For a short period before the United States entered World War II, Plymouth offered light duty trucks. Yes, they were very similar to their Dodge counterparts, with some sheetmetal changes being the primary difference between them. Their short production run makes them an uncommon sight, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one in the steel. But if you wouldn’t mind driving a weather-worn old Mopar parts hauler, here’s a mechanically rehabilitated ’37 that the current owner is using as a daily driver. Located in Santa Clarita, California, and being sold on eBay, the current high bid is $3,150.
In keeping with a daily driver, the engine has been upgraded to a rebuilt 230 cubic-inch flathead six from a ’57 Dodge. The owner speculates that with its two-barrel carburetor, it’s producing 130-140 horsepower. Who knows? The original 201 was rated at 70 horsepower, so almost anything is bound to top that. With the added power comes a 3.90:1 axle ratio (compared to the stock 4.10), along with new axle seals. The engine is said to run cool and have good oil pressure, and the new owner will get all the machine shop receipts.
Aside from new carpet, the interior looks original, for good or for bad. You could always reupholster the seat, but nobody buys a truck like this because it’s nice; they buy it because it’s unique and usable. And whether you’re on its side or not, patina is a trend that doesn’t seem to be losing speed.
The eBay ad is refreshingly thorough about the truck’s condition. Based on its description, I’d have no qualms about driving it home to Michigan if I were an interested party (at least if it weren’t a salty December). The only possible issue is the transmission; it sounds as if it may be due for a rebuild, as the seller says it prefers to be double-clutched or (at the very least) shifted gently. Based on the manual transmissions I’ve had apart, it might just need a set of synchros and bearings. There’s at least one parts supplier I know of, so it might not be a big deal. It also might last forever as-is, just take it easy. Additionally, there is a new clutch, so one less thing.
The look might not be for everyone, but almost everyone is a fan of old trucks, and you can pick up where the seller leaves off and use this Plymouth as your daily driver. It’s apparently comfortable with 70 mph traffic and you don’t have to worry about scratching the bed. Let us know what you think in the comments!
I like the old girl. The engine swap is perfect as it is useful but retains the original vibe. Personally I would have to give it a coat of paint and some upholstery as I am not a big fan of the patina look. My preference is the as delivered look.
I generally like the patina look, but for some reason , this one doesn’t appeal. .Maybe red primer with a sealer , or ????
I generally like the patina look also. As long as it’s real and not fake. I think the problem with this one is the interior. I’d have to do something with the seat and especially the dashboard. Otherwise a very cool old truck.
Black primer and sealer. Would look almost original from 20 feet. Maybe wood floor in the back with a weathered finish.
What a cool Mopar pickup. I’d flat black it in and out with red wheels using the caps and rings. Would have to have some red and white pinstripe to break it up a bit. Now I really want it lol.
My ’34 Ford pickup never got past the black primer after a total restoration. Guy I sold it to said he liked it just like it was. 4 inch lowering in front, steel wheels in red with dog dish hub caps.
Ya’ll see what’s happening here. If this had the almighty LS, clown wheels and puffy interior,, it would be 5 figures. Like this? I’m telling ya’, interest is fading. Personally, I think it’s an incredible find, and would paint the dang thing, seemingly the only thing left and putt-putt to Wallyworld. Why paint is overlooked, I guess I’ll never know.
In case that “PT” rings a bell, it showed up 70 years later in the “PT Cruiser”, but meant, “Personal Transport”, I heard. I’m flabbergasted these are still coming out in this condition. Lot of barns out there yet.
I also love this find. It has such a muscular look that I wish were incorporated into todays truck, which are just boring oversize boxes.
Id leave the paint and pretty much everything else, fix the trans and drive it at 55.
Best of all its on the left coast! It hasn’t met reserve and that is no surprise, given its driveability with all the work that has been done. I wouldn’t be afraid to drive it down our dirt logging road to our vintage property, so I’m going to throw a bid at it, you never know…
“Boring oversize boxes.”
You’re right there. I wonder how this truck would compare to a modern F-150 or Silverado in a wind tunnel.
Old trucks never do well in measured aero. It wasn’t a consoderation, even to the minor extent it wasunderstood. Besides, without a complete new drivetrain, it isn’t capable of anything over 50 MPH. It would be great for occasional trips to Lowes or the dump whether painted or not.
Exterior house paint is surprisingly durable. I’d get a couple gallons of dark green and roll it on. Finish up the tight areas with a brush.
Nice truck! My grandfather had a ’36 tucked in a shed that he used around the farm and rarely drove on the roads. It had fairly low mileage and looked much nicer than this one. When he died, one of his daughters gave it to a neighbor, sigh.
A tragedy, that.
Just tip it off with a Good brush and it will look great!!!
Using a paint brush and roller is not a bad idea. I did it with my 1950 GMC pickup. It may not be ideal but it looks good from 10 feet. Flat paint helps a lot. I like the idea of getting the transmission sorted. Then work on the interior. If this wasn’t on the west coast…. GLWTS.
Umm. That’s a nonsynchro tranny. I had a ‘53 Dodge pickup with a similar setup. Until you get the hang of it, double-clutching isn’t a bad idea. Once you get the hang of it, no problem. Keeping up with traffic at 70mph sounds a little optimistic. 60? Probably. Those old Mopar flathead 6s don’t really like to rev.
It’s a great find. Rather unique, being a Plymouth, and the upgrade to 230 ci and 3.90 gears sounds about perfect. Still not really a Freeway Flyer, but quite usable.
Wow! An 87-year old truck with a gearbox that “prefers to be double-clutched”? What a shock … said no one ever!
Anyone know when Dodge/Plymouth trucks got synchromesh on second and third? I don’t have a truck manual that goes back this far, and the information I’ve been able to find online is thin. I read that the ’41 trucks got synchros, but it looks like the car transmissions had them earlier than that.
Additionally, I’m not sure if this truck has the transmission out of the ’57 Dodge or the ’37.
That is such a cool truck! I remember wanting a 1940 Plymouth truck for $800 back in the old days that I didn’t have $ or room for. I finally got another one but just to flip, this has a newer engine also, and everything else underneath that came from a 1980 Toyota truck. It’s hard not to spin the tires just from normally taking off, it can be yours, make an offer ;)
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1070934277870851/
I like it. If this were mine I would blow it apart and paint it also paint the frame and other suspension parts I would have door cards made to fit then just enjoy having it for a few years
To me, the worst thing is the dashboard; might have to find a Plymouth parts car to make it right.
Gotta love the “ship” hood ornament, though.
Mayflower.
Mayflower? Plymouth? Of course, I never made the connection before. A big tums up there, pal.
I love the truck , but currently at 5650.00 and reserve not met is a bit optimistic
I have an original stock one, I will say it does 55mph down the highway. I also like this one as it sits. They are cool trucks, and I’m waiting to see what this sells for. I’m thinking 10-15 k
Y’all might want to recalibrate your values. These aren’t Fords or Chevies. They are pretty rare, so they bring a lot of $$ when correctly restored to stock. One sold for $56K on BaT two years ago.