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.
I’m with ya, business coupes are my favorite!
It’s really a Dodge Wayfairer hardtop! Oh, missing the Fluid Drive.
I had the exact same model/year except all black. Its called the ” doctors coupe “. It was in perfect condition. Sold it in 1990 for $2,500.
Business coupes look great in black. Gives it that moonshiner’s look if that’s the business we’re talking about.
Love it. Great find and write up
$13,000? My mother had the same one same year and yes it was black. Hardest starting, every time we went any where it needed a tow truck it seemed. With the nostalgic feel I have for the car I would give $1500.00 MAX!
This reminds me of the car that Bogie drove in the big sleep, although that one had to be much older.
I think Bogie drove a 1936 Dodge in the Big Sleep.
?> lol hard starting ? they had ground problems with the loom and distributor *(autolite)..hot spark until you engaged the starter then spark ‘disappeared.’ lol,fix the ground or in rare cases a bad section in the ign key +socket THEN those would start right up,everytime..(alternatelylol,ytou could push it 3 feet pop the clutch and instant start,lol *all juice went to the point lol…..
I’m a big business coupe fan too. I especially like MoPars versions with Plymouth being the favorite. I favor the proportions and the three windows and big butt look. This one seems very nice and it is priced at less than what these used to sell for not too terribly long ago. Even though I could be a potential buyer; I wouldn’t meet the seller’s expectant asking price. And it’s in California so even if I could get a good deal; shipping costs would be prohibitive. Besides I’m fine with just keeping my 1952 Plymouth Club Coupe. I already have more invested in it than I could ever sell it for. So I just drive, tinker and enjoy. I’m fairly sure that this car will find a new caretaker. I just hope whoever they are keeps it stock. GLWTS.
In a word – NO !
I found a Dodge version of this for my friend Carlos in NH about 1968. Paid $50 and had to replace a rusted brake line. He drove it home to Costa Rica, Holed the oil pan somewhere in Mexico. Stuffed the hole with the cut-off branch of a tree and finished the drive. Years later, he still had it. Sometime, ask me about the 1959 Alfa Guilietta Spider Veloce I also found him for $500.