The trend of returning old racing machinery to the road isn’t new, and we’ve seen a few examples of that practice at Barn Finds. However, none have been quite like this 1941 Plymouth Coupe. The seller hasn’t attempted to create a trailer queen but has spent seven years transforming this aging beauty into a cruiser with a blown Hemi under the hood that will command attention wherever it goes. All good things must end, and this Plymouth is set to find a new home.
There is so much to unpack with this Plymouth, and it is almost impossible to know where to start. The seller unearthed it in a barn in Kalispell, Montana, approximately seven years ago. The previous owner began transforming it into a straight axle Gasser, but the process stalled early. A close inspection revealed poor work quality, so the seller dragged the Coupe home, dismantled it to the last nut and bolt, and transformed it into the beast we see today. They decided not to pursue the trailer queen path, retaining the car’s original aged Aviator Blue paint with imperfections and surface corrosion. Penetrating rust is confined to a couple of mall patchable holes that the new owner could tackle at their leisure. The panels sport a selection of bumps and bruises that further accentuate the car’s menacing nature. They converted the front sheetmetal to a tilt, but it appears the process is easily reversible. Some of this classic’s beauty is below the surface, with the floors and frame rock-solid. The seller wished to continue the aged theme, powdercoating the frame with a finish that looks like raw steel. The glass is in good order, and the Plymouth rolls on vintage Real Rodder and US Indy wheels that perfectly suit the car’s character.
This Plymouth’s appearance shouts attitude and impression is further emphasized when we delve below the surface. The car was a roller when purchased by the seller, but they soon addressed that shortcoming by giving the Coupe unquestioned performance credentials. The engine bay houses a 331ci Hemi V8 with an 8:1 compression ratio. A rebuilt GMC 6/71 blower sits atop this brute of a powerplant while spent gases exit via Hot Heads headers and a switch-controlled exhaust system. The seller rebuilt the engine in 2018, fitting I-Beam rods, forged pistons, ported and polished heads, stainless valves, and a host of other parts designed to maximize performance. There is no word on the power and torque figures, but they will be significantly higher than the 87hp and 160 ft/lbs the first owner enjoyed when this classic rolled off the lot. A rebuilt 1960s M20 four-speed sends power to an 8¾” 3.55 Posi rear end, while the Ford water pump conversion and aluminum radiator keep things cool. This Plymouth is street-legal, and there are a couple of small tasks for the winning bidder to tackle. The seller believes the steering box requires a rebuild due to free-play, and the oil pan leaks slightly. Otherwise, it is ready to terrorize the tarmac with a new owner behind the wheel.
The seller continued the exterior “aged 1960s Gasser” theme with this Plymouth’s interior. Occupants sink into genuine Bomber seats cloaked in custom leather covers. The dash paint is aged, while the doors and rear passenger area feature bead-rolled diamond-pattern aluminum trim. The fittings and features favor function over form, meaning there are no luxury touches like a radio or air conditioning. The dash houses a selection of vintage Stewart-Warner gauges to monitor every aspect of this classic’s health. The finishing touch is the Hurst VertiGate shifter, which perfectly controls the M20 transmission.
This 1941 Plymouth Coupe won’t suit a person seeking a spotless classic, but it would be ideal for an enthusiast seeking a classic with a perfect combination of muscle and attitude. The seller listed it here on eBay in Rochester, New York, and it has attracted twenty-seven bids. The action pushed the price to $18,118, which sits below the reserve. There is time for interested parties to throw their hat into the ring, and I suspect that will happen. Are you tempted, or is something more subtle and restrained on your Wish List?
wowser!!
Old school, I like it! 331s were the bomb back in the day. That old GM truck blower is a bit of overkill, though.
Nice car. It’s rare to see one where the owner put in the effort to use actual vintage speed equipment. That makes it stand out in a crowd.
Steve R
I wonder if this car violates “Carolina squat” laws.
Possible duplicate post, oh, I hate Monday mornings, in an internet regard, so,,essentially what I said, this is a great find, but tis’ no race car. All fun here folks. Someone did an awesome job of creating a visual concept of a period correct gasser, but more for show. The motor appears to be a ’51-’55 low compression Imperial motor, and needs a lot more juice than the 2 carbs. As is about 400 hp. Typically, gassers like this had 392s or 426s, and ran mid 8s@ around 165mph. And yes, many gassers had Powerglides. This is more for cruisin’ the Dairy Queen( do folks still do that?) and mighty impressive sight, and with over 300 viewers in the last 24 hours, there is surely enough interest. Hallelujah!
No D.Q for me when 2 BLIZZARDS cost $14.72
I know I’m not the only one who just doesn’t dig the gasser look at all. I suppose you would have needed to live back in that ers to appriciate it.
“Gasser look” for a street car is not all it’s hyped up to be. I drove a Gasser returned to the street and it reminded me of the ’48 Diamond T winch truck I drove for the local Conoco dealer delivering bulk engine oil out to the oil fields.
I know I’m not the only one who just doesn’t dig the gasser look at all. I suppose you would have needed to live back in that era to appriciate it.
Yep … olden dayz
I seriously dig the gasser look. I had a 53 Plymouth coupe with a 426 (injected, but no blower) and always wished it could have been more like this car… just didn’t have the money back then (mid ’60’s).Now, I have the money, but no room for another project.
We were just up at the Gasser Reunion in Thompson, Ohio two weekends ago. Believe me folks, there are still guys keeping that part of hot rodding alive.
With every aspect of life changing we need to keep our history and legacy alive. More and more are getting into Gassers and I would rather watch them race rather than any homogenized NHRA race
Check out Southeast Gassers rules, Manuel trans only, vintage parts or close ,no computers, electric FI,etc.very cool stuff..