If this 1949 Plymouth Coupe proves nothing else, it clearly shows there are excellent classics hiding in sheds across the country. All they need is the right person passionate about returning them to active service. That is the story of this car, but it is ready to write the next chapter in its story at the hands of a new owner. The Plymouth is listed here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. The seller set their BIN at $9,000 with the option to make an offer. Barn Finder T.J. has an excellent radar for classics, so thank you for spotting this gem T.J.
The seller pulled this Plymouth from a shed last year, discovering a wonderfully solid classic with no structural needs. Life in a dry climate means it has avoided the rust that can plague older cars. There are areas of surface corrosion but no steel penetration. Its Black paint shows its age, with most horizontal surfaces pretty baked. However, the finish is intact, leaving no opportunity for corrosion to creep through. The panels are straight, and their alignment is excellent. The trim and glass are spotless, but the wheels are a later addition. Some may find them appealing, while others would probably search for original wheels and hubcaps to recapture the car’s former glory.
Purists will find the news that this Coupe’s drivetrain is unmolested positive. A 217.8ci flathead six sends 97hp to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. It isn’t a jet, with Plymouth quoting a ¼-mile figure of 21.6 seconds and a top speed of 81mph. Therefore, pushing this gem hard on the open road would be unfair, with a cruising speed of 50-55mph seeming realistic. It is unclear how long this Coupe sat before being unearthed last year, but the seller believes it was a long time. They revived it with no dramas, and they drive it whenever possible. It is now ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
One aspect of this gem needing very little is its interior. The seller believes it received a retrim by its previous owner, and the cloth upholstery looks excellent. The carpet might respond well to a deep clean, although the new owner might need to splash some cash on a new set. The dash is spotless, and the gauges look as crisp and clean as the day the car rolled off the line. It isn’t dripping with luxury features, but the factory AM radio is a welcome inclusion.
I can honestly say this 1949 Plymouth leaves me torn. Ditching the wheels seems a no-brainer, but what to do from there? Part of me wants to apply fresh paint to recapture its former glory. However, the lure of leaving it untouched as a genuine survivor could prove irresistible. A shining exterior would draw attention wherever it goes, but preservation would probably achieve the same result with an added air of respect. What would you do?
Neat old car, but it would really be hard for me not to put a big V8 in it if I had it.
It would also be hard for you too; of I recall, that’s a small engine compartment! Might shoehorn it? …but not without some effort
Cool car. I’d immediately yank the 97hp lump and replace it with at least a 383 4bbl and a 4 speed. I like the wheels as they are, but the body could stand some wet sanding and a satin black rattle can paint job. I’d leave the interior exactly as it is, then drive it proudly to shows and on Sunday drives.
Pull the bumpers and resell it
I’d like to thank the previous four contributors for reminding me why I avoid cruise-nights and local car shows.
The ribbed bumpers are ’49 only items; many of them were used on custom cars and trucks back in the 50s. A 273 or 318 Mopar small block would be plenty of motor for this car….
I certainly would leave it alone except maybe bring the 6 to a higher level. Then if it pooped, set it up for something a bit more brisk.
I love it I have said before my brother’s best friend in High school had this exact car same black and same interior but wide black rims baby moons and re line tires but it had a 413 and 4 speed with 4:11 posi rear what a sleeper
…a 413! I stand corrected from my previous reply to bobhess
Just for yuks Google the Ramchargers “High and Mighty “
Liked the Mayflower on the hood and taillights that pointed out on top of the fender on other 49 models . This must have been the very basic economy model
Nice little car, amazed at how that front reminds me of Chevys from that period as well. I never cared for the looks of the coupes of this era though. I hope someone takes good care of this one, as it deserves it.
I’m liking it and I’d return the wheel covers to stock. Check out the brakes and such for safety. Maybe address the paint. Drive and enjoy. BIN is quite reasonable.
I would just give it a good coat of polish, replace the wheels with period steel wheels and tyres and enjoy it! What a lovey, unusual car. It’s so original the last thing it needs is another SBC engine or similar. There are more than enough around already.
Could someone explain the deal about installing incorrect wheels?
Why buy an old clunker worth maybe $200
I had one years ago and it won’t stand out anywhere
Larry It will certainly stand out with a modern hemi drive train dropped in it!!
No it won’t the body is probably rusted and not shown
The suspension won’t hold more power or weight
Will never match up to other cars at a show
Its in Arizona, so I doubt there’s too much rust . these things had some pretty thick steel and hold up fairly well. I’m a Mopar guy, but being a business coupe, I wouldn’t want it- their business coupes always had really odd proportions and look weird to me, but if someone had it at a show I’d still check it out !
I could be mistaken, but I think that is a business coupe.
Of course it is. However the readers seem to be more concerned with what is (or will be) under the hood, than under the trunk.
My sister had a 48 Dodge business mans coup in gray. As a kid i could ride in the back of the seat while standing up, salesman could travel around with a truck full of samples.
Only saw one like it in New Jersey in recent years. Very rare.
Yup definitely a business coupe no back seat that big bum out back coolest body style of those year mopars
Keith
I think you are misinterpreting readers are interested because it is an unusual body style but see potential mods or are in the other group that wants to keep it stock
Different strokes for different folks
I guess that I found it interesting that it took 19 comments before someone recognized it as a business coupe. It will never be a “classic” so I could care less if somebody restores it to stock or hot rods it. Just get it back on the road & enjoy it. Great vehicle to take to swap meets-plenty of secure storage.
Gone for $9k ! Make a great Hot Rod.
I like to offer my thanks to the commenters above for reminding me why I stopped attending cruise nights.
You are welcome Jimmy one less person to dodge! Hope you enjoy only original antiques road show while we are out doing our own thing enjoying our cars the way we like them back in the day stock cars were rare except mom and pop mobile I like to see the variety of peoples imagination and talent To each their own!!