Stored for an undetermined amount of time, I would have to guess that this Plymouth has lived a colorful life to say the least as there is part of a tree that once anchored this Plymouth. Despite its long history, this sedan is relatively complete and solid for its age. This project is offered for $3,750, and can be found here on craigslist out of Great Falls, Montana. Thanks to reader Simon P for sharing this antique sedan!
The 196 cubic inch inline 4 cylinder is very complete which is a good start for this old Plymouth. Rusty, dusty, and dirty, I can only imagine that this engine has been sleeping for a very long time, and could possibly be seized from its long hibernation. The steering box is in place still, but apparently the original front axle is missing, and a Dodge axle has been substituted to aid in moving this car around. It is a bit discouraging that the original axle is missing, but perhaps the Dodge unit will work, or perhaps the correct unit could be sourced.
Inside there are a few wooden floor panels missing, and the seats while still in place only exist as a frame at this time. The door panels and hardware are still in place which is another small win for this 87 year old sedan.
Despite its weathered looks, this Plymouth is surprisingly solid in its appearance. There are some dents and dings, but rot appears to be slim to none. One very interesting and funny thing to point out is that this Plymouth did spend some time outdoors. Check out the trunk rack on the back and you will notice what is part of a tree that was cut to free this Plymouth from its previous resting place. Although this is an extensive project, this Plymouth is a promising build that seems worthy of being revived. Would you take on this ’31 Plymouth?
That would make a really great looking pickup and it would be so easy to do, the back panel of the sedan body becomes the back panel of the pickup cab and, Bingo! Bob’s your uncle. I would even keep the appearance and replace the engine with a newer straight six Plymouth flathead.
Good Lord! That’s the kinda leftover junk we find all the time man! My Dad did that to a Model A Roadster right after me n’ little brother went for a ride in the rumble seat, Watta letdown that was! post-Korean War era surplus airplane tires made drives out on the sand at the beach really cool-tho’ the 4cyl complained some! We soon found out he saved the pieces removed so the guy who eventually bought it, did get the real deal. We also found out how much a Model A with a crate box in the back could haul, & good ol’ Dad built a house for us Dust Busters!
This reminded me of pictures I have-An elderly relative who was never happy had a car like this.
How sad. Tho not seeing $3750 here. The values of pre-WW2 cars is just about at rock bottom. So few folks are with us that remember these cars from their youth/early days. Hope someone takes this on
First year with rubber engine mounts (Floating Power Four). Only two mounts were used and a small half leaf spring is attached to the side of the engine across to the chassis to counteract the engine torque. One rubber mount is high up under the water pump and the other is low down at the back is the gearbox. The advertising literature states that if a line is drawn from the front to the rear mount, it is along the mass axis of the engine (i.e. it dissects an equal mass of engine metal on each side of the line) and the leaf spring only counteracts the engine torque and not that of the engine mass. Beautiful, isn’t it?
Shove in a 318 and an A904 and (insert rearend of your choice), 5 gallon bucket seats and you might have something…
IMHO, that vehicle needs to be restored back to near original condition. It’s really beautiful.
I would really like to work on and own an old jalopy like this someday.
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/paddyspig/tags/1931plymouth/
Here is what they look like restored.
Nice pics. Thanks. I agree that this baby needs a lot of TLC. For the person with deep enough pockeys, this can become a beautiful work.
When I was born I was brought home in my dads stock 31 Plymouth coupe. If this was mine I’d turn it into a very classy street rod, Mopar powered of course. Restored to stock is nice and all, but I like to be able to drive in today’s traffic safely.
My dad and I used to dream about getting one of these to restore and take to the car shows, spent many long hours discussing it. Unfortunately he had a massive stroke 2 months ago and is comatose. I can’t seem to find the enthusiasm for it without him to share the pleasure. I really hope someone does save it, though.
Sorry to hear that. That can take the wind out of your sails for a while. Sadly, as people like your dad age and pass, interest decreases by that much for these.I say, as long as you and your dad had interest in these, let that be your motivation, and when it’s done, I’d hope to think dad would be right there riding shotgun with you, as if to say “well done, Robin”.
That’s my dream car, I have not seen too many anymore.
If you look real close at the 4th photo you will see a tree had been growing out of the left rear bumper area for some time. Now thats a cool photo… Looks in fairly decent shape for a old car………. Be a great project for someone to restore……….