Still with many original parts, this rolling 1939 Plymouth Business Coupe project is up for sale with a buy-it-now price of only $4,500. The car sits in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania and has a clear title and VIN listed. It being sold because the current owner never got around to working on it, just as the previous owner to them did. Maybe you will be a third time charm for this Coupe. You can view more on eBay.
Under the hood is nothing. The car is being sold as a body on frame, no power train of any sort. No engine or transmission. While it does sit up slightly high, like it was being prepped to be a gasser, there is no information or indication on any modifications that were done to it. The seller notes that everything on the underside of the car looks to be original, with a few signs of repairs.
Inside, the car is strikingly original. While this is certainly a project car, it might be a parts source for a more original build, or if you are brave enough, you could try to put this back to some sort of original status. The trunk and floors have places where they have been repaired, and a few miscellaneous parts in the trunk accompany the car upon purchase.
The current owner suggests that the car become either a rat rod or a gasser. Both seem very valid and doable when looking at the condition of the car. Still, something about the original interior just causes hesitation in my brain. I would want to make sure that those pieces were kept well, or utilized in the build, or passed on to someone who will cherish it in their build. The sky is the limit at that point.
Built 225 w 4 sp , new buckets and down the road!
I really like this one. 1. because it seems reasonably priced and 2. because the gasser look it currently has without the weight of a drivetrain. Looks like no straight axle up front and pretty much stock underneath so we have less of a gasser and more of a blank canvass here. For the price, Id look beyond its imperfections, and just add to them (ie straight axle, Blown sbc or high rise, muncie, 9″, ladder bars…..and 5 hole Ansens with fatties in the rear….all in, maybe 10-12k, a pair of greasy hands, and youll have 1 cool ride and lots of fun. If he beats me to the buy it now button, best wishes to the new owner!
It’s body works as a “Gasser”, but does the world need another lame attempt at building a clone? Too many “Gassers” builds entail throwing a bunch of cheap Chinese parts at it including finned valve covers, air cleaner and chrome faced gauges. The interesting ones use period speed equipment.
Steve R
Find a flat head 8cyl with 3 on the tree and drive it like you stole it.
I too grow tired of seeing rusted neglected cars cleaned up sporting newer custom wheels advertised as a blank canvas. The gasser look here is created due to the lack of weight of a motor. As others mentioned. Chinese Speedway straight axle? No thanks. To me a $700 – $1200. car without the incorrect 1990’s wheels.
1939 Plymouths had square headlights–very cool. Either these have been replaced with sealed beams or the vehicle is a year or two newer. Great style and looks salvageable (for returning to original, of course).
39’s were the only year for the square lights, but they either weren’t popular or they weren’t very bright ; I’ve seen many with the round headlights and I was told by an old-timer that there were retro fit kits to put sealed beams in the car. Personally , I think it looks better with the round lights
Why do the majority of people insist on an sbc in everything. I realize they are plentiful and cheap but a little imagination please. I like the idea of a leaning tower of power best next would be a 318-360; first generation hemi just my personal favs.
No matter to each their own. It would be an interesting project when done not too much bodywork needed definitely a blank canvas for someone.
How about a completely worked over 225″ (hyper pac) 4 speed stick w Gear Vendors o/d, modern conveniences, cruise, air, leather, kick a$$ sound system and just drive the heck outta it.
one word ….. Hellcat
(or is that two words ? )
Round lights were popular….with the new seal beams that came out after the war…..and the retro fits…..have the retro fit for a 1939 Mopar but prefer the original.
This car needs an early Hemi 4spd, steallies with caps and rings. Keep the bench and enjoy. SBC not a chance I would do that!
I almost thought it was a 40 Willys coupe with a different front end at first glance. Cool car!
Keep it all Mopar…..340 or even a tuned 318. Wish I had the space for it.
I take that back…it needs a Flathead.
Sold. $4,500.00.