1940 Plymouth Business Coupe

Description

Ask anyone who knows about old cars, and they'll tell you that '40s Mopars like this 1940 Plymouth are some of the best-driving cars of the period. The durable six-cylinder engines are a match for Ford's erstwhile flathead V8, and with better brakes and suspension, they're just a delight to drive. And few look better than the Business Coupe.

In 1940, Plymouth's advantage was modern styling, and few body styles are more attractive than this Model 110 coupe. The pointed nose with smoothly integrated headlights was new that year, and the squared-off trunk makes it instantly recognizable from behind as a Chrysler product. The finish is called Charlotte Ivory, a bright cream yellow that is period perfect in both color and gloss; no harsh clear coat shine or metallic are needed here! Details like the front grille, the vents on the hood, and all the stainless trim make this handsome Plymouth appear to be a far more upscale car than its original sticker price might suggest. Workmanship is very good, with doors that fit precisely, great gaps on the pointed hood, and plenty of attention to detail in getting the trim to fit right. The running boards were covered with spray-on bedliner material, so they're durable and nobody but an expert will notice until they're up close. The bumpers appear to have been recently rechromed and include stylish bumper guards that add just the right amount of flash.

Back in the '40s, travelling salesmen cruised the back roads of the country in their 2-passenger business coupes like this one, which traded the back seat for massive storage in the trunk. It gives this Plymouth an intimate interior for two, complete with a wide split front bench covered in period-correct fabric that's comfortable and long-wearing. Matching tan carpets give it a highly finished look, and the dash is full of very 1940s-looking gauges that are probably original, judging by the lightly faded faces. Plastics were still in their infancy in 1940, so those knobs are probably reproductions, but they look great and connect to all the important stuff: lights, throttle, and the choke. Three-on-the-tree shifting was a relatively new invention in 1940, but it makes it a lot of fun to drive, and the car includes an accessory under-dash heater that appears to be fully functional. Open the trunk and you'll find out what the salesmen found so appealing about these Plymouth coupes: a fully upholstered space big enough for a month's worth of road trip.

In a world filled with hot rods and small block crate motors, it's really refreshing to see the original 201 cubic inch inline-six living under the hood. Traditional silver paint marks it as a Chrysler product, and if you're judging this one solely on its stats, you're missing a great opportunity. Gutsy, torquey, and happy to rev, these tough engines powered everything from taxicabs to stationary generators for decades, and if you can kill this one, well, you might just be the first guy to ever do it. It pulls with vigor and a neat 6-cylinder grumble from the single exhaust, and the ratios in the transmission are well-chosen to keep it spinning in the fat part of its power band. The engine bay is clean, if not totally detailed, but there aren't any real deviations from stock, which is always nice. Likewise, the underside is tidy and original, showing a lifetime away from harsh winter weather, and we have to admit that those bright red wheels and 6.00-16 wide whites add just the right accent.

An unusual and nicely finished little coupe that keeps it 100% Mopar and 100% fun. Call today!