I know they’re not fast, sleek, or sexy, but I’ll always like these frumpy-looking Plymouths. In the 60’s, they made cheap, reliable first cars for teenagers, and in my family, Plymouth sedans of this era were driven by my uncles and young (sometimes very young) cousins around their river places to haul us and beach and fishing gear down to the beach and boat ramp. Here’s a barn find 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook Club Coupe that hasn’t been started since 1997, but is highly original (paint, interior, even the spare tire), looks solid, and would be a great candidate to make roadworthy again. Once that is done, it could be enjoyed as-is given its originality because as they say in Cliche Land, it’s only original once. It’s currently hibernating in a garage in Hingham, Massachusetts, and is for sale here on craigslist for an asking price of $6,900.
A guy named Jeff is selling it for the current owner and the Plymouth has a clean Massachusetts title in the owner’s name. It’s listed as a “barn find,” but no details are given. The current owner purchased it in 1997 with hopes of restoring it, but “life and recent health issues” are now forcing the owner to sell. It’s in a cluttered garage bay, so there are no side views of it and the rest of the photos are in the “details and closeup” category. The car’s factory Sherwood Green paint looks presentable to be 75 years old, the body looks solid, and I’m not seeing any rust issues. It’s hard to judge the condition of the chrome because of the dust and dirt but it looks okay. The trunk compartment is very clean and includes a trunk mat and the Plymouth’s original spare tire, and the undercarriage looks good as well.
The Cranbrook was the top-of-the-line trim level and had a nice gray interior for a car in the low-price field in 1951. The roomy interiors were stylish, rugid, and if you fancy wearing a hat, you’ll have plenty of head space. The original front and back cloth seats are covered with a blanket and comforter, so you can’t see their current condition. The seller says they’re “in good condition with some minor tears and the headliner is in great condition.” The Plymouth has manual steering and the big gray steering wheel looks to be in good shape, and hydraulic brakes can be found front and rear.
Under that Sherwood Green hood is the original 217-cubic-inch flathead six with a one-barrel carb that produced 97 horsepower. Mileage is stated at 55,000 and it’s paired with a 3-on-the-tree column shift manual transmission. The engine hasn’t been started since 1997 and the seller doesn’t say if it turns over or not. As with any car sitting on jacks for 29 years and not being started, it’ll most likely need the usual mechanical, fuel, and gas tank attention (in addition to brakes) to make Old Green roadworthy again. These Plymouths were known for being well built, sturdy, and dependable. Given its good bones and solid, original condition, this could be good project to take on. I really hope the next owner will make this old Plymouth roadworthy again and keep it as original as possible. What would you do with it?
If it turns over that’s a good place to start. Brakes and fuel system you can do yourself, change the fluids, 4 tires. Drive and have fun!
Listed here at $6900, Craigslist ad says $5900, if it turns over offer 5k. Cheap fun.
Over a month listed on Craigslist highlights the lack of interest. It may appear cheap, how many people are looking for an early-1950’s Plymouth project car? At least the seller is aware enough to start lowering the price, hopefully they will find the time to push it outside for better pictures.
Steve R
Look at the pictures on CL. This actually looks pretty good , If it turns over go for it. Even if it’s locked up, offer $2500. Gas tank and brakes , small V8 , A/T of your choice – easy, and back on road.
I want to like this car. I really do, but this car was not made for modern roads. And resto-modding it would just make me wonder why? It really is what it is, an entry level car for the budget minded buyer back in the fifties.