In today’s world, a two-door station wagon seems like an oddity. Actually, a station wagon, in general, is an oddity today, at least in the U.S. But there was a time when a two-door, long-roof was part of just about every domestic auto manufacturer’s lineup. Actually, Plymouth, the number three domestic car company in 1953, only built two-door wagons, a Cranbrook Savoy and the Suburban, which is the topic of today’s review. Yup, that’s right, Chevrolet wasn’t the only game in town with the Suburban moniker, as this Vancouver, Washington, is rolling proof. Curvette gets two thumbs up for this tip, and those with an interest will find this claimed-to-be-original wagon here on craigslist where it’s available for $12,950.
Plymouths were available in two trim levels for ’53, the Cranbrook and the Cambridge. There was a Belvedere two-door hardtop version of the Cranbrook, but the Belvedere wouldn’t emerge as its own trim level until 1954. Our subject Suburban was a member of the lower-level Cambridge, which also included a business coupe as well as two and four-door sedans. Total Plymouth production amounted to 650K units in ’53, of which 43K were Suburbans – a pretty healthy volume! Back to the “all original” claim, this Suburban almost looks too good not to have experienced some rework. The finish, chrome, and stainless trim are about as perfect as one would expect to find on a new car. The seller claims “very straight car,” which I take to mean no collision damage. Rust? No chance. Styling is always subjective, and some may find the lines of this Plymouth to be dowdy, but there’s no denying its condition.
More of a case for having been restored surfaces inside where the patternless vinyl upholstery just shines – I have a tough time believing that it’s 72 years old. Regardless of the claim, there’s nothing out of place inside, and no needs are apparent. Even the wayback and the spare tire well are spic and span.
Power is provided by a 100 HP, 217 CI, in-line, flathead, six-cylinder engine, and the seller claims, “Runs and drives excellent…. motor compartment is very highly detailed.” No doubt, it is a sharp-looking environment. A three-speed manual transmission (three-on-the-tree) is responsible for gear changes.
The seller refers to this car as a “super neat wagon,” and I must agree. It’s not in the rarified air of a Nomad or a Safari, and that’s probably a good thing considering their wacky, overblown values. And, go to a car show anywhere, and there’s a good chance a Nomad has made the scene. A Plymouth Cambridge Suburban? Not likely.
What a neat old ride! And the collection of window stickers fits it perfectly. Like you said-no one else at the car show will like have one anywhere close to this. Well worth the money in my book.
You’re right, its too perfect. Most likely meant restored to “original”. Not sure about that floor covering though. Definitely different.
Priced right.
often use ‘expanded’ definitions when advertising. Not right! but common. Shame.
Even worse? many sellers dont know what they have (buyers too). An agreement over “X” is still an agreement & ‘something’ is paid for, leaves the site.
I’m just not one to do impulse buys. Sometimes yrs of research… so, shoe bx = ’49/51 ford sedan. Sometimes ’55/7 merc, cheb, studi. Pontoon is more expansive but not applied here.
This is my sweet spot for amer wagons. And suburban is near the top. I like the one I grew up in ’58 ford (nxt gen w/tail fins). Post woodies (& some woodies/tin woodies) and more for wagons is fine by me… just not too much for the deeply impressed side panels.
Now, that’s a shoebox!
My Dad was a big Plymouth station wagon guy. This one looks like something he might have had a yearning for had both my brothers joined the family when this was new. As it was we had a 55 Belvedere, A 58 2dr Plaza for my mom, and a 60 Belevedere wagon, again. Now Im yearning, this would make an interesting garage companion for my 2010 Volvo V70 Rdesign.
To me this is the best looking body style of the early 50’s Plymouths. I think that pattern on the floor is stick on heat barrier/ sound insulation that is usually covered by carpet. If I was going to drive this a lot and actually use it as my car I’d swap in a small block mopar and automatic and have a great alternative to an SUV.
My buddy made a pro street out of one of these years ago, has the longest doors I have ever seen.
I would love to own this little wagon. Too bad I live in Arizona. I’d like to take it for a test drive.
I was thinking the same thing. I’m in Tucson and AZ to Vancouver is a long haul.. but it’s gone already so somebody got a very cool car.
My dad was a Chevy man but tried the Plymouth in 1954. That turned out to be a very good car so in 1956 he did it again. The first wagon went about 6 months before the factory agreed to take it back for another new wagon. He had about the same results with #2 so it was back to Chevy after that.
I love it! What a slick ride. This would be a perfect weekend errands/short trips, and cars and coffee. I am usually tempted by trucks, but this is a great find.
That’s modern DynaMat on the floor (under a rubber floor mat), which begs the question, “why?”
I’d drive this in a heartbeat, tho!
Stembridge….Why? Probably for what’s it’s intended for. Heat prevention and sound deafening. Which most of these older vehicles definitely need.
Stembridge….Why, because it’s a good move in most older vehicles. It also hidden if you want it to look stock. Myself, I would love a Magnum Hemi and suspension under this wagon.
Had one in the late 70’s/early 80’s, one of the best cars ever. Got better gas milage than my beetle even with a tank leak. Had to park it uphill at work so it would ‘nt leak so bad. Wish I had it today,all around great car.
To be honest, when someone says station wagons are rare today, I point out that all SUVs are really station wagons when you think about it.
;-)
It’s only a matter of time until they start sticking fake vinyl wood on the sides again.
So, that engine pic, what’s on the firewall behind it? Puts me in mind of an old fashioned oil can, the kind you push on the bottom and it goes “oinka boinka”
That’s exactly what it is. Odd. I’ve seen this on cars from the teens and 20’s and maybe a little later on cars that had an open valve train but never on a car this new. Wonder what’s up with that?
Phil, it is what it is, and it looks like the owner installed it there for handy access, when oiling random hinges or linkages on the car. Makes sense, it can’t spill over or get lost there.
The oil can is a treat to see. There was a need back then to oil the generator bearings and the distributor. Each had oil cups with spring loaded dust caps.
Oiling the hinges was another plus.
To me, that wagon is a beauty. Always liked these Mopar wagons. Who would ever suggest ‘dowdy’? This Plymouth has a clean style to it and I think it looks pretty sharp for being designed some 72 years ago.
How did Plymouth get away with the Suburban name, when Chevy was already using it?