OK, so a little imagination always helps, right? Sometimes you see something like a house or a car and you immediately think, “that’s fugly, no thanks!” So you have to have some vision, and admittedly, not every subject can be visioned-out but perhaps there’s a way forward for this 1938 Plymouth DeLuxe coupe. Let’s look it over and see if it has possibilities. Garaged since the ’70s, this Plymouth is located in Monrovia, California and is available, here on craigslist for $10,000. A tip of the hat goes to T.J. for this interesting find!
The body is a bit rough but that seems to be more from some surface work that has occurred than actual damage or age abuse. The surface rust that is present appears to be the result of some started body prep that concluded before it should have. I’d say the sheet metal has seen a Bondo trowel too. Admittedly it has a cyclops thing going on with the single headlight but the rest of it, most importantly the prominent grille, checks out as OK.
Curiosity resides under the hood. Originally, a 201 CI in-line six-cylinder engine would have been holding court but the seller believes that a 1953 vintage 100 HP, 218 CI in-line six is now taking up residency. It is supposedly a rebuilt engine that has never been started (seems odd) so there’s no telling whether this coupe runs or not. A three-speed manual transmission was the only game in town in ’38.
The interior is barely photographed with the dash being the primary focal point. What can be seen illustrates years of neglect but if you think about it, does it really matter? Cars of this era, especially one that is 84 years young, rarely look right inside unless they’ve had a redo of some sort. Finding restorable, intact gauges is always a treat but even if that’s not the case, there are many replacement options available. Another helpful find is the seat frame – they can usually be reupholstered. Without that, however, another option will have to prevail. Note the passenger door panel – looks like water damage so a check of the passenger side foot well for softness, or worse, would be in order.
OK, now it’s what to do with it time. I can’t help myself, I’d suggest a stealthy looking slammed hot-rot with an “LA” small-block, overdrive automatic, and A/C – yes A/C. I’ll admit it, the older that I get, and the hotter it gets, the cool refuge of an air-conditioned interior is just too comforting to pass. Anyway, that’s my suggestion for this non-Ford ’30s rarity, what’s yours?
My thoughts exactly Jim. The asking price is pie in the sky. Other than that it looks to be worth having.
Ive been saying this since Ive been on Barn Finds. Find one of comparable condition for less. Find one, of that year in any body style of that condition and when ya do…Point to it and say Theres one in the same or better condition for less.
Over 80 yrs old, almost complete, in very good shape, can go the restoration route or a resto-mod, even a tribute to mopar.
I guess I look at it differently, me an old car guy looks at what could be and the fun that could be had building the car and the rest just point and complain about it all….Starting with the price…..
Bogart’s car in the Big Sleep
That was my first thought !
I’m with you Jim. Hot rod for sure.
I basiclly agree with jim ,Bob les as a teenager I wouldn’t look at it twice. Mostly any non Ford from 32 to 39 or 40, was not of any value. I hate to say I haven’t changed much. There is no upside to this car no matter what you do with it. There just aren’t any bargins , this car’s asking is at least double what it is worth. So what, if you want it knock your lights , and if you ever want to sell it, you will know, if it was worth it.
Why do Barn Finds authors like ODonnell promote hot rodding mostly original cars? At the rate it’s going, there won’t be any original cars left for prosperity or the historical record. This car as completely original would easily keep up with highway speeds, be economical, and dependable. With the newer engine doubly so.
Because this one’s a mess, it’s no longer original and the cost to restore it would outweigh its conceivable market value.
JO
I believe the word you’re looking for is posterity. Anyway, the people who care about that are dwindling out pretty fast. This car is just waiting for someone to use their imagination to make it what they want. I’d turn this into a reliable street rod my wife could drive to work.
2 sides of the same coin. I’d like to see it either way, possibly warm up that flat 6. Leave it stock. late model mill with a stick and a/c for driveablity. I rememeber a friend and me pulling a 40 Ply coupe out of a junk yard. Getting the mill instuck. Running the snot out of the six. Now that was fun. What happened to the simple pleasures of pulling a jewel out of a junkyard and putting it together with what you have on hand. the hotrodders’ story. I’m pushing 70, and believe that we had the best of times in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. If I’m accused of living in the past, so be it. it will never be the same. And I had fun!
Cheers
GPC
no vision needed here, just bring it back.
Chop? channel? Y!?!
Love to see all of it back, cloth wires, mechanical breaks, mouse fur, B a man
and do it, not some (x) dream.
What?
Why do some people find it peculiar that the engine is not fired upon installation? I lite mine when I’m ready to drive the car, whether it be as soon as I’m done with the installation or ten years down the road when the project is ready!
This car is an Art Deco period piece of automotive historiography. The Art Deco car rebuilders would want this car whether the Barn Finds crew wants it or not.
If I had the cash & space to rebuild I’d buy it in a heartbeat at the listed price.
Bob
This car has a rather rare option, especially in a base price coupe; It’s got a factory in-dash radio! Because people who bought the cheapest cars rarely elected for a radio in the pre-WW2 era, seeing that radio in the center of the dash was a surprise.
If the next owner elects to go the modern route, please don’t throw out the radio, they are quite rare.