What a cool car! The early ’30s automotive scene was, and is still, dominated by Ford, and Chevrolet to a lesser degree. But what about Plymouth? They were still pretty new to the automotive arena in 1932, the year of this fabulous PB Sports Roadster. And I must say, this is my first experience with this Mopar model. Supposedly, there were only 2,100 made, which may be the reason for my unfamiliarity with this model. Dressed to resemble a rally car, this rumble seat-equipped roadster is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $20,400 with the reserve not yet met.
The seller suggests that this Plymouth is one of 100 still remaining but how that can be known with certainty is beyond me. Regardless, we agree that it’s rare and it is in spectacular condition. The listing mentions that this Plymouth was used in the Pikes Peak competition and it’s still wearing its entry decal from 1940. The seller adds, “There’s way too much on the car to type about“. OK, so that invites lots of questions such as whether it has been restored which I have to imagine that it has experienced some rejuvenation. The lettering and decals may be posed but whatever the case, the presentation is old-school wonderful. There is a folding tan fabric top which is a nice discovery – my first thought was that that was a truly open car.
Powering this Pike’s Peak performer is a 65 HP, 196 CI in-line, four-cylinder “Spitfire” engine. The seller adds, “As with any car pushing 100 yrs it takes TLC the more u drive it, and this car is driven a couple days a week! In traffic, heat, etc., stops very good..hydraulic brakes“. Here’s a video of it under power – looks like fun!
The interior is about what you’d expect, it’s nicely finished off but a suitably cramped environment, at least by today’s standards. The original engine-turned instrument panel, with what looks like the original gauge compliment shows well and the old-fashioned clock, far right, is the perfect period touch. When I was a kid, I was fascinated by the concept of a rumble seat – it just seems, at least today, like such an unusual feature. I can’t say with certainty but it seems that long-legged individuals might need some pretzel logic to twist and turn their lower appendages into such a close compartment.
I miss Plymouth! Sure, they made some lousy cars, all auto manufacturers, at one time or another, had to manage their way through certain model foibles. But Mopar’s entry-level marque made some very memorable models too and they were the important third leg of the huge Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth troika. It’s nice to learn that Plymouth had such sporting intentions way back when. So, tell me, are any of you familiar with this rare Plymouth model?
The fours were good engines, but when the L Head sixes came out, Plymouth was really in their game.
About 40 years ago I was working with a friend on his 1927 Ford A when another friend of his rocked up for a chat. His car was a 1929 Plymouth roadster and he suggested that I take it for a ride while he had a discussion with our friend. I did so and on my return I asked him what size was the 6 cylinder motor and was dumbfounded when he told me it was only a 4 cylinder! It made the Model A out to be a wheelbarrow in comparison.
Would look better without all of that lettering & add-ons.
Keeps your eyes busy just looking at it.
Otherwise,nice car.
Amused by your comment regarding the “cramped interior”. I’ve sat in the front seat of some new cars (Lincoln comes to mind) and those ARE cramped. I “get” the safety aspect, but using the aforementioned Lincoln as an example, between the shape of the seat, the totally overgrown “center console” (aka Impedance Barrier) and the thickness/padding of the door, you are pretty much restricted to not moving except in the space allowed by some engineering committee. The experience is similar to being on a Southwest flight.
As a boy growing up in rural Northern California I noticed an old car sitting in front of a neighbors house a mile or so down the road. Being the curious type and already a car lover I had to check it out. It was a 4 door 32 Plymouth touring car and the first car of 30’s vintage I had ever seen with a factory in dash radio, which I thought was really cool. I talked to the folks who lived there and they said it belonged to their son who was living in Chicago, Illinois and had plans to restore the old car someday. Of course that someday never came. I sure hope someone who has a nostagia for old Plymouths gets this one and gives it the love it deserves.
God Bless America
Interesting vehicle. I wonder when the stock gearshift knob got switched out for a dice? Two people even of average size will be quite cozy in either the front seat or rumble seat. And if you’re a big guy you probably won’t be able to fit in either place comfortably if at all. I hope someone buys this and enjoys it. GLWTS.