Finding a real business coupe is a trick – plenty of folks think they have a business coupe but the car turns out to be a club coupe, or worse, a sedan. Today’s Plymouth is the real deal, with a capacious trunk, two seats, and a paucity of windows. Research shows this body style would have been situated on a 111″ wheelbase and was offered in two trim levels – the De Luxe and the Special De Luxe, the latter providing a horn ring, stainless trim around the windshield, and other niceties. Find it here on craigslist for $13,000, located in Gerber, California. Rocco B sent us the tip – thanks, Rocco!
The late 1940s and early 1050s were a “do or die” environment for car manufacturers. Either you had new post-war designs – or you didn’t. A few years later, either you had a V8 – or you didn’t. Unfortunately, Chrysler – particularly the Plymouth division – was asleep at the wheel during this period. Sheet metal was slow to evolve; in fact, many 1949s were simply ’48s given later model-year designations mid-stream. You could do that when your cars hung around in inventory for months. This model was soldiering along with Chrysler’s 217 cu. in. flathead six, developed back in the 1930s with a smaller displacement. The 1950 version generated 97 hp. The only transmission offered was a three-speed column-shift manual. The radiator and tires are new; the car still operates on its 6V electrical system. Speaking of electricity, several strands of non-original wiring are evident underhood. The seller says his car runs very well.
The interior is living-room-like, with upright, chair-ish seating and a faux-wood painted dash. Upside potential exists here: the steering wheel could use reconditioning, the chrome is in need of polish, the rear view mirror needs re-silvering. But the upholstery and headliner are in great condition.
The front grill surround is dented, and the hood gap is tight along the driver’s side – but the paint is nice! On the price front, the market is telling us that late 40s and early 50s Plymouth fans are fading away. The occasional hot rod will pull something more than $20k, but sedans and coupes are lounging in the mid- to high-four figures. What do you think about this Plymouth – is it worth the seller’s ask?
I have always liked business coupes, just like this one. No matter who built it I just simply like the lines and less windows. I honestly wouldn’t change much on this one, other than tweak the hood gaps and a couple little things. Maybe a set of period correct whitewall tires. But then again, how many business coupes had whitewalls originally? This one looks like it was very nicely restored. I’m not sure about the price, time will tell. Thanks Michelle.