Most folks associate the Chrysler “Forward Look” years with the 1957 to 1959 era, but it really began with the reworked 1955-56 models. During those years, the Savoy was Plymouth’s mid-tier product, with the Plaza as the starting point and the Belvedere at the top end. The seller’s ’56 Savoy Club Coupe (aka 2-door sedan) hasn’t been driven in 25 years and has been priced as “cheap wheels” to help get a restoration started. Located in Damascus, Oregon, this two-tone Plymouth is available here on craigslist for $750. Credit goes to “Curvette” for the tip.
As part of the Plymouth roster between 1951 and 1964, the Savoy was named after a hotel in London (as were the Plaza and Belvedere). The second generation was introduced in 1955 and helped raise Plymouth’s sales numbers over 1954. However, the Tri-Five Chevies and refreshed Fords also arrived in 1955, and Plymouth’s success didn’t lead to increased market share.
We’re told the seller’s car has a 277 cubic inch “Poly” head V8, which would have been rated at 187 hp. But that engine was more typically found under the hoods of Belvederes and Suburbans, not the mid-level Savoy. Flanking the V8 is a 2-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission with push-button controls. Since the car has been dormant for most of the 21st Century, we assume some mechanical problem developed at 41,000 miles (or 141,000). Documentation has survived that goes back to the origins of the vehicle in 1956.
The seller says the Plymouth has power steering and power brakes, which make it a well-equipped Savoy. But power windows? While most of the sheet metal has avoided the rust bug, the floors have not. And the interior is badly deteriorated after 70 years. So, for this vehicle to shine again, a full-scale restoration would be in order. This Mopar is noteworthy as it was the first year for Plymouth’s famous tailfins.
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