Rod or Restore? 1939 Plymouth Coupe

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While the 1939 Plymouth P8 was designated as the range-topping vehicle, the P7 was deemed as the manufacturer’s entry-level vehicle, and the Coupe saw plenty of sales amongst the business community. It is unclear whether this P7 is an actual Business Coupe, but it does appear to be a solid example that would make a great basis for a project car. Located in Audubon, New Jersey, it is listed for sale here on eBay.

The owner doesn’t give us a lot of information or photos to work with, but we do know that the car is essentially solid and complete. There is surface corrosion on the body, and there is a small amount of rust present in the trunk floor. One of the running boards is also split, but this should be able to be repaired. From what we can see, the trim all does appear to be present, and while some of it is in good condition, some will need to be restored. We also know that the interior is complete, but that it’s rough, and the owner is unsure whether the gauges are operational.

We also get no photos of the engine, but if it’s original, it would be the 201ci flat-head 6-cylinder engine, and this is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with a column shifter. The good news is that the engine does run, but that the car isn’t roadworthy, as it needs brakes. The owner also suggests that the car may need a new gas tank and a good tune-up. If he is talking about a tune-up rather than a rebuild, I find that to be quite encouraging.

So, this Plymouth P7 is a blank canvas, and it allows a lot of scope for a project. It could be restored, and this is a tempting proposition given the fact that nice examples can sell anywhere between $16,000 and $30,000. It would also make a great basis for a custom or a rat rod project. At the time of writing, bidding has reached $3,950, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is also a BIN option of $5,900. We’ve seen a couple of these P7 Coupes come across the desks here at Barn Finds in the past six months, and even at the BIN price, this is about the cheapest that we’ve seen. Maybe that’s a good sign for this Plymouth as a project car.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. JACKinNWPA JACKinNWPAMember

    I think it is too nice and complete to hot rod, a beautiful car restored.

    Like 12
    • Jerry Brentnell

      the perfect to do here is find a running driving dakota pickup and drop this body on the dakota frame and enjoy it even if the the dakota is a v6 would make a nice driver and easy to find parts for! do you know a slant 6 is direct bolt in in these cars? all you need is the front motor mount off a slant 6 industrial engine such as a combine, or swather!

      Like 0
  2. JACKinNWPA JACKinNWPAMember

    Sold, that didn’t take long because the price was right.

    Like 4
  3. Kenneth Carney

    These old Plymouths are fairly easy to
    revive. Just replace the points and plugs,
    coil and plug wires, give it some fresh gas, and hand-choke it to life again. I did
    this to a ’46 P-15 sedan I owned in the
    ’70’s. Paid $50 for it and thought I got a
    good deal. In my excitement to drive the
    car, I forgot to check the brakes and the
    friend who was driving the car wound up
    burying it in the neighbor’s garden! Would love to have this one though. Looks to be an easy resto too. Better
    than the one Mike and Frank bought on
    American Pickers in 2011. My wallet’s
    on E so i’ll have to pass.

    Like 2
  4. Howard A Howard AMember

    Goodbye original, hello resto-mod,,,

    Like 1
  5. Duaney

    Why does Clarke even say “rod” in the title, when this is a beautiful all original complete car?

    Like 3
  6. John

    It’s gone, so I’m no threat… I’d love to see a car like this morphed into a mild tail-dragger style mild custom. Lowered gently, skirts, moderate chrome / barbs removal. A nice dark color with a leather interior. Keep the flat 6 cylinder, but ad an aluminum head, dual carbs, dual exhaust with steel packed mufflers and a 5 speed trans for cruisin’… Different & cool.

    Like 1
  7. JP

    Hopefully its new owner will restore it & not ruin it!

    Like 5
  8. Doug

    Sick of restomods and the such. Hopefully the buyer doesn’t ruin it by rodding it.

    Like 5
  9. canadainmarkseh

    As much as I like the all original idea it is my opinion that if your going to drive it much you need better brakes. I say restore to original and up grade to dual stage master cylinder and at least front disc brakes, nicer seats aren’t a bad idea either, And some seat belts would be a must. Waite a minute I think I just discribed my 51 dodge. I love these old Mopars but on this one I don’t really like the headlights and would be tempted to change them.

    Like 0
  10. Jim Benjaminson

    Its a P8 Deluxe – not a P7 Road King.

    Like 0
  11. Jerry

    Restore or better yet clean it up, put on a good wax, make it safe to drive, enjoy.

    Like 2
  12. Hotroddaddy

    I hope the new owner doesn’t ruin it by making it a restomod or hot rod. With a old car like this, please restore it to new and leave the restomoding and hotrodding to cars that are too far gone!

    Like 4
  13. Wrong Way

    These have such a great look. Resto mod for sure. I would love to be able to drive it 80 mph down the Boulevard. Especially with a updated interior and some great sounds blasting away. Oh yeah, and with a hot, classy lady snuggled up against me. Now guys, and gals you now know what 80 year old bachelor’s dream about. Haaaahaaaa!

    Like 0
  14. James Martin

    Now this is a true example of barn find, and a man down to earth on price.

    Like 0
  15. Del

    I want this.

    Please crowd fund it for me

    Like 0

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