In the 1950s, Plymouth got on a kick naming some of its cars after snappy hotels. That’s where the Plaza, Savoy, and Belvedere monikers came from. From 1955 to 1956, the Savoy was the middle trim level, much like the 210 over at Chevrolet. This 1956 Savoy 4-door sedan has just had mechanical and interior work done, so it should be ready to go. Located in Newberg, Oregon, this prequel to the finned wonders of 1957 is available here on craigslist for $8,500. Our Northwest sleuth, “Curvette”, turns in another cool tip!
As a preview of things to come, the 1956 Plymouths got a slight styling refresh that included tiny fins on the rear. They would grow many folds over in 1957 and led the industry in embracing that styling cue for the next several years. The standard engine in 1956 was a 230 cubic inch L-head inline-six that was good for 125 to 130 hp. The venerable Slant-Six was still years away from its arrival and claim to fame in 1960.
This 70-year-old car would probably have an interesting tale to tell – if it could talk. The body and paint look great, so a repaint would be likely. The interior features new upholstery, door panels, carpeting, and the headliner. The flathead-6 has been treated to a new head gasket, carburetor, gas tank, some brake parts, and a tune-up at 89,000 miles. The end result is a nice-looking and running car that might be a great first vintage auto for someone starting out.
If you look closely, you’ll see push-button controls for the automatic transmission, which was new to the cars in 1956. And it would be a Chrysler staple through 1964. Before you comment pro or con on the asking price, consider what the cost of the listed work would have been if you had it done after buying the car. This is a nice sedan, as long as four doors don’t bug you.
though not a head turner a mid-range Plymouth in ’56 was a typical reliable family transporter or business car. I’m in my 80s and wife is in her late 70s, her Escort wagon is on it’s last legs, er, uhm, wheels. For $8,500 and just a few minutes from my house this one looks like a good contender for her to wrap up her driving years. It’s blue, easy to get in and out of, looks good and well it would be ok to say “an old lady’s car” (that might get me in trouble). I’m definitely thinking about it.
Make sure she is ok with no power steering!
On that car power steering really isn’t needed, even parallel parking. Almost every parking lot has stalls. I’d put in some seatbelts and drive it until the wheels fall off!
Terry, at least your wife still drives. Mine does on very rare occasion to the market. Maybe you could drive this nice one and give her yours? I like it too for the looks and reliable flat 6. I owned 2 years ago, a car and truck. Good luck.
Terry, if you’re that sold on this car, you might wanna pull the trigger if you can. At that price, it
won’t last long. Take your wife with you and let her take it for a spin. And maybe just maybe, she’ll like it enough to say yes and put the Escort out to pasture.
Then, she’s going to have a car that’s reliable and always shows up.
You took the words right out of my mind, Ken! And to Terry: Go get ’em Tiger!
Nothing wrong with the flat head six. My Dad drove these as his preferrred rides. (not the 2sp auto though, we were stick shift people in our house). I might have later in life moved to support another team, but I will never lose my soft heart for these 1950s Plymouths. The 55/56 had a simple but beautiful dash.
Thanks for the input guys, good point about the power steering. Better think this one through before I cause a real situation here. Now if it was a Sport Fury, well there wouldn’t be any question or second think’n, if you know what I mean.
It is an extreme mistake to be having children writing articles about an era that they have no idea what occurred. The forward look by Virgil Exner began with the 1957 model Chrysler Corporation products. The 1955 and 1956 models would’ve been part of the $100 million look. This is historical fact. Your riders need to know a little history. The editor needs to know more history than they know. They should never have gone through.
Your tough Dave, though true.
It’s a nice one – you have to start somewhere on the pricing….would be well bought around 5 grand….
Another great deal in Pacific Northwest area. I would certainly be interested in this if it were located a reasonable distance from me. Nice color. Go for it, Terry. I’m thinking it won’t last long on the market.