Plymouth may not always get the spotlight in classic car circles, but every so often a unique body style surfaces that reminds us of the brand’s place in postwar automotive history. That’s certainly the case here with this 1955 Plymouth Plaza Business Coupe, listed here on craigslist out of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The seller describes it as a rare find, pointing out that the Plaza business coupe was originally designed without a rear seat, offering more room for traveling salesmen to carry their wares. It’s an interesting piece of Plymouth history and one that doesn’t show up often, especially in project-ready form.
This car is powered by its original flathead six-cylinder engine, which the seller notes is not currently running but does turn over. While the flat six is historically correct, the seller also mentions that a 318 V8 or larger will fit easily, giving the next owner plenty of options between restoration and hot rod customization. It’s paired with a three-on-the-tree column-shifted manual transmission, a setup that was typical of the era.
The mileage is stated by the seller to be at 84,000 original miles, and the car was reportedly last on the road in 1974. After nearly five decades of off-road storage, it will need a full recommissioning, but it looks to be a largely complete example. The outer body is said to be fairly solid, though the seller acknowledges that both the floors and trunk will require rust repair. Replacement front floor repair panels are included, which is a big step toward returning this Plymouth to its former glory.
Importantly, the seller notes that all of the trim, taillights, and hood ornament are included, with the exception of the left and right grille sections. Some NOS (new old stock) and re-anodized parts come with the car as well, along with a set of fender skirts, making the package more appealing for anyone looking to tackle a restoration. Having the hard-to-find trim and accessories on hand can save both time and money down the line.
This was also the first year Plymouth introduced a V8 engine option in its cars, which makes the 1955 model year a significant one. While this particular Plaza retains its flathead six, the V8 option represented Plymouth’s effort to stay competitive in a horsepower-hungry market. Coupled with its unusual business coupe body style, this car is an opportunity to own something both historically significant and quite different from the typical mid-1950s Chevy or Ford project.
With a good Pennsylvania title, a rare body style, and plenty of included parts, this Plymouth could appeal to restorers who want to preserve originality or hot rodders looking for something outside the norm. It’s not often you find a Plaza business coupe come to market, especially one that has survived with so much of its original character intact.
Would you restore this rare Plymouth Plaza Business Coupe to factory originality, or would you give it a V8 and build it into a street rod?
It’s a little too crusty for my taste but something like this in better shape would make a great home for a late model Hemi.
Better to let this one go, those rockers look pretty crunchy. Not interesting enough even if in better shape. An old DeSoto or Chrysler from this era yes.
As mentioned, the first year of the V8 for Plymouth. I don’t see why Chev gets all the attention. Plymouth’s first V8 lasted for years, too.
Too rusty/cruchey for me. Having had 1957 Plymouths burned into my brain. (Dad had 7 of them including 2 brand new ones in 1957) I prefer the body style of the1955 and 1956 cars. I particularly like the dashboard style/layout. If I found a nice one (pretty hard to do as these are the favorite food of the tin worm.) It would get a 318, slightly warmed over with a 5 or 6 speed gearbox, and A/C. The body would remain mostly stock with some full moon wheel covers and wide/fat wheels and tires. Not to mention upgraded brakes and suspension.
If you imagine this car with four doors, new in 1955, you would be imagining our family car back then. My dad was not a car guy, he was a cheap car guy. He bought our 55 Plymouth with no options, not even a radio or heater. It had poverty hub caps and black wall tires, and as a 14 year old car lover, I was very disappointed when he brought it home. He went to Western Auto and bought a heater and radio that was designed to look factory installed, so at least we had tunes and heat. I liked 55 Plymouths, just not this one. At least we didn’t keep it long as he traded it in on a 57 Desoto. I still like 55 and 56 Plymouths so I hope this one will be preserved to enjoy a second life.
This car would feel right at home we in Havana.
Buy this, and pretend you’re Alex Taylor.