1939 Plymouth P8 2 Door Sedan

Description

If you're like many show-goers, you're probably tired of showing up and looking at the same old cars week after week. Lots of late-30s Chevys and Fords, and while they're nice cars, standing out isn't that hard to do. Take this 1939 Plymouth P8 2-door sedan, for example. All the traditional rodding upgrades are there, including a gorgeous bright red paint job, but the unusual Mopar makes a big statement in a sea of more common hardware.

Aerodynamics were all the rage in styling in the mid- to late-1930s, and all the cars were more rounded and smooth, but when you compare this lovely Plymouth to the competition, you can see where Chrysler stylists were making their mark. The tall split grille, the generously rounded fenders, and a sleek profile that has just a hint of a trunk out back all suggest that streamlining was more than just a buzzword at the Plymouth design studios. This one has been artfully refinished in bright red (a decidedly non-30s color), creating a dramatic look that emphasizes the car's smooth, sleek lines. Custom work was kept to a minimum to let the original details really shine through. Sure the bumpers were shaved and the windshield was Vee'd, but when the original stuff looks this good, why mess with it?

Inside, however, they didn't hold back and this car got a full makeover with power leather buckets from a high-end Genesis and all the modern conveniences. The leather not only feels sinful but looks purposeful in the vintage Mopar, and with lots of adjustments, it's easy to get comfortable for a long haul. The dashboard is a beautiful chunk of real wood, not a veneer, and carries vintage-looking instruments from Equus. Other goodies include a tilt column, power windows, and a handsome wood-rimmed steering wheel. Add in a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system and a trunk spacious enough for all your gear, and you have a car just born to cruise.

Motivation comes from a reliable and powerful Chevy 350, which is always a smart choice. It's a tight fit in the Plymouth's pointed nose, but access is decent and even though a lot of it is hidden, they took pains to make it look good with lots of chrome and polished aluminum. Plenty of horsepower is on tap thanks to a high-rise intake and Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and the dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers sounds exactly right. The front suspension appears to be from a late-model and includes power steering and disc brakes, while a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end push it down the road. Handsome aluminum wheels with red accents wearing 195/65/15 front and 215/70/15 rear blackwall radials give it a cool stance while remaining street-friendly.

Different enough to stand out, this handsome, well-built Plymouth has already proven itself road-worthy. With lots of recent upgrades, it's ready for a second round of fast fun. Call today!