it pulled outside. A restored beauty like this need to be seen well for the best sale.
I couldn’t agree more. That was the first thing that came to my mind.
The springs under the driver’s side front seat may be saggy.
You can’t tell by the pictures. I guess you are the type of person that has to say something negative when you know nothing about it.
I would dearly love to have this car. My first car when I was fifteen, in 1956, was a 51 Plymouth convertible just like this one. Well, not just like this one as mine was a little rough and rusty. It was only five years old but convertibles didn’t last too long back then In Savannah, Georgia due to leaky convertible tops, frequent rains, and high humidity. It was a hand-me-down from my older brother so being owned and abused by two teenaged drivers didn’t help it any. If my IRA had performed better and I didn’t have $6K per month medical expense I might dream of buying this car.
A Cranbrook from the land of cranberries 🤔
I owned a 1951 gray four-door sedan Cranbrook. I bought it when the car turned 25 years old. Car was in great shape I never should I get rid of it flat heads six cylinder roll down the street as smooth as could be and great on gas. Like everybody else I wish I never got rid of that car.
I think we all have a car we regret selling. Mine was a 55 Chevy convertible. Black Naugahyde interior new top and 11 coats of powder blue lacquer paint a refurbished 265 V-8 with 283 power pack heads and 327 manifold and ignition. A real sleeper. Uncle Sam came Knocking and my Mom talked me into letting her sell it. Took a week and it was gone. Wish now I never sold that car.
Hope the guy in the bumpers reflection in the only outside photo isnt the owner, he doesn’t look like too fat to fit in it !
Could be wrong but I don’t recall any flathead 6 banger Mopars with dual exhaust. Is this period correct for this beautiful Plymouth? Just curious.
I had a beautiful sounding set of pipes on my 51 Plymouth convertible. I had the exhaust manifold split like we did back in the old days. You welded on a second exhaust flange and you blocked the middle so that the front and rear was separated. It was a little risky as cast iron can crack if not cooled slowly and some welding shops won’t do it. I cobbled a set of pipes using some flexible pipe and finally got it done, and it sounded great. These convertibles don’t have a lot of room underneath as there is a large “X” frame in the way to stiffen them up. To make it more difficult, my car had an under-seat heater which was directly under the driver seat that I had to work around. The heater motor stuck down through the floor pan where the muffler should have gone.. I wish I had pictures.
Probably has a aftermarket split manifold/header on it. It would have a nice burble.
I’m sure you are correct Gary and it must sound great. I recall as a kid, an older brother-in-law had a ’54 Chevy with a Fenton split exhaust manifold. It had a really great sound too.